Celebrating Joan’s dedication to improving women’s health
Joan Seleyian was the Community Health Programme Assistant for Big Life Foundation, based in the Amboseli-Tsavo-Kilimanjaro ecosystem of East Africa. During her time with Big Life Foundation, Joan was committed to improving her local community’s healthcare provision.
She provided Maasai communities with vital health information through regular community meetings or ‘dialogues’. The dialogues shared information on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), including family planning, and addressed myths and misconceptions. Joan used her knowledge and understanding of the local culture and conducted the dialogues in the Maa (the local language and her month tongue).
Her role also involved supporting a team of Community Health Workers and organising a number of Backpack Nurse outreaches.
Joan played a leading role in starting up a programme focussing on reaching adolescents and youth with Sexual and Reproductive Health education, both in and out of school. She supported the establishment of Child Rights Clubs in 55 schools and the training of Youth Peer Mentors to conduct dialogues and engage with their peers on issues related to SRHR.
In 2022 Joan became the first female employee at Big Life Foundation to get a motorbike licence, so she could reach rural communities who would not otherwise learn about SRHR.
She leaves behind a husband and four young children.
Joan leading a women's dialogue