In San Pedro, Côte d’Ivoire, a timely movement is taking shape to address one of the most overlooked issues in public health: maternal mental health.
At the forefront of this initiative is Cynthia Kouakou epse Ayemou, an alumnus of the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice Cohort I and the President of “Zoro Deaths in Giving Life.” She started the organization in November 2020.
Her organization is committed to ensuring that no woman loses her life while giving birth and that the emotional and psychological struggles of motherhood are recognized and addressed. Through community dialogues and grassroots advocacy, Cynthia is transforming personal stories into powerful calls for change, creating a platform for women to share their experiences and seek support.
What inspired you to establish “Zéro Deaths in Giving Life,” and what is the core mission driving your work?
“The inspiration came from witnessing firsthand the emotional and physical toll that maternal health challenges take on women in my community,” Cynthia explains. “Too often, women suffer in silence after experiencing pre- or post-partum trauma, difficult pregnancies, or even the loss of a child. I realized there was a critical need to provide these women with a safe space to share their stories and to push for better psychological and medical support. Our core mission is to ensure that every mother receives the care she needs before, during, and after childbirth, because maternal mental health is everybody’s business.”
How does your organization ensure the sustainability of its initiatives, particularly in supporting maternal mental health?
Sustainability lies at the heart of Cynthia’s approach. “We work closely with local organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders to create lasting support systems,” she says. “By training community health workers and empowering women with knowledge, we are building a foundation that will continue to support maternal mental health long after individual projects end. Additionally, we collect and document women’s testimonies to strengthen our advocacy efforts, ensuring that their voices shape policy changes and resource allocation.”
What are some of the most significant challenges you face, and how do you maintain resilience in the face of these obstacles?
“One of the biggest challenges is breaking the stigma surrounding maternal mental health,” Cynthia admits. “Many women are hesitant to speak out due to cultural norms and the fear of being judged. Another obstacle is securing consistent funding to sustain our programs. However, the courage of the women we work with fuels my resilience. Every story shared, every mother who finds support, reminds me why this work is vital. We also rely on strong networks like the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice alumni community for knowledge exchange and collaborative opportunities, which helps us stay grounded and motivated.”
Can you share a powerful story or example of how your work has positively impacted women and communities?
Cynthia recalls a recent dialogue session in the village of Taki, where 15 women came together to share their experiences. “One young mother who had experienced multiple miscarriages and felt isolated opened up for the first time during our session. Through the support she received, she found renewed hope and began advocating for other women in similar situations. Stories like hers demonstrate the power of community and how creating a safe space for expression can heal wounds and inspire change.”
What are your future plans for expanding your advocacy and strengthening community support for maternal mental health?
Looking ahead, Cynthia envisions broader outreach and deeper community engagement. “We plan to expand our dialogues to more rural areas, where access to mental health support is limited. Additionally, we are developing training programs for healthcare workers to better recognize and address maternal mental health issues. By continuing to collect stories and engage policymakers, we aim to integrate mental health support into maternal healthcare systems across the country.”
How did the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice shape your advocacy journey?
“The Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice was a turning point for me,” Cynthia reflects. “It gave me the tools to connect climate change with public health issues like maternal well-being. I learned how environmental factors, such as extreme weather, directly impact maternal health. This understanding has strengthened my advocacy and helped me push for holistic healthcare policies.”
