Susan

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Susan Taiye Sho-Silva, I am a mother and a graduate of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages. I am also an investment manager and a baker.

As a child, what did you want to become in future? What do you do now?

As a child I wanted to become a lawyer however my dream of becoming a lawyer was shattered when I was denied admission into the faculty of law. Instead I was admitted into the department of Linguistics and Nigerian languages. I practised journalism for 3 years and presently work as an Investment Manager with an insurance company here in Lagos.

Why did you volunteer as a Mamalette Champion?

My major reason is to provide mothers with adequate information that can help reduce maternal and infant mortality in my community.

What was a striking moment for you during this program?

A striking moment for me during this program was the fact that I was able to add value to my people in my community. The feedback from the women and their willingness to learn meant everything to me. Through the knowledge from the various training programs provided by Mamalette, I have been able to provide mothers with information that has helped them and their families.

Can you share a story of an enrolee whose life you have impacted during this program?

I have an enrolee that I found difficult to convince to stop giving her baby water while doing exclusive breastfeeding. I told her that 88% of breastmilk contain water, but she did not believe me. During one of my home visits, she told me that she decided top practice what I told her, so she expressed her breastmilk into bottles and found out that there was enough water in the breastmilk for her baby. She was happy and grateful for my advice. She also promised to tell other mothers about what she had learnt.

What is the worth of a pregnant woman’s life to you?

A pregnant woman’s life is important. Every pregnant woman deserves to have healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. They both don’t deserve to die during pregnancy and childbirth.

Describe a time during the program where you felt helpless.

The only time I felt helpless was when I told two of my enrolees to register for antenatal care at the hospital. However one rejected my advice and decided to register in a church maternity clinic.

What is your hope for your community?

I hope for a better community where social amenities that will make life better and easier for the people are provided.

What message do you have for other women who are looking to make an impact in their communities?

My advice to women that want to make impact in their communities is that they should be intentional about contributing their own quota in adding value to people in their community.