Award-winning actress and humanitarian, Stephanie Linus has teamed up with George Washington University’s Institute for Corporate Responsibility to launch the Maternal Health and Nutrition Initiative Africa. This initiative aims to tackle maternal health and nutrition challenges in underserved African communities, empowering women and enhancing health outcomes.
The initiative was unveiled following the screening of Linus’ award-winning films, which led to a panel discussion on maternal health, women’s rights, and the role of nutrition in healthcare. The event was co-hosted by GW’s Global Food Institute and Global Women’s Institute. The event was co-hosted by GW’s Global Food Institute and Global Women’s Institute.
During the event, Stephanie stressed the necessity of holistic care for women, stating, “Safe motherhood and proper nutrition are not privileges; they are fundamental rights. Through MaHNIA, we aim to ensure that women in underserved communities not only survive childbirth but thrive afterwards.”
The Director of Curriculum Development at GW’s Global Food Institute, Tara Scully, emphasised the link between nutrition and maternal care. “A mother’s nutritional status affects both her health and that of her child,” she explained.
Director of GW’s Institute for Corporate Responsibility, John Forrer, also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private sector and public health institutions to enhance access to maternal health services.
Conclusively, Stephanie expressed her commitment to storytelling through her film Dry, which amplifies the voices of women suffering in silence.
