What does it take to be a heroine of health? Education, dedication ... a stealth plan

Prossy Muyingo is being honored as a "heroine of health" for helping women make more informed choices about family planning and reproductive health. She says she couldn't have done it without hair braiding.

Muyingo is one of twelve women honored with that title at the Women Deliver 2023 Conference, an annual international event that focuses on gender equality and the health, rights and well-being of girls and women. A 37-year-old mother of three who lives in Kampala, Uganda, she's a community health worker who goes door-to-door to educate women about their sexual health and reproductive rights.

But women in the low-income communities she serves often can't afford the time to chat with a health worker who shows up at their doorstep, says Muyingo: "I could be out on the field for six hours but still not be able to get to speak to women in detail about their health concerns."

Hair is her stealth ally

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