Raatri Chaupals: evenings illuminate the way to a healthier future in Bihar

It is an uncharacteristically hot afternoon in Sheikhpura, but Shivani barely notices. Houses blur as she runs from door to door, energetically knocking with a familiar tune on her lips: "Kal shaam ko Chaupal hain, sabko aana hai!" (The Chaupal (community gathering) is happening tomorrow, everybody needs to come!). A ripple of excitement spreads through the village– the next evening promises something entirely special.

"Kal shaam ko Chaupal hain, sabko aana hai!"

Shivani, a 24-year-old aspiring doctor, found a path to her purpose as a Yuva Mitra, a youth community that mobilizes locals for Raatri Chaupal (evening community meetings). Initially drawn to the program for financial independence, her commitment deepened as she witnessed the impact of her work firsthand on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. For four years now, she has organised over 100 Raatri Chaupals, a testament to her dedication.

**Click on the image to watch a snippet of Raatri Chaupal**

Unlike regular meetings, Raatri Chaupal unfolds under the stars, with familiar tunes from popular film songs drifting through the air, drawing locals, both young and old. Held in accessible locations at different Panchayats, the Chaupal which is organised every fort-night, utilises pico-projectors to screen informative short films on family planning, adolescent health, child marriage, and teenage pregnancy, transforming the space into one of both learning and entertainment. Evening Chaupals ensure maximum participation from daily wage workers and migrants while the thought-provoking visuals spark engaging discussions, fostering open dialogue.

"It has led to a noticeable shift in community attitudes, with a surge in couples adopting both permanent and temporary family planning methods. There has also been a marked increase in the demand for these services”

"Initially, progress was slow," Shivani admits. But the consistent engagement through Raatri Chaupals has led to a tangible uptake in contraceptives, a trend noted by the Accredited Social Health Activists' (ASHAs) - the local community health workers. Working closely with them, the Yuva Mitras can track how their advocacy work has been translating into real-life change.

Raatri Chaupal tackles crucial issues as per the Government of Bihar guidelines: encouraging first conception at 20 or older, advocating for a minimum 3-year gap between births, and fostering informed family planning decisions through mutual consent and knowledge of contraceptive choices.

Shivani (right) leads a Naari Samwad (dialogue with women) discussion on contraception and child spacing options and encourages the women to join the evening Chaupal

The programme's success in engaging these communities and propelling SRH outcomes has been lauded by both the State and Sheikhpura District administrations. "Raatri Chaupal is a highly effective initiative," said the Chief Medical Officer of Sheikhpura District."It has led to a noticeable shift in community attitudes, with a surge in couples adopting both permanent and temporary family planning methods. There has also been a marked increase in the demand for these services.”

"In my time, I didn't understand the consequences of having too many children. I don't want that for my daughter-in-law. I share what we learn here and educate her"

The impact ripples outwards, creating a wave of empowered decision-making. Mothers-in-law, breaking tradition, are stepping forward as allies. They share their newfound knowledge with younger generations, ensuring a future where informed choices become the norm. One of the mothers-in-law seen in the gathering confided, "In my time, I didn't understand the consequences of having too many children. I don't want that for my daughter-in-law. I share what we learn here and educate her."

Women gathered for the Chaupal watching the films presented by the District Coordinator

"This decision (of spacing children) should be ours. As women, we run the house and the family. So, when we have children, it should be a choice that we make ourselves"

A married woman who has been attending several Raatri Chaupals further shared "I have a young daughter who is now 4 years of age. Before Raatri Chaupal, I did not know how important giving myself some time between birthing children was. Now I do, and I will plan my family accordingly for the sake of my daughter.” She also boldly emphasised, "This decision (of spacing children) should be ours. As women, we run the house and the family. So, when we have children, it should be a choice that we make ourselves."

By equipping young women and men with correct information and building a foundation where the older generation emerge as an ally, Sheikhpura's future is being rewritten. This program and its champions like Shivani, are shaping a healthier tomorrow, one that ensures no one is left behind.

Champions like Shivani, are shaping a healthier tomorrow, one that ensures no one is left behind

Boilerplate

Implemented under the Uttkristh Pariwar Niyojan Aevum Matritwa Swasthya Abhiyan (UPAMA) project, Raatri Chaupals targets couples, youth, and adolescents across Sheikhpura's six blocks. The UPAMA Project, a collaboration between the Department of Health, Government of Bihar and UNFPA India aims to strengthen government systems for delivering comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and address gender-based violence. It operates statewide focusing on three UNFPA priority districts (Katihar, Khagaria, and Sheikhpura) and 10 Urban Primary Health Centres in the state’s capital, Patna.