Fundación Kaleidos

Fundación Kaleidos is an Argentine NGO that raises awareness of and advocates for adolescent and teen pregnancy, maternity and paternity. The Giving Joy grant is funding the creation and dissemination of a 3-part podcast focusing on the consequences of obstetric violence in adolescents. In November 2023, Kaleidos recorded videos featuring two adolescent mothers sharing positive experiences with health professionals during pregnancy and childbirth. The goal was to highlight respectful actions of doctors and nurses that positively impacted their childbirth or postpartum experiences.

The grant funds enabled Kaleidos to continue addressing obstetric violence in adolescents through a communication campaign, set to launch in May 2024 during Respectful Childbirth Week and Maternal Mental Health Day. The campaign includes a podcast on obstetric violence with a strategy to reach a broader audience. While dissemination activities will start in 2024, the adolescents were excited in sharing their birth experiences, appreciating a platform that listens to them and allows them to discuss positive aspects rather than just complaints.

In early 2024, the organization plans to edit recorded materials, create videos for social media, record a video with a supportive doctor, and develop written material on rights and detecting/reporting obstetric violence.

Some of the lessons learned to date include the importance of giving a voice to young people, allowing them to express themselves, inform peers, and foster empathy.