In 2017, a Canada–East Africa workshop highlighted that a mother’s well‑being is shaped by many interconnected factors—environmental, social, economic, cultural, physical, and spiritual. These influences differ from one woman to another, not only within a single community but also between groups that enjoy mainstream advantages and those that experience marginalisation. The workshop also emphasized that marginalisation does not happen by chance. It is the result of long-term, systemic loss of power that creates “insider” and “outsider” groups by drawing boundaries around who is included in social, economic, and political life.

Using the “Life Braid” framework developed by Barney, the group described maternal well‑being as the balance of three essential strands: physical health, mental and emotional health, and spiritual health, all supported by a woman’s ability to make decisions and take action in her own life (agency). Each strand matters on its own, but true well‑being emerges when all three are woven together—creating the strong, interconnected foundation needed for positive maternal wellbeing.

 barney_iiwh-giver-of-life-braid.pdf