Growing up in Zimbabwe and working in Namibia, I have always been surrounded by rich cultural traditions. Yet, as a nurse-midwife and academic, I noticed a troubling pattern. Our knowledge passed down through generations—especially around childbirth—was often dismissed or ridiculed in clinical settings. Women’s voices, particularly those rooted in indigenous practices, were silenced in favour of biomedical norms. This disconnect inspired my research. I wanted to understand how indigenous knowledge systems could be recognised not as relics of the past, but as vital, context-specific tools for improving maternal mental health.
A new lens on maternal mental health
Maternal mental health is often overlooked in global health discussions, especially in low-resource settings. But mental well-being is just as critical as physical health. In many African communities, women rely on traditional support systems such as elders, birth companions and customs to navigate the emotional and psychological challenges of motherhood.
These practices are not merely cultural artefacts. They are living systems of care. My research aims to document and analyse these systems, not to romanticise them, but to understand their potential in shaping culturally safe healthcare. We cannot continue to import solutions that do not speak to our realities.
From concept to action at Oxford
The Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) Visiting Fellowship has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. At Oxford, I’ve had the opportunity to present my work at departmental seminars, engage in interdisciplinary dialogues, and access world-class resources that have deepened my analysis.
One of the most exciting outcomes has been the progress on a systematic review that examines how indigenous practices intersect with maternal mental health outcomes. The feedback I’ve received from colleagues here has sharpened my thinking and opened new avenues for collaboration.
As I reflect on this journey, I’m reminded of a moment during a seminar when a fellow researcher said, “Your work challenges us to rethink what counts as knowledge.” That affirmation has stayed with me.
Building bridges across disciplines
Collaboration is at the heart of the AfOx model, and it has enriched my research in unexpected ways. Working with Dr Nicole Votruba at the Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health has allowed me to integrate mental health perspectives into maternal care frameworks. Our conversations often begin with a simple question—“What does care look like in your context?”—and evolve into complex, layered discussions about identity, power, and healing.
These interdisciplinary exchanges have helped me see the gaps in my own field and appreciate the value of diverse perspectives. They’ve also led to new partnerships beyond my current project, expanding the reach and relevance of my work.
African solutions for African realities
At its core, my research is about reclaiming a space for women’s voices, for cultural heritage, and for indigenous knowledge systems that have long been marginalised. It is about creating an ecosystem where traditional and modern practices can coexist, inform each other, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for mothers and families.
What drives me is the possibility of change. I believe that by grounding maternal health in the lived realities of African women, we can build systems that are not only effective but also respectful and empowering. As I continue this work, I carry with me the stories of the women who inspired it—their resilience, their wisdom, and their quiet insistence that their ways of knowing matter.
Dr Sarah Mlambo was an AfOx fellow based at the Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, where she collaborated with Dr Nicole Votruba. Dr Mlambo and was affiliated with Wolfson College at the University of Oxford.