Each step down the Staircase illustrates one risk in the reproductive life of a female. (The example shown below is for Pakistan. You can change the diagramme to fit the situation in your culture.)

Here's how the Staircase is used in a workshop:

The participants are helped to walk down the steps 3 times. The first walk leads them to understand Reproductive Health by answering the question at each step: "Why is this step a risk?" For example in step 1, participants ask "Why is underweight at birth a risk?" After a brief participatory discussion the participants understand that underweight at birth is the result of poor maternal nutrition and that it implies the baby is malnourished.

Then they ask the same question about step 2 and so on.

The second walk helps participants begin to plan Reproductive Health activities by answering the question, "How can my organisation reduce each risk?"

During the third and last walk, participants develop priorities by answering the question, "Which of the Reproductive Health activities can my organisation implement soon?"

By the end of the workshop – one day is adequate – the organisation and the participants have developed a clear understanding of Reproductive Health plus their priorities for a Plan of Action.



Click here for a more complete explanation from John Davies website.
Click here to download “Reproductive Health Stairway”: Profile of the Life of a Village Girl in Pakistan [PDF], which includes an explanation of the above diagramme.

"Reproductive Health Stairway": Profile of the Life of a Village Girl in Pakistan [PDF]