November 5, 2026 Submitted by Christina Psaros and EQUILACT
On October 1, the Hingham community came together for the inaugural EQUILACT fundraiser, supporting the nonprofit’s work to improve health outcomes for women and infants in southern Africa.
The evening celebrated the power of community to create meaningful change across borders and underscored the belief that every mother and child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of where they are born.
Held at the Hingham Community Center, the event featured light bites from The Chef’s Table, drinks from the Decanted Wine Truck, live music by Jay Psaros, floral giveaways from Lindsay Newell Interiors & Gardens and Merrily Blooms, and a “zappy hour” with Where Watermelons Grow. A silent auction also helped raise critical funds to support EQUILACT’s work.
Drs. Kate Powis and Christina Psaros, a Hingham resident, spoke about the health challenges facing women of reproductive age in southern Africa and highlighted one important opportunity to improve outcomes for mothers and infants: breastfeeding.
Research estimates that every dollar invested in breastfeeding yields a $35 return, underscoring its potential as a cost-effective public health intervention. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life can reduce infants’ risk of serious gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses, which can be life-threatening. It can also lower mothers’ risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes.
However, the ability to breastfeed is not simply a matter of choice. In southern Africa, many women must return to work within weeks of giving birth to support their families, often without the resources or workplace support needed to continue breastfeeding. The consequences can be significant for both maternal and infant health.
This is where EQUILACT makes a difference.
By partnering with local communities in southern Africa, EQUILACT helps identify and support locally driven solutions that enable women who wish to breastfeed to meet their goals.
The inaugural fundraiser demonstrated how a community in Hingham can help advance that vision around the world. Through the generosity of attendees, local businesses, and supporters, EQUILACT is building momentum toward a future in which geography and economic circumstances are less likely to determine a mother’s or child’s health.
To learn more about EQUILACT’s mission and how to support its work, visit www.equilact.org.
