By Deborah Monari : Founder, Fosterhance Advocacy Network
In recognition of World Contraception Day, Fosterhance Advocacy Network, alongside a dedicated team of healthcare workers, held an impactful discussion and education session in the heart of Nairobi’s Mukuru slums yesterday. The event, focused on empowering women through knowledge of contraceptive options, underscored the fundamental right of every woman to decide if and when she becomes a mother.
The session, which brought together women from the community, sought to address one of the most pressing issues in reproductive health: choice. At its core, the conversation revolved around a woman’s right to make informed decisions about her body, free from societal, familial, or institutional pressure.
Participants were provided with a comprehensive understanding of the various forms of contraception available, ranging from hormonal methods to non-hormonal alternatives. Myths and misconceptions that have long surrounded these options were debunked, leading to enlightening conversations. But as the dialogue deepened, a startling reality emerged—many women felt unsupported by their male partners when it came to using contraception.
“Most male partners are resistant to the idea of contraception,” one participant shared, a sentiment echoed by several others in the group. “Their reasons are not fully understood, but it’s clear that their lack of support has a direct influence on the choices we, as women, make.”
This troubling trend underscores the need for a shift in family planning messaging. Experts at the session emphasized that while contraception has traditionally been a woman’s responsibility, men’s involvement is crucial. “We need to direct these family planning conversations to men as well,” one facilitator said, highlighting the gap in understanding and support that often leads women to make tough choices alone.
One participant shared an interesting example : “I opted to secretly get contraception because it’s my body, after all,” she admitted, illustrating the personal sacrifices some women make to exert control over their reproductive health in the face of opposition from their partners.
However, the lack of male support wasn’t the only challenge raised during the discussion. Several women voiced their dissatisfaction with the contraceptive counseling they received in healthcare facilities. Instead of being offered a full range of options and clear guidance, they felt that decisions were being made for them—without their informed consent.
“I wasn’t being advised. The healthcare providers were making decisions on my behalf,” one woman recounted, explaining that she wasn’t given the full picture of what to expect, particularly when it came to side effects. “When the side effects came, I just decided to stop using contraception altogether.”
This sentiment was echoed by others in the group, raising serious concerns about the quality of contraceptive counseling in hospitals. Poor communication, lack of transparency, and rushed consultations are leaving many women feeling disempowered, making it harder for them to stay committed to long-term contraceptive methods.
A key takeaway from the discussion was the need for comprehensive, patient-centered counseling that allows women to make informed, confident decisions about their reproductive health.
As the conversation on contraception continues, it’s clear that access to family planning services must be coupled with respectful, supportive healthcare and male involvement. World Contraception Day served as a crucial reminder that choice is a right—not a privilege—and one that every woman should be able to exercise without fear or coercion.
