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INTERNAL INSTRUCTIONS: STEP 1 – ANALYZE (never print)
• primary_keywords – contraceptive use, family planning, womenS health, reproductive rights, Sierra Leone
• audience – global health professionals, policymakers, women’s rights advocates, individuals interested in reproductive health issues in developing countries
• tone – informative, empathetic, analytical
• dateline_location – FREETOWN
• evergreen_background_topics – reproductive health, women’s rights, global health, cultural barriers to healthcare
• original_brand_terms – Inter press Service, IPS, Marie Stopes Sierra Leone, UNFPA, Global Issues
INTERNAL INSTRUCTIONS: STEP 2 – REWRITE & OPTIMISE
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FREETOWN – In Sierra Leone, cultural stigmas and misconceptions surrounding contraception continue to pose significant challenges for women seeking to manage their reproductive health. A recent report highlights the experiences of women who face judgment, discrimination, and even violence when attempting to access and use contraceptives.Eunice Dumbuya, a young activist, recalls being labeled promiscuous after choosing to get a contraceptive implant.In a society where sex outside marriage is often stigmatized, and childbirth within marriage is highly valued, using contraceptives can lead to harsh criticism.
“Some people, once they see the [contraceptive] implant under your skin, assume you are promiscuous,” Eunice said. “If you’re a teenager, it’s worse. People think you’re doing something inappropriate for your age just because you are on contraceptives.”
According to the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey, the contraceptive prevalence rate is 24 percent for all women, 21 percent for married women, and 53 percent for sexually active unmarried women. Despite these figures, many women encounter significant obstacles.
Fayia Foray, the integrated Marketing officer at Marie Stopes Sierra Leone, emphasized that cultural stigma, discrimination, and religious beliefs are major impediments. He noted the importance of family planning for married women to space births, improve their health, and support their families, as well as for young people to delay childbirth and focus on education and skills development.
However, opposition from religious leaders remains a considerable barrier. “There are still communities where religious leaders preach against the use of family planning, which severely limits its acceptance and use,” Foray added.
Mariatu Sankoh, a university student, shared her difficulties in seeking contraception due to strict religious beliefs within her family. “I can’t confront my parents to tell them I want to take contraceptives, as I know I would receive the beating of my life, something I’ve never experienced before,” she said.
Misinformation also plays a role, with some people falsely believing that contraceptives cause infertility or exaggerating their side effects. Foray clarified that while contraceptives do have side effects, “the benefits of using family planning far outweigh the risks.”
The stigma around contraceptives is often linked to gender-based violence and attempts to control women’s bodies. In Sierra Leone, around 62 percent of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence, and 61 percent of ever-married women have suffered abuse from their partners.
Rebecca Kamara noted that “In our African society, when a young girl uses implants, she is often judged harshly.” Isha Sesay, a young, unmarried woman, added, “Some family members and neighbors whispered behind my back that I had multiple partners, that’s why I was using it.”
Some men still believe that only women with multiple sexual partners use contraceptives. Francis Kanu stated, “If I am the only one you are sleeping with, you can’t stress yourself out to use it. I can’t date a woman who uses contraceptives.They are the ones you should be afraid of as a man.” Michael Sahr Kendor echoed this sentiment, saying, “I can understand a teenager using contraceptives, but I don’t see the reason for adult women to use contraceptives.”
Despite these challenges,efforts are underway to promote family planning and expand access to reproductive health services. Sierra Leone is part of the FP2030 initiative, a global partnership aimed at ensuring universal access to modern contraception by 2030. the United Nations Population Fund has also increased its support by supplying contraceptives to the public sector.
However, the organization acknowledges that stigma remains a significant obstacle. Adama*, a visually impaired woman, shared her experience of discrimination from health workers when trying to purchase emergency contraception. Marie Kamara, another woman living with a disability, said she cannot afford contraceptives, as her financial situation barely covers basic needs.Despite the pervasive stigma, Eunice remains resolute. “Societal pressure has driven many girls to remove the implant or switch to less visible methods. Even though the stigma affected me, I didn’t remove it because I knew I couldn’t let people’s opinions determine my choices. Sometiems, you just can’t escape the stigmatization,” she said.
*Note: Adama’s name was changed because she wanted anonymity.
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