Shahida Naz provides family planning services at the Family Welfare Center, Dhoke Khaba, Rawalpindi.
Rawalpindi, Punjab’s third-largest city and Pakistan’s fourth most populous, lies adjacent to Islamabad, the nation’s capital. Often referred to as the “twin cities,” Rawalpindi and Islamabad are deeply interconnected, sharing cultural, historical, and administrative significance. Locally known as “Pindi,” Rawalpindi has long served as a key military and administrative hub, dating back to the Mughal Empire. Today, it is a dynamic urban center where bustling traditional markets and historic landmarks coexist with modern developments, reflecting a rich heritage and diverse population.
Rawalpindi is also supported by The Challenge Initiative (TCI), which collaborates closely with the Population Welfare Department and the Department of Health. Together, they implement high-impact practices and other interventions (HIPs & HIIs) to improve access to reproductive health and family planning services, particularly in underserved communities. With a population of 5.4 million and an annual growth rate of 2.4%, the city faces significant challenges in meeting these critical health needs.
Iqra’s Story: A Journey Through Hardship
Among the many personal stories encountered during TCI’s efforts is that of Iqra, a young girl married at just 14. Within a year, she became pregnant. Following family traditions, her first delivery was planned at home despite her O-negative blood type, which requires specialized care. Without proper antenatal checkups and influenced by her in-laws’ rigid beliefs, Iqra experienced serious complications during childbirth.
Over the next four years, Iqra endured consecutive pregnancies without sufficient birth spacing. Each delivery took a toll on her health, yet her husband, Ameer, resisted any form of contraception. As her condition worsened, the lack of birth spacing left her physically and emotionally drained.
After the birth of her fourth child, Iqra decided to have an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) inserted. Unfortunately, the device perforated her uterus, leading to severe complications. Seeking relief, she turned to private healthcare providers, who recommended immediate surgery – an overwhelming prospect for a young mother already struggling with her health. In distress, she confided in a friend, who directed her to the Family Welfare Center in Dhoke Khaba, a facility renovated under TCI’s Facility Makeover intervention. This center provided round-the-clock services and a supportive environment for women like Iqra.
Shahida Naz distributing IEC materials at the Family Welfare Centre.
At the center, Family Welfare Worker Shahida Naz played a pivotal role in Iqra’s journey. She skillfully removed the IUCD and provided compassionate counseling to a deeply anxious Iqra, who feared another pregnancy could be life-threatening. Iqra wanted a permanent solution – bilateral tubal ligation – but it was deemed medically unfeasible.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Shahida invited Ameer for counseling sessions to discuss alternative family planning options. Initially, Ameer resisted the idea of a vasectomy, citing privacy concerns and societal stigma. However, Shahida’s patient and empathetic approach gradually changed his perspective. She emphasized the importance of protecting Iqra’s health and the critical role men can play in family planning.
Over time, Ameer agreed to undergo the procedure at the Family Health Clinic at Benazir Bhutto Hospital, another facility enhanced by TCI’s interventions. His decision was groundbreaking – challenging societal norms and inspiring others to consider male contraceptive options.
Shahida often shares Iqra and Ameer’s story in her counseling sessions, describing their journey as her career’s most significant achievement. She reflected:
Deciding on a vasectomy takes immense courage in our society. Ameer’s decision is a beacon of inspiration for many.”
Today, with her health stabilized, Iqra thrives as a mother and wife. She and Ameer have become advocates for family planning within their community, encouraging others to consider male contraceptive options, especially when a woman’s health is at risk.
Their journey is a powerful reminder that family planning is not solely a woman’s responsibility. True partnership means shared decision-making to protect health, ensure happiness, and secure a brighter future for the entire family.
