Every year on September 26, the world commemorates World Contraception Day (WCD), a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of contraception and family planning. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges many women face in accessing contraception services. Despite progress, millions of women worldwide still confront significant barriers, including cultural and religious beliefs, lack of access to healthcare, misinformation, and financial obstacles.
To address these challenges, The Challenge Initiative (TCI) in Francophone West Africa (FWA) collaborates with local governments to implement strategies that increase awareness, reduce stigma, and improve access to family planning services. WCD is an important reminder of the progress made by TCI in supporting local governments to provide women with the necessary tools to lead responsible sexual lives and plan their families. However, it also highlights the ongoing work required by local governments, especially those supported by TCI, to ensure that women in FWA can access contraceptive options and make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Free Family Planning Special Days (FPSD) – A Key Intervention
This year, TCI celebrated WCD by organizing Free Family Planning Special Days (FPSDs) – one of the FWA’s high-impact interventions – in four TCI-supported cities: Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire), Lomé (Togo), and Thies and Mbour (Senegal). The main goal of FPSDs is to equip women with the information and resources needed to make informed choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health.
The FPSDs held on WCD focused on highlighting the importance of family planning and breaking down the barriers that prevent many women from accessing contraception. More importantly, they provided direct services, offering women who may not have easy access to contraceptive methods or family planning counseling the support they need. For many women, the ability to choose when and if they want to have children is a critical aspect of their personal freedom. Contraception not only allows women to plan their lives but also helps them pursue an education, advance their careers, and ensure that they are physically, emotionally, and financially ready for motherhood.
Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
In Abidjan, two sites within the Marcory health district hosted FPSDs. These events gave women the opportunity to learn about different contraception options and receive counseling from healthcare professionals. As one of Abidjan’s largest and most diverse communes, Marcory was a prime location to focus efforts on increasing awareness and access to contraception.
According to Marie Laure, Reproductive Health Coordinator from the health facility of Anoumabo and a key advocate from the commune of Marcory:
World Contraception Day plays a crucial role in promoting reproductive rights and autonomy for women. By organizing FPSD events on this day, we not only advocate for the use of contraceptives but also educate women about their options. We ensure they have access to accurate, comprehensive information, which helps them make informed decisions based on knowledge, not fear or myths.”
Marie Laure’s insights capture the essence of why WCD is so vital. It is not just about providing services; it is also about ensuring women feel empowered and informed in making decisions about their reproductive health.
Lomé, Togo
A skit on closely spaced pregnancies was part of the FPSD in Lomé.
In Lomé, Togo’s capital, the focus was on educating women about the importance of child spacing and promoting the use of modern contraceptive methods. Given Lomé’s urban population and growing healthcare needs, these services are crucial for improving health outcomes, reducing the incidence of unplanned pregnancies, and supporting women in making informed family planning choices.
As Estelle Kondi, Head of MCH/FP Section and Regional Reproductive Health Focal Point from Lomé explained:
By giving women access to different family planning options, World Contraception Day empowers them to take control of their reproductive health and make decisions that align with their personal goals and values.”
Estelle’s statement reflects the profound impact that access to contraception can have on a woman’s life, allowing her to shape her future on her own terms.
Thies and Mbour, Senegal
Clients attending an FPSD in Mbour wait to be seen.
In Senegal, the cities of Thies and Mbour were central to World Contraception Day celebrations. Both of these TCI-supported cities provided women with free contraception options, as well as consultations with healthcare providers to discuss their family planning needs. Both have been pivotal in increasing awareness and access to contraception, especially in urban areas where the demand for these services is high.
Aminata Sokhna, Reproductive Health Coordinator and a key advocate from the health district of Mbour, highlighted the significance of local government support:
We are celebrating this important day with the financial support of the mayor of the city, which is a great milestone when it comes to family planning. It is essential for ensuring the intentional timing of pregnancies, improving maternal and child health, and enhancing the overall well-being of women and their families.”
Sokhna’s remarks emphasize the importance of community and government collaboration in advancing family planning initiatives.
By financially and logistically supporting events like FPSDs, local governments in FWA play a crucial role in expanding access to contraception and promoting healthier, more sustainable communities.
