Title: Empowering women with the female condom.

POPLINE Document Number: 195364

Author(s):

Mqhayi M
Beksinska M
Smit J

Source citation:

Global AIDSLink, 2004 Apr-May;(85):16-17.

Abstract:

"The female condom is suitable for all women because, whether you are married, single or having lots of partners, you are in control. You are the one who has to insert it, so if anyone does not want to use it, then they can leave [without having sex]," said a 35-year-old married woman from the Western Cape. Female-controlled barrier methods are being advocated in South Africa to reduce unwanted pregnancies and high rates of sexually transmitted infections like HIV, since male condom use is low and inconsistent, and few women are empowered to insist on their use. To increase the options available to South African women, the South African Department of Health (DOH) introduced the female condom (FC) at selected primary health clinics and Planned Parenthood Association of South Africa (PPASA) sites across the country. This program, which began in June 1998, was initiated by the National Department of Health (NDOH), and designed and implemented by the Reproductive Health Research Unit (RHRU) of Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, with technical assistance from Family Health International (FHI). The Society for Family Health (SFH) has been responsible for implementing the social marketing component, selling female condoms mostly via pharmaceutical wholesalers. (excerpt)

Keywords:

South Africa
Women
Condom Use
Female Condom
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Africa, Southern
Africa South of the Sahara
Africa
Developing Countries
Demographic Factors
Population
Risk Reduction Behavior
Behavior
Vaginal Barrier Methods
Barrier Methods
Contraceptive Methods
Contraception
Family Planning
Reproductive Tract Infections
Infections
Diseases