Saving Kenya's Environment Through Family Planning

*Not their real name

Hamisa* is a 35-year-old woman residing in the Lorien community in Laikipia County, Kenya Hamisa’s story is a compelling case study illustrating the impact of family planning services on women's lives and their ability to navigate socioeconomic challenges. Having been married for ten years, Hamisa faced the burdens of raising seven children alone after her husband abandoned the family due to the strain of providing for a large household. By then, they had 4 children together.

Her husband’s absence left Hamisa in a precarious financial situation, struggling to meet the needs of her children. This predicament prompted her to seek a new partner, with whom she had three more children. However, the strain of managing a large family persisted, exacerbating her financial hardships and limiting her access to essential services.

Despite being aware of family planning options, Hamisa encountered barriers to accessing contraception due to financial constraints. Accessing the nearest health facility was prohibitive for Hamisa and others facing similar circumstances.

Fortunately, Hamisa's plight caught the attention of CHAT's CORP partner, Esther, who recognised the importance of providing accessible family planning services to vulnerable populations like Hamisa. Esther took the initiative to educate Hadija about various contraception methods, highlighting their benefits and addressing her concerns. Inspired by Esther's guidance and reassurance, Hamisa opted for a three-year implant. This decision not only empowered her to take control of her reproductive health but also relieved her of the financial burden associated with accessing contraception. Moreover, Esther’s gesture of providing education instilled a sense of gratitude and renewed hope in Hamisa.

Hamisa's positive experience with CHAT's family planning services transformed her life and inspired her to advocate for similar services within her community. Her return to the health facility with three friends seeking implants underscores the ripple effect of accessible family planning services in empowering women and promoting sustainable development.

Hamisa's story exemplifies the transformative potential of integrating family planning into environmental conservation efforts. By addressing the unmet need for contraception among women like Hamisa, initiatives like "Saving Kenya's Environment Through Family Planning" can foster resilience, improve reproductive health outcomes, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of both communities and the environment.

Through the additional support from GG, over the last three months, CHAT successfully disseminated behaviour change information (BCC) to 8,192 individuals. Additionally, 1,102 family planning clients were provided with various contraception methods tailored to their preferences, with811 opting for long-term pregnancy protection methods lasting either 3 or 5 years, effectively reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancies.

"By empowering individuals and couples to make informed choices about family planning, we can help alleviate pressure on the environment and promote a more sustainable way of life." – Unknown.

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