Men shun contraception because it's a woman's role - report

Men avoid contraception because they believe it is a woman's responsibility, a new report says.

The report by Ni Gani Initiative says men also shun contraceptives because they are not involved in discussions around them.

The report titled 'Kenya in 2030: Young voices on future scenarios and contraception' was released in Nairobi on Tuesday.

It identified low male engagement as a factor contributing to limited access to contraception information and methods for those who need it.  

"There is still a need to engage men and boys at the community level to tackle social norms, cultural practices and gender biases that inhibit the uptake of contraception services by women," the report says.

It also advocates for an increased uptake of sexual reproductive health rights by men.

The report engaged 40 youths in think tanks and concluded that patriarchy plays a key role in pushing negative perceptions on contraceptives. The negative perceptions among men also stem from religious beliefs and cultural beliefs, it adds.

The report says approximately 800,000 young Kenyans enter the job market every year with youth unemployment estimated at 35 per cent compared to the overall national rate of 10 per cent.  

"At the same time, there are eight dependents for every 10 working Kenyans meaning that the average worker will often have very little to save or invest for growth."

Expert Katindi Njonjo said the government cannot talk about growth without contraception as a key factor in achieving it. 

"Without population planning, the government will have to spend money for unplanned persons increasing family poverty and economic inequalities," Njonjo said.

Dada Power Initiative secretary-general Serah Thiga said access to contraception services also improves opportunities for women to seek further education. 

But unmarried women and non-mothers often find themselves at a disadvantage because information and methods of contraceptives are more easily accessible to mothers after delivery, Thiga said. 

"A doctor once refused to administer contraceptives to me because he said they were for the married women. He did not give me any information either on how I could keep myself safe," she said.

The report faults health workers for not disseminating information on contraceptives to young people about to start exploring sexual activity. 

It was found that only 3.4 per cent of field health workers discuss contraception with young people aged between 15 and 19.

"The implication is that contraceptive messaging and provision is being left too late thus potentially increasing unwanted pregnancies and other avoidable health outcomes," the report says.

According to the Ministry of Health, about 465,000 abortions take place in Kenya every year with 120,000 women receiving treatment from health facilities due to complications. 

With 49 per cent of pregnancies unplanned, 41 per cent end up in abortion with the average cost of treating resultant complications estimated at Sh4,943. 

By expanding the conversation around contraception information and services, the report says the government is able to tackle the root causes of abortion. 

edited by peter obuya