Cultural pressures, polygamy hinder family planning adoption among Karamoja women

Women in the Karamoja sub-region, particularly in Nakapiripirit District, are facing significant cultural pressures that discourage the use of family planning. A primary driver identified by health workers is the prevalence of polygamy, where women feel compelled to bear more children to maintain their status and gain favor from their husbands over co-wives.

Dr. Jennifer Ayopo of Tokora Health Centre IV explained that in polygamous settings, a woman’s position is often tied to the number of children she has. This competitive environment leads some women to have numerous pregnancies, with some reportedly on their tenth. The fear of being neglected or replaced by co-wives who continue to have children further fuels this cycle.

Beyond marital competition, the uptake of family planning is also hampered by the threat of domestic violence. Husbands may react with aggression or even end relationships if their wives adopt contraceptives without their consent. This fear, coupled with cultural expectations, forces many women to continue bearing children against their will.

The consequences of large family sizes are far-reaching, impacting children’s education and well-being. Many children in the region lack adequate parental support, essential supplies like books and food, and are often out of school. This lack of education contributes to early marriages and teenage motherhood, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage.

Health experts emphasize the risks associated with closely spaced pregnancies for both mothers and babies. They advocate for empowering women to make informed reproductive health choices and for joint decision-making within couples regarding family size. Community sensitization is crucial to challenge beliefs that link a woman’s worth to her fertility, and interventions are needed to support girls’ education and economic empowerment.

These insights were shared during a health outreach event organized by ActionAid International, funded by the European Union, aimed at ending harmful practices and promoting adolescent girls’ rights in Karamoja. While efforts are being made to encourage school re-entry for teenage mothers, addressing the root causes of high fertility remains a critical challenge.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/why-karamoja-women-shun-family-planning-5565636