admin | November 10, 2025
News Brief
In Freetown, activist Eunice Dumbuya recalls the judgment she faced after getting a contraceptive implant—a reflection of deep-rooted stigma around family planning in Sierra Leone. Despite progress, only 24% of women use modern contraceptives, according to the 2019 Demographic and Health Survey. Cultural and religious beliefs often discourage use, especially among unmarried women. Activists say contraceptives empower young people to pursue education and delay pregnancy, yet stigma remains strong. She says, “You can’t escape stigmatization—but you can choose courage.”
Eunice Dumbuya, a young activist in Freetown, Sierra Leone, remembers the whispers and judgment she faced after getting a contraceptive implant a few years ago.In a society where intimate relationships outside marriage are taboo and childbirth within marriage is celebrated, contraceptives are often stigmatized.
She explains, “I had to go with my aunt to the hospital because my mom was very strict. My aunt supported me. Using contraceptives boosted my self-confidence.”
Family planning remains a major challenge in Sierra Leone. The 2019 Demographic and Health Survey reports that only 24 percent of all women use modern contraceptives, including 21 percent of married women. Among sexually active unmarried women, prevalence is higher at 53 percent.
Fayia Foray, Integrated Marketing Officer at Marie Stopes Sierra Leone, says cultural stigma, discrimination, and religious beliefs are major barriers. He adds, “Married women use contraceptives to space births and care for their families. Young people use them to delay pregnancy and focus on education or skills, contributing to national development.”
University student Mariatu Sankoh recalls her own struggle. She says, “I couldn’t tell my parents I wanted contraception because I would have faced severe punishment. I had to go with a friend’s aunt to the hospital. I didn’t want to get pregnant.”
Rebecca Kamara, who has faced stigma herself, says, “Society judges young girls harshly for using implants. Even partners can discourage contraceptives, suggesting emergency pills instead, which have serious side effects.”
Isha Sesay, a young unmarried woman, adds, “Neighbors and some family members whispered that I had multiple partners, that’s why I was using contraceptives.”
Men also contribute to the stigma. Francis Kanu says, “I can’t date a woman who uses contraceptives. They are the ones you should be afraid of as a man.” Michael Sahr Kendor comments, “I can understand a teenager using contraceptives, but I don’t see the reason for adult women to use them.”
Despite these challenges, Sierra Leone is making progress. The country is part of FP2030, a global initiative ensuring all women and girls have access to modern contraception by 2030. The UN Population Fund provides contraceptives in the public sector, but stigma persists.
People with disabilities face additional barriers. Adama*, who is visually impaired, says, “At one time, a pharmacist assumed I couldn’t be the user and made a degrading comment when I bought emergency contraception.” Marie Kamara, another woman with a disability, adds, “I cannot afford contraceptives. I barely meet basic needs, so family planning isn’t realistic for me.”
Ms. Dumbuya concludes, “Societal pressure has pushed many girls to remove implants or switch to less visible methods. Even though stigma affected me, I didn’t remove it. Sometimes, you just can’t escape stigmatization—but you can choose courage.”
Note: Adama’s name was changed because she wanted anonymity.
Photo: Marie Kamara speaks of the impact of stigma on women, especially people with disabilities, as they attempt to access contraceptives. Credit: Madina Kula Sheriff/IPS
This story is based on an article written by Robert Kibet for Interpress News Service, titled “How Stigma Undermines Contraceptive Use Among Women in Sierra Leone” To read the full story, go to: https://www.ipsnews.net/2025/09/how-stigma-undermines-contraceptive-use-among-women-in-sierra-leone/