Seminar by Dr Benjamin Kaneka (University of Malawi)

Abstract:

Despite an apparent high level of awareness about contraception and modern contraceptive methods, the levels of use have remained low, and method mix limited among young (15-24 years) married women in Malawi. Young women contribute disproportionately to the country’s high total fertility of 4.4 children per woman. However, there has been dearth of studies that have focused on what influences the sexual, reproductive, and contraceptive practices of young married women in the country as a distinct group. The results reveal that service providers, particularly those located in facilities in the rural communities, harboured negative attitudes against young women using contraceptives. These are manifested through the imposition of unnecessary restrictions such as parity, partner consent, or onset of menstruation to prevent young married women, particularly the nulliparous or those with only one child, from accessing contraceptives or certain types of methods such as hormonal methods, whose use they deemed premature. What is deciphered from the finding is that despite their education and training, service providers are still influenced by social and cultural norms that shape the providers’ own beliefs but also through their consternation and concerns about reactions from the communities.

Bionote:

Dr Benjamin Kaneka is a Senior Lecturer in Population Studies (Social Demography) at the University of Malawi. He holds a PhD in Population Studies from the Northwest University (Mahikeng). His area of academic and professional pursuits revolves around sexual and reproductive health (SRH) particularly among adolescent girls and young women. He is also an accomplished social researcher with particular expertise in qualitative research techniques.