Kisangani, September 30th, 2026 (CPA).– Family planning has been explained to women living with disabilities in Kisangani, the chief town of Tshopo in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), during an awareness-raising session paired with free services to promote responsible sexual and reproductive health.
“This awareness-raising session has enabled us to explain the importance of family planning as well as the role of different contraceptive methods. It has been organised around the theme: ‘Accessible and chosen contraception: for the health, autonomy and future of every young person, every woman and every family’”, has declared Difride Wawina, communications officer at the organisation “Marie Stopes DRC”, North-East region.
According to her, during this awareness-raising session, MSI DRC North-East has specifically sought to reduce the information gap observed amongst women living with disabilities and to break down the barriers linked to myths and rumours surrounding contraceptive methods. “Contraception is not intended to permanently stop people having children, but to allow them to space out births so that they can have children when they choose. For women living in couples, it allows them, in particular, to have a break between births. For young people who have not yet had children, particularly female students, certain methods can allow them to take the time to complete their studies. Once the method is discontinued, the return to fertility depends on the method used and occurs within the timeframe specific to that method,” she has explained.
Furthermore, Ms Wawina has described the enthusiasm shown by participants during the on-site service provision, which she believes is a sign of a significant need for family planning amongst this section of the population. Maguy Draso, manager of the North-East region for Marie Stopes DRC, this activity organised as part of the commemorative events for World Contraception Day was intended to inform women about family planning and the various contraceptive methods, whilst facilitating their free access to services designed to space out births.
For her part, Ms Patience Lisisa, coordinator of the Action by Women with Disabilities for Human Rights and Development (AFHADHODI), has welcomed the organisation of this event, believing that it contributes to accompany women living with disabilities in preventing closely spaced and unwanted pregnancies. It is worth noting that, in terms of maternal health, family planning allows mothers to recover physically and mentally between pregnancies. As regards children’s wellbeing, it ensures the best possible living conditions, education and healthcare for every child. It is an intelligent choice that guarantees the fundamental right to access information and reproductive healthcare.