Access to safe, voluntary family planning is a human right. Family planning is central to gender equality and women’s empowerment, and it is a key driver for social and economic development. However, many women want to avoid pregnancy but are not using safe and effective family planning methods, for reasons ranging from lack of access to information or services to lack of support from their partners or communities and myths and misconceptions hindering the uptake. This threatens their ability to build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities.

This episode delves into the critical question: Where do people get advice on contraceptives? The discussion challenges conventional sources of information and highlights the often-overlooked voices in the conversation about family planning. This episode features two community health promoters from Nairobi's urban slums, who share their unique perspectives and experiences in providing contraceptive guidance. In this episode, we explore the complexities surrounding access to family planning resources and the vital role community health promoters play in empowering individuals to make informed choices.

The podcast focuses on the critical role that community health workers play in disseminating contraceptive knowledge as they often have a better understanding of the local context, cultural beliefs, and specific needs of the community. They serve as trusted figures who can provide personalized advice and support, making contraceptive methods more approachable for those who might otherwise hesitate to seek information from more formal healthcare settings.

Tune in to learn more.