The Power of Female Condom Users

Pathfinder International is proud to share that Estrella Alcalde, Gender Advisor in Mozambique, has been featured in the Universal Access to Female Condoms (UAFC) Joint Programme's 2014 Annual Report. You can view the entire Annual Report here. Below is an interview featuring Estrella and two other UAFC partners:

To make a case for female condoms, there is nothing stronger than the voice of the people. Three of UAFC’s partners shine their light on the (potential) power of female condom users: Titilola Abolade (ARFH, Nigeria), Estrella Alcalde (Pathfinder Mozambique) and Valérie Gystiane Tsemo (FESADE, Cameroon). 

CAN FEMALE CONDOM USERS HELP TO INCREASE THE ACCESS TO FEMALE CONDOMS?

Titilola “Yes! When they speak out about their satisfaction with the use of female condoms and where they accessed the product, more people will want to try it.When there is more demand there will be more supply.” 

Valérie “I agree that the voice of female condom users is very important. They can play an important role in reducing the myths and misconceptions that still persist around female condoms. Because they already conquered the taboos, they are an example to others.” 

Estrella “We sometimes hear decisionmakers, media and others say that people do not like the female condom. But when we are in the communities, we hear from all kinds of women and men that they do like it after having tried it. We need to highlight those stories to counter the dissenting voices out there!”

HOW CAN USERS HELP? 

Estrella “Health and rights associations could bring users together to establish a collective voice. In our projects we have arranged for users to speak to a broad audience at public events and on TV and radio. In schools and communities we show a documentary video in which young women talk about female condoms. This is a success because many people can relate to them.” 

Titilola “Users can share their personal experiences, for example in one-on-one or group discussions and chats on social media. In our campaigns towards communities and events for policy makers we let users tell their story. This proves to be a very effective way of awareness raising.” 

Valérie “They can not only make female condoms known in their community, but also promote the outlets where they are available. As well as this, their personal experiences help us to create communication messages towards the different target groups.” 

ARE THERE BARRIERS FOR USERS IN PROMOTING FEMALE CONDOMS? 

Estrella “Yes. Culturally it is not very  acceptable to talk openly about sex and sexual behaviour, especially for women. In some communities they may suffer stigmatization for that.”

Titilola “Communities have a culture of silence on sexual and reproductive health issues, including the use of contraceptives.”

Valérie “Traditional, cultural and religious standards form considerable obstacles for women in promoting female condoms. For example, men are considered to be the boss at home, so they make the decisions on sex and reproduction.” 

HOW CAN THESE BARRIERS BE BROKEN DOWN?

Valérie “In our education activities in communities we try to raise discussion regarding traditional standards. For example, we ask women if they agree that they should not be allowed to protect themselves. Often they realize that the tradition has been taking advantage of their lack of awareness. After that, we encourage them to start a dialogue about it with their male partner.”

Estrella “To break taboos, it is important to invest in education and to work with the media. When we show users the positive influence that their statement may have on the lives of other women and men, they are willing to collaborate.”

Titilola “We need to empower women and young people to enable them to make informed health choices and speak out on issues they believe in. Advocacy to key stakeholders at all levels, including men, is also essential. To counter traditional views, it is necessary to invest in research for adequate evidence that supports the use of female condoms.”

Watch the documentary video ‘Female condoms are our power, our protection, our pleasure’, featuring female condom users in Mozambique, on our website: www.femalecondoms4all.org/video.

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