Women’s Empowerment and Choice of Family Planning Methods

Author(s): Do M, Kurimoto N

Year: 2010

Abstract:

This study examines the associations between women’s empowerment and contraceptive use in five African countries, testing the hypothesis that, compared to women who are not powered, those who are empowered will be more likely to use contraceptives that are female controlled, as well as couple methods that require the awareness and support of their husbands. Data come from the latest round of Demographic and Health Surveys conducted within the last five years in Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, Ghana, and Uganda. The study found that there is a strong association between the overall score of women’s empowerment and contraceptive use in all countries.