“Family Planning Has Given Me Control Over My Future” — Bridget Mateengo’s Journey to Empowerment.
When the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo intensified, 33-year-old Bridget Mateengo made the difficult decision to flee with her family in search of safety. Her journey led her to Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, a place that would not only offer her refuge but also transform the way she viewed her future as a mother.
Bridget arrived in Nakivale with her husband and two children, carrying the trauma of conflict and the uncertainty of life in a new country. “When I first came here, my mind was full of fear for the future — I didn’t know how we would survive, let alone plan for more children,” she recalls.
Her turning point came when she attended a family planning sensitization session organized by Shared Action Africa. Through training, counseling, and education, Bridget learned about different contraceptive options and their benefits for women, especially in refugee settings where resources are limited and healthcare access can be unpredictable.
After thorough consultation with health workers, Bridget chose Sayana, a safe and effective injectable family planning method. “I decided to try Sayana because it was convenient, discreet, and gave me time to focus on raising the children I already had,” she explains.
Over time, Bridget saw the tangible benefits of her choice. She now has three children, all well-spaced, which has allowed her to provide each child with adequate care, attention, and education. Her youngest, just one month old, was born healthy and strong. Immediately after childbirth, Bridget opted for a five-year injectable method to ensure she could space her next child and focus on her family’s stability.
“Family planning has given me control over my life. I am able to make decisions that are good for my children, my health, and our future,” Bridget says with a proud smile. She appreciates Shared Action Africa for creating a safe space where women can discuss reproductive health without fear or stigma.
She is especially grateful for the personalized counselling sessions. “The health workers took time to explain everything to me in a language I understand. They answered my questions and respected my decisions,” she notes.
Bridget now encourages other women in the settlement to seek information on family planning. She believes that knowledge is power and that making informed reproductive health decisions can transform families and communities.
“Thanks to Shared Action Africa, I feel empowered. I can plan my life, provide for my children, and still have hope for the future,” she concludes.