18 Aug
Advocacy, Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

Shared Action Africa Supports Youth with Disabilities in Menstrual Hygiene.

Shared Action Africa Empowers Youths with Disabilities in Menstrual Hygiene Management in Rubondo Refugee Settlement.

In Rubondo Village, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District, Uganda, a major advancement in inclusive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) has been made as Shared Action Africa expands its menstrual hygiene services to refugee youths with disabilities, equipping them with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to manage menstruation with dignity. This initiative addresses the urgent needs of young people with disabilities, who remain among the most marginalized groups in refugee communities and often face barriers that hinder their social participation.

Through focused training sessions, Shared Action Africa instructs youths not only on proper menstrual hygiene practices but also on integrating smoothly into community life during menstruation and in everyday activities. Oyera Shiba, Assistant Sexual and Reproductive Health Officer at Shared Action Africa, emphasized the organization’s approach: “As Shared Action Africa, we are empowering dignity through action. We distribute sanitary pads to people living with disabilities in Rubondo while supporting caregivers with knowledge and awareness on how to help their children and relatives manage menstruation effectively.”

For many young women involved, menstruation had long been a source of isolation, shame, and anxiety. Participants recounted the emotional and social difficulties they faced prior to the intervention. “We were often isolated in our communities because of our nature. This made us hate ourselves and avoid interacting with our peers, fearing ridicule and exclusion,” said one participant. Limited access to sanitary products compounded these challenges, as many could not afford disposable pads due to unemployment or physical limitations, leaving them exposed to discomfort, health risks, and stigma.

Before Shared Action Africa’s program, girls with disabilities frequently experienced menstrual leakage in public spaces, increasing feelings of embarrassment and exclusion. “During our menstrual days, we couldn’t clean ourselves properly because of our conditions. Sometimes, our periods would drop, and we feared going out into the community,” one participant explained. This lack of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) support prevented many from fully participating in social, educational, and recreational activities.

Since the initiative’s inception, the situation has changed dramatically. The organization provides comprehensive guidance on personal hygiene, safe use of disposable pads, and strategies to navigate community life during menstruation. Caregivers also receive specialized training, reinforcing hygienic practices and offering support at home.

The impact on the youths has been significant. Many report restored confidence and improved relationships within their communities. “After Shared Action Africa’s training, we feel like we’ve regained our rights. People no longer laugh at us; instead, they help and support us during our periods. We associate normally with others, and there are no negative impacts on our daily life in the community,” shared one young woman.

Providing free disposable sanitary pads has been a critical aspect of the program. For youths unable to purchase menstrual products, this support has reduced financial stress and ensured consistent hygiene management. Participants expressed gratitude, noting that the pads help prevent infections and preserve dignity.

Additionally, the program has raised awareness across the broader community. By educating youths and caregivers, Shared Action Africa fosters understanding and empathy. Community members now provide assistance during menstruation and advocate for inclusive practices accommodating people with disabilities.

“This program has not only addressed the practical needs of menstrual hygiene but has also restored confidence, self-esteem, and social inclusion for youths with disabilities,” Shiba added. “It is a demonstration of how inclusive approaches in SRHR can transform lives, promote dignity, and strengthen community cohesion.”

Shared Action Africa continues to champion the rights of marginalized populations, including refugees and persons with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to essential SRHR services. Their commitment to empowering dignity through action reflects a vision of inclusive development in which every young person can participate fully in their communities, regardless of physical or social barriers.

Through these programs, young women in Rubondo Refugee Settlement are reclaiming their agency, managing menstruation with dignity, and experiencing renewed belonging in their communities. Their stories illustrate the transformative impact of compassionate, inclusive interventions in fostering both personal empowerment and social cohesion.

18 Aug
Advocacy, Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

Shared Action Africa Expands SRHR Services for People with Disabilities in Refugee Settlements

Shared Action Africa Expands SRHR Services to People with Disabilities in Nakivale and Oruchinga Refugee Settlements.

Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements in Isingiro District, Uganda, have become critical hubs for humanitarian support, hosting refugees who have fled conflict and instability in their home countries. Among these populations, people living with disabilities face significant barriers to accessing essential health and social services. Recognizing this gap, Shared Action Africa, a leading humanitarian and development organization, has intensified efforts to ensure that Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services are accessible to all, including individuals with physical disabilities.

Atamba Kobuhwezi, a midwife with Shared Action Africa stationed at Oruchinga Refugee Settlement, explained that the organization recently conducted an SRHR session focused on the inclusion of people with disabilities in health service utilization. She noted, “This was an SRHR session on how we can include people with disabilities in the utilization of SRHR services. We encouraged the youth to also join the groups of people with disabilities, as the older generation is already doing.”

During the session, participants outlined the daily challenges they face, including the inability to afford treatment, frequent stockouts of essential medications, and limited access to appropriate mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walking sticks. “They requested support, including a camp specifically for people with disabilities, staffed with specialists and equipped with medicines, scans, and mobility aids,” Kobuhwezi added. The session took place in Kisoro Village within the Oruchinga settlement, highlighting Shared Action Africa’s grassroots approach to understanding and responding to local needs.

A key recommendation from the organization was the establishment of unified groups for people with disabilities. By organizing collectively, beneficiaries can ensure that assistance is distributed efficiently and reaches those most in need. “We encouraged them to have a group as one for people with disabilities so that once any help comes in, they can be supported immediately,” Kobuhwezi explained. This initiative aligns with Shared Action Africa’s broader mission to enhance the inclusion of marginalized communities in essential health services.

In addition to forming groups, the organization emphasized leveraging community-based structures such as Village Health Teams (VHTs) and peer educators. These networks facilitate access to healthcare facilities closer to beneficiaries’ homes, mitigating barriers related to distance, cost, and mobility challenges. “We encouraged them to use the VHTs and peer educators to easily access treatment from nearby facilities,” Kobuhwezi added.

Shared Action Africa’s interventions underscore the recognition that refugee populations are not homogenous, and different subgroups require tailored approaches. For people with disabilities, the combined challenges of displacement, physical limitations, and lack of specialized services can significantly hinder their quality of life. By providing SRHR education and facilitating access to medical care and mobility aids, the organization is addressing a critical gap in humanitarian programming.

Looking ahead, Shared Action Africa aims to extend its SRHR services to even more people with disabilities across both Nakivale and Oruchinga settlements. These initiatives are vital for promoting equity in healthcare and ensuring that no refugee is left behind due to physical limitations or socio-economic constraints.

The SRHR sessions have also sparked community-level advocacy. By encouraging youth participation in supporting people with disabilities, Shared Action Africa is fostering intergenerational solidarity, building sustainable care systems, and raising awareness about the unique needs of people with disabilities within refugee populations.

Through these efforts, Shared Action Africa is advancing a broader commitment to human rights, inclusion, and comprehensive healthcare. By addressing gaps in SRHR service delivery and promoting specialized support structures, the organization is setting a benchmark for inclusive refugee health programs. The experiences from Nakivale and Oruchinga settlements offer valuable lessons that could inform humanitarian initiatives in other contexts, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not overlooked in health and development efforts.

As Shared Action Africa continues to expand its services, the organization’s vision is clear: to empower people with disabilities within refugee settlements, providing equitable access to healthcare, mobility aids, and supportive community networks. Through sustained engagement and tailored interventions, Shared Action Africa is redefining inclusive healthcare in Uganda’s refugee settlements.

 

15 Aug
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

“Family Planning Helped Me Plan My First Child”

“Family Planning Helped Me Have My Child at the Right Time” — The Story of Kwizera Faith.

Kwizera Faith, 25, is a refugee from Rwanda currently living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Her journey toward family planning and reproductive health empowerment is a testament to how accessible services can transform lives, even under difficult circumstances.

Faith recalls the challenges she faced before accessing family planning services. She was unemployed, had no steady income, and her husband was also without work, leaving the couple struggling to make ends meet.

“I was not working, I had no job, and I was so poor. My husband was also not working, and we had no money to take care of ourselves,” Faith said.

Her health situation added to the burden. She fell ill with malaria and sought treatment at Ishungezi Health Centre III. It was there that she encountered health workers from Shared Action Africa conducting community training and counselling on family planning. Faith was immediately convinced by the knowledge and skills shared during these sessions.

“I met Shared Action Africa health workers training and counselling women about family planning, and I was convinced with the knowledge and skills. I selected the IUD method, which I have been using ever since,” she explained.

The IUD provided Faith with the ability to control the timing of her pregnancies, giving her and her husband the space to stabilize their situation before starting a family. She emphasized how crucial this method was for her circumstances.

“I used the IUD because I wanted to give birth at the right time. When I was ready and had settled all my problems, I removed it. Now I can take good care of my child,” Faith said.

Today, Faith and her husband are parents to a healthy firstborn. She expressed gratitude for the role family planning played in allowing them to plan and prepare for the arrival of their child.

“We now have our first born, who is healthy and planned. Though we do not have a lot, we are ready and able to take good care of him,” she shared.

Faith’s experience highlights the transformative power of family planning services in refugee settings. In communities where poverty, unemployment, and limited access to healthcare are common, empowering women with reproductive health knowledge can significantly improve family well-being and stability.

“Family planning gave us the chance to wait until we were ready. It allowed us to stabilize our lives and take responsibility for our child’s health and upbringing,” Faith said.

Shared Action Africa’s community outreach approach has been particularly effective. By bringing services directly to vulnerable populations in rural and settlement areas, the organization ensures that women and couples like Faith can access counselling, contraceptives, and the guidance they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

“I appreciate Shared Action Africa for its family planning services. They helped me give birth at exactly the right time I had targeted. Their support has made my life and my family’s life better,” she concluded.

Faith’s story is more than a personal account; it is a reflection of how structured family planning programs can impact health outcomes, strengthen family planning choices, and improve the quality of life for women and their families in refugee settlements. By providing education, accessible contraceptive methods, and ongoing support, organizations like Shared Action Africa empower individuals to take control of their reproductive health, even in the most challenging environments.

“We can now focus on caring for our child, managing our household, and building a stable life. Family planning gave us the opportunity to plan responsibly and live with hope for the future,” Faith said.

Through stories like Faith’s, it becomes clear that family planning is not merely about contraception—it is about timing, empowerment, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions that ensure the health and well-being of both parents and children.

 

15 Aug
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

“Shared Action Africa Empowered Me to Achieve My Dreams”

“Shared Action Africa Has Been My Guiding Light” — Nishimwe Aline.

Nishimwe Aline, 21, is a student at Nakivale Vocational Training Institute and a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, now living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro District, Uganda.

She expressed deep appreciation to Shared Action Africa for prioritizing the empowerment of girls in all its activities and development programs.

“Shared Action Africa has helped me as a girl, and now I am considered a woman. I am still chasing my dream, and I am in my final year to achieve it. I don’t know where I would be without them,” Aline said.

Over the years, she has participated in numerous Shared Action Africa programs, which she says have transformed her life. She particularly values the family planning services provided, which have enabled her to continue her education without interruption.

“I have grown with Shared Action Africa. My journey has been full of happiness and joyful moments. I started attending their trainings when I was in primary school — learning how to stay clean as a girl, how to manage my menstrual periods, and how to fit confidently into the community. I was empowered, and I became a strong young lady who knows her rights,” she explained.

When she joined high school, Aline says Shared Action Africa continued to guide her through trainings on protecting herself from negative peer pressure, managing her menstrual health wisely, and staying focused on her studies.

“They taught me about mental health, and I no longer felt the deep pain of losing my family members during the war in Congo. I managed to complete primary school, high school, and then join vocational training,” she said.

Now in her final year of a fashion and design course, Aline creates her own designs and has plans for her future. She shared that after turning 18, she entered a relationship but was not ready to have children while still in school. With the guidance of Shared Action Africa health workers, she chose short-term family planning pills, which she takes as prescribed.

“The pills have kept me safe and protected from unwanted pregnancy. I plan to start a family with my boyfriend after school, as we already have marriage plans. Shared Action Africa has walked with me through every stage like a parent. I pray that God blesses them to continue helping people like me,” she concluded.

15 Aug
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

“Family Planning Gave Me Time to Care for My Children”

“Family Planning Has Given Me the Freedom to Rest and Care for My Children” — Babirye Mildred.

At 30 years old, Babirye Mildred, a resident of Kyakabindi in Isingiro District, Uganda, is a proud mother of six. Her firstborn is 13 years old, followed by her second at 11, her third at 9, her fourth at 6, her fifth at 3, and her youngest, now 2 years old.

Mildred appreciates Shared Action Africa for bringing its Family Planning Services Project into her community — a program she says has changed her life and made her proud as a mother.

“Shared Action Africa came to our community and gave us the knowledge and services we needed. They trained me, and I made my choice. They offered me the service for free, and now I feel fine,” Mildred said.

Her family planning journey began with Sayana, an injectable short-term method. While she says the method was good, she wanted a longer-term solution.

“I started with Sayana, but later I changed to Jadelle because I wanted more time between my children. Sayana is short-term, but Jadelle lasts for five years, and that’s fine for me. I’m going to enjoy this time,” she explained.

For Mildred, switching to a long-term method was a deliberate choice to give her body, mind, and family a much-needed break.

“I want my two-year-old to first breastfeed well and mature well. I also want to rest from giving birth, care for my body, and regain my energy so that I can have better results in my life,” she said.

She emphasizes that the training and counselling she received from Shared Action Africa played a critical role in helping her make an informed decision about her reproductive health.

“Shared Action Africa has done all the trainings. They are all over in the communities and in regional hospitals with health workers who are doing a great job for women’s lives,” she noted.

Mildred’s story reflects the broader impact of accessible family planning services in rural communities. For mothers like her, these services mean healthier children, better family planning, and the freedom to focus on personal well-being.

“I have time now to care for my children and myself. I’m grateful to Shared Action Africa for the knowledge, the services, and for thinking about women like me,” she concluded.

Through programs like these, Shared Action Africa continues to empower women in Isingiro District and beyond, ensuring that family planning is not just about preventing pregnancies, but about giving women control over their health, their futures, and their dreams.

 

15 Aug
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

“Family Planning Has Changed My Life — Ainembabazi Phiona”

“Family Planning Has Given Me Control Over My Life” — Ainembabazi Phiona.

Ainembabazi Phiona, 27, from Ngarama Kibengo in Isingiro District, is a mother of four. Her firstborn is eight years old, her second is six, her third is four, and her youngest is six months old.

Phiona has been using family planning services provided by Shared Action Africa, specifically the Jadelle method. She says the method has been life-changing for her.

“Jadelle has really helped me to space my children for five years. I was able to take a break, focus on caring for the ones I already had, and then remove it whenever I was ready to have another baby,” she explained.

She shared that all her children are well spaced, healthy, and doing well in school.

“I have the number of children I can manage to take care of. We plan for them, pay their school bills, and they look good. That’s exactly how I wanted it,” she said.

Phiona also encourages women in her community to embrace family planning to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

“I advise fellow women here in Isingiro to use family planning. Husbands don’t like it when women give birth without planning — it reduces love in the home. When you have too many young children, you are always tired, dirty from their urine, and have no time for your husband. Men also hate too much noise in the house when they come home tired,” she said.

She attributes her positive experience to the family planning trainings and services provided by Shared Action Africa.

“For me, I am sorted. Shared Action Africa came to our village for a community outreach with a mobile clinic. They trained us and offered free family planning services. I took the service and I have never regretted it. I appreciate the great work they are doing in our community,” Phiona concluded.

 

15 Aug
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

“How Family Planning Brought Peace to Namirembe Harriet’s Marriage”

“Family Planning Has Strengthened My Marriage and Brought Peace to My Home” — The Story of Namirembe Harriet.

At 44 years old, Namirembe Harriet, a resident of Kyakabindi in Isingiro District, Uganda, is a mother of six. Her journey toward controlling her reproductive health has not only transformed her own life but has also brought stability and happiness to her marriage.

For the past five years, Harriet has been using oral contraceptive pills — a decision she made after attending family planning trainings conducted by Shared Action Africa. These trainings, she says, gave her the knowledge and skills she needed to make informed decisions about her reproductive health.

“Shared Action Africa’s trainings helped me and gave me the skills to choose the best method for myself. I started with pills, and I have used them for five years,” Harriet said.

Recently, she decided to transition from the pills to an intrauterine device (IUD), a long-term method that will serve her for the next 10 years.

“Now I have taken the IUD for ten years because I am done with giving birth. My focus is on keeping my family happy, raising my children well, and making my husband happy,” she explained.

Harriet says that her decision was influenced not only by health considerations but also by the dynamics of her marriage.

“My husband does not want to use condoms. If I refused him live sex, he would start asking why and think I am cheating on him. The trainings and counselling from Shared Action Africa helped me make the right decision to protect myself, keep my marriage stable, and also give my husband the trust he needs,” she said.

She credits Shared Action Africa’s Community Outreach Family Planning Initiative, delivered through its mobile clinic program, for making it possible for women like her to access services in rural areas where hospitals are often far away.

“Shared Action Africa brought the services closer to our villages. The hospitals are very far, but the mobile clinic comes right here. I didn’t have to travel long distances, and I got the counselling and services I needed from trained health workers,” Harriet shared.

With six children to care for, Harriet says that being able to plan her family has allowed her to focus on improving their quality of life, rather than worrying about unplanned pregnancies. She is now able to dedicate more time to her home, her children’s education, and her personal well-being.

“I am not regretting a single day since I joined family planning. My marriage is more stable, my husband trusts me so much, and I have peace in my home. I can care for my children, save money, and live without the fear of getting pregnant again,” she said with a smile.

Harriet’s experience reflects the importance of accessible, community-based family planning services. Many rural women in Isingiro District face challenges in reaching health facilities, and cultural barriers can further limit their ability to access reproductive health services. Through outreach programs like those run by Shared Action Africa, women are able to receive accurate information, professional counselling, and free contraceptive services tailored to their needs.

“The rest of my days are for happiness. I feel free, and I am thankful to Shared Action Africa for keeping my family together and making my life better,” she concluded.

Stories like Harriet’s demonstrate that family planning is not just about preventing pregnancies — it is about empowering women, strengthening families, and creating an environment where marriages can thrive. By bringing services directly to communities, organizations like Shared Action Africa are breaking down barriers to healthcare and ensuring that women, even in remote villages, have the tools and support they need to make informed choices about their bodies and their futures.

As Harriet enjoys this new chapter in her life, she stands as a proud example of how access to reproductive health services can transform not just an individual woman’s life, but an entire household. Her journey is a testament to the fact that when women are empowered with knowledge and services, the benefits ripple outwards — to children, spouses, and the community as a whole.

 

 

13 Aug
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

“Family Planning Helped Me Build a Better Future”

“Family Planning Gave Me Control Over My Life” — The Story of Manirakiza Uwajeneza.

At just sixteen years old, Manirakiza Uwajeneza faced one of the biggest challenges of her life — becoming a mother before she was ready. A refugee from Rwanda, she had fled to Uganda and settled in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in search of safety and a fresh start. But when she became pregnant unexpectedly at such a young age, the excitement of a new life in a new country was overshadowed by fear and uncertainty.

“I was scared. I did not know how I would take care of a child while I was still a child myself,” she recalls.

For years, Manirakiza managed the responsibilities of raising her child, but the experience made her determined to find a better way to plan her future. That opportunity came unexpectedly when she visited Nakivale Health Centre III for an immunization appointment. While at the facility, she came across a team from Shared Action Africa, who were conducting training and counseling sessions for mothers. The sessions focused on family planning, child spacing, and how women could make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Curious and eager to learn, Manirakiza approached the health workers with her questions. “They explained everything clearly and respectfully,” she says. “I felt comfortable and understood for the first time when talking about family planning.”

After receiving detailed information about the different methods available, she chose Sayana, an injectable contraceptive method. For her, it was the perfect choice — convenient, effective, and suitable for her lifestyle.

That was over six years ago. Since then, family planning has transformed Manirakiza’s life. Her first child is now 10 years old, her second child is seven, and her youngest is five months old. The spacing between her children has allowed her to recover after each pregnancy, focus on her health, and provide better care for her family.

“I have been able to work well, manage to feed my children, and not feel overwhelmed,” she says with a smile. “Family planning has given me the strength and stability to care for my children without breaking down.”

She also credits Shared Action Africa with making these changes possible. “Without the training, counseling, and encouragement I received, I would not have known how to plan my family. I appreciate Shared Action Africa for its great work in the refugee settlement,” she says.

For Manirakiza, family planning is not just about preventing pregnancy — it is about dignity, choice, and empowerment. She believes that women, especially those in refugee settings, should have access to accurate information and services so they can make decisions that are right for them and their families.

“Because of family planning, I can be a better mother, a healthier woman, and a stronger person,” she says.

Her story is a testament to the life-changing power of accessible reproductive health services in refugee communities — a reminder that with the right support, women can rebuild their lives, even after the most difficult beginnings.

 

13 Aug
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

“Family Planning Gave Me the Freedom to Build a Better Life”

“Family Planning Has Strengthened My Family and My Future” — The Story of Iragena Olga.

At 26 years old, Iragena Olga radiates confidence, health, and a sense of purpose. A refugee from Rwanda, Olga has built a stable and fulfilling life in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, specifically in Kashorwa B, Nakivale Village. She is married, a mother of two, and a proud businesswoman. But she is also quick to point out that one key decision has been central to her success: choosing family planning.

“I have never regretted starting family planning,” Olga says with a bright smile. “I work well without the stress of unexpected pregnancies. I have energy, I am healthy, and I am always clean and presentable. I can move freely to run my businesses without constant worry.”

Olga’s introduction to family planning came unexpectedly. Shortly after she met the man who would become her husband, she visited Nakivale Health Centre III for malaria treatment. At that time, she was worried about the risk of an unplanned pregnancy. During her visit, she encountered health workers from Shared Action Africa, who were conducting training, counseling, and offering free family planning services to refugee women.

“They explained the options clearly, answered all my questions, and respected my choices,” Olga recalls. After thoughtful consideration, she chose the Intrauterine Device (IUD), a long-term, reversible family planning method.

For Olga, the IUD has been a perfect fit. She used it for two years, during which she felt in control of her reproductive health and could fully focus on her family and work. “When I felt ready to have another child, I simply went back, had the IUD removed, and I conceived,” she says. Today, her first child is 12 years old and her second is seven years old.

Recently, Olga decided it was time to expand her family again. She has had her IUD removed and is now planning for her third child. “The one I have been caring for is mature now, so I feel ready,” she explains. “I am happy because I know I can give birth to healthy children and still take care of them well.”

Olga credits family planning with strengthening her relationship with her husband. “I am safe with my children, and we are in love together with their father because we can manage to take care of them,” she says. “Child spacing has done a great job for our family.”

Beyond her personal success, Olga is deeply grateful to Shared Action Africa for the role they have played in her life and in the lives of many other refugee women. “I appreciate Shared Action Africa for its services,” she says. “I request them to extend their work to communities outside the refugee settlements so they can help more women.”

Her message is clear: family planning is not only a health intervention — it is a tool for economic empowerment, stability, and dignity. By having control over when to have children, Olga has been able to build her business, maintain her health, and raise her children in a loving, well-supported environment.

“I can run my business, move in any direction I want, and focus on my goals,” she says proudly. “All this is possible because of the decision I made with the guidance of Shared Action Africa.”

Olga’s journey reflects the broader impact of reproductive health services in refugee contexts. Access to accurate information, counseling, and a range of safe family planning methods can help women make decisions that transform their lives and communities.

Her story is a reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances — like displacement and life in a refugee settlement — women can thrive when given the tools and freedom to take control of their reproductive choices.

As Olga prepares for the next chapter of her life, she continues to serve as an example to other women in Nakivale: that with the right support, it is possible to balance motherhood, personal growth, and financial independence.

 

13 Aug
Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

“Family Planning, My Future in My Hands — Bridget’s Story”

“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.

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