Family Planning

A family planning organization has begun work in Dombila. They came with their big SUV for two days of free family planning services, which they gave out at the CSCOM. Over 80 women came, some young girls, but mostly middle aged women looking for long-term family planning options (there was both 5 and 12 year “devices” offered). Family planning was not something that I have yet unearthed in my position as health educator, as I was still uncertain about the cultural context on which it sits. As for my own personal views, I support stressing abstinence as the first and best option. However with oppressed women in rural Mali, sometimes you need a second option. Women came and registered their names and number of children- some have given birth to as many as 12. And I never heard a whisper of opposition to these services in the village. So I’ll be the last to openly speak out against it.
As for me, I found a window to finally start having open conversations about AIDS. As the women went around showing the different family planning techniques, I followed to stress that even if they are getting long-term family planning, they should strongly consider male or female condoms to prevent AIDS and STIs. All of the doctors were women, but the person registering at the front table was a man. He was giving out free condoms at his table, but apparently, the word hadn’t spread around the village because no guys were showing up. I myself considered going around on my bike and rounding up the men, but I thought better of it and found a young high school guy to do it for me. He went to a nearby mango tree where a bunch of the high school guys hang out after school, he returned with nobody.
“Where are they?” I asked, wondering if they don’t understand the importance of condoms, and half hoping that they don’t need them anyway.
I was assured that they understand the importance. “They’ll come,” he told me, and indicated to the front gate of the CSCOM. I looked over to see about a dozen little heads peeking over the wall, only to quickly descend when somebody glanced their way. It was a hilarious scene, and Irene and I got quite a chuckle out of it. Eventually, with some rumbling behind the gate, one chosen young chap was pushed into the CSCOM, obviously with much resistance. But once your in you know, you gotta act cool. He knew we were all watching him as wondered around trying not to look stupid.
“Come say hi to your friend over here,” Irene said, indicating the front-desk-guy. The youngun came over shook his hand, was handed a 4-pack of condoms which he quickly put in his pocket. As he turned around to exit, all of the heads that were watching he every move again descended, and we could tell as he returned to his troops there was much fanfare behind the gate.
Irene was the first to make it clear that if you wanted the condoms, you had to come in yourself. You can’t take a bunch and give them to your friends. So donni donni these guys started to come in. It was always the same thing, they were pushed in the pool, a bit confused once in, directed toward the guy, shook his hand, shot an embarrassed smile over to me and Irene who couldn’t help but watch. “Put it in your pocket!” we’d say, and then with a brisk walk, they’d return outside the wall. The condoms were out of stock within the hour.

Post-script: I wrote this awhile ago, but here's related news: I've started teaching sex ed (AIDS, STIs, Family Planning) at the local school out of request from the director. GO figure. We'll see how this goes...