A new article published in Contraception provides robust evidence linking women’s
empowerment and life-stage to contraceptive method mix across 28 countries in sub-
Saharan Africa. The article is part of the broader multi-country family planning study
conducted by the Countdown to 2030 initiative.

Across the region, implants and injectables remain the most used contraceptive
methods on average. However, the research found that higher levels of empowerment
were consistently associated with more diversified method mixes and a lower reliance
on these two methods. More empowered women were more likely to shift toward
methods that offer greater personal control and fewer side effects, particularly
condoms and fertility-awareness–based methods.

Among the empowerment domains examined, social independence showed the
strongest and most consistent association with method diversification. This domain
captures women’s education as well as structural dynamics within partnerships, such
as age and educational differences between partners. These factors reflect more
gender-equitable relationships and are closely linked to women’s autonomy within
intimate relationships.

The findings highlight that women’s empowerment is not only a social goal but a key
determinant of reproductive choice. Empowerment strengthens women’s agency
within intimate relationships, enhances their ability to navigate health systems, and
supports true contraceptive autonomy.

“Our findings show that supporting women’s autonomy and access to a diverse range
of contraceptives should be central to family planning programs, not just reaching
coverage or method-specific targets’, comments author Franciele Hellwig.
Programs that foster education, economic opportunities, and reproductive autonomy
for women — especially at key life stages — are likely to yield stronger, more
sustainable, and more equitable increases in family planning coverage.

You can have full access to the study by clicking here.