The Impact of Family Planning on Women's Lives: Findings from the Women's Studies Project in Mali and Zimbabwe

This paper reports on the findings of the Women's Studies Project, a five-year research effort conducted by Family Health International and designed to study the impact of family planning on women's lives. Twenty-six field studies were conducted in ten countries, including the sub-Sahara countries of Mali and Zimbabwe. In Mali, researchers looked at the experiences of first-time contraceptive users and factors that influence decisions to continue or discontinue methods, including spousal approval. In Zimbabwe, studies focused on family planning as a factor in women's participation in the country's economic development process. Researchers concluded that daftly planning is one of many strategies women can use to exercise autonomy in their lives. However, negative consequences of contraceptive use, such as community disapproval or husband's opposition may discourage women from taking control of their fertility. (Afr J Reprod Health 1999:3 [1]: 27-38) Key Words: Family planning, women's lives, Mali, Zimbabw