Empowering Choices: Khaleda's Family Planning Journey in the Rohingya Refugee Camp

Khaleda and her husband have called the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox's Bazar home for years, having fled Myanmar to seek safety and a better future. At 30 years old, Khaleda is a mother of four – three sons and a daughter.

Life in the refugee camp has not been easy, but Khaleda found support and guidance from the dedicated community health workers who regularly visited her home in the Rohingya camp. These visits, along with informative courtyard sessions held in her community, taught Khaleda valuable information about maternal health care and family planning. It was through one of these interactions that Khaleda learned about the benefits of delivering her last child, Runa, in a healthcare facility rather than at home. This experience instilled in her a sense of trust and confidence in midwives and the healthcare services available to her.

In addition to maternal health, the community health workers introduced Khaleda to various family planning options. This information was transformative. Understanding the importance of managing the size of her family for their overall well-being, Khaleda made an informed decision to opt for an implant, a method of contraception that would prevent pregnancy for four years.

“Too many children means too much responsibility,” Khaleda shares, reflecting on her decision. "The implant has brought me peace, allowing me to care for my existing children without the added stress of an unplanned pregnancy." She adds, feeling empowered and in control of her reproductive health.

Amina's dedication goes beyond just providing information. She often sits with Khaleda and other women in the camp, discussing not just health, but also the cultural beliefs that sometimes conflict with modern family planning methods. “In our community, there is a strong belief that children are a blessing from Allah and that it's not our place to prevent births,” Amina explains. “But we also have to consider the health and future of the children we already have.”

Khaleda’s journey was not without its challenges. Convincing her husband and her family initially about the implant was difficult. 

Khaleda's experience with the implant has been positive, and she plans to continue using this method after the current one reaches the end of its lifespan. Her story teaches us that even in the most trying circumstances, empowerment is just a choice away. Her courageous journey reminds us that family planning is more than a healthcare issue; it’s a woman’s path to reclaiming control of her life. It highlights the importance of community health initiatives and the profound difference they can make in the lives of individuals.

One of the health workers, Amina, has been a consistent source of support for Khaleda. “I remember when Amina first visited me,” Khaleda recalls. “I was overwhelmed with my responsibilities, and the idea of more children was frightening. Amina patiently explained to me the various family planning methods.”

Through continuous awareness sessions and access to essential health services, UNFPA empowers women like Khaleda to make informed choices about their reproductive health, ensuring better futures for their families living in the Rohingya refugee camps.