Effects of women empowerment and autonomy on contraception use and method choice in East African community

Monika S. Sawhney, Marshall University
Collins Opiyo, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Determinants of family planning use are well established in different contexts. However, less is known about the association between method choice and women’s empowerment. This study examines different aspects of women’s empowerment and its influence on family planning methods choice in East African community countries. Demographic and Health Surveys data are used to test the hypothesis that less empowered women and those with low levels of autonomy tend to not practice family planning and, when they do, are more likely to use permanent methods or methods not requiring men’s awareness or involvement. An ordinal multi-variable sample-selection model will be employed to model this two-stage contraceptive use behavior. The results are expected to clarify the linkages between women’s empowerment and family planning practices among East African community countries, and provide policy makers and development partners with evidence to improve the supply chain for family planning information and services in the region.