Notes to broadcasters
Traditional gold panning is a common activity in many parts of West Africa, including Mali. It attracts thousands of workers, especially young people, in search of income. However, this activity is associated with numerous social and health challenges. In these regions, young girls are particularly vulnerable to unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), land disputes with mining companies, tensions between communities and the upsurge of prostitution and environmental problems.
This script discusses an initiative that is having a significant impact on the lives of young girls living in these areas. This is “La Maison de l’Éducation et de Sensibilisation,” located in 1008 Housing Estate of Yirimadjo, a district of Bamako’s commune VI. This organization strives to promote reproductive health education and awareness, with a particular focus on access to methods of contraception.
In regions where gold panning is a dominant activity, access to reproductive health information is limited. Cultural taboos and inadequate sex education increase the risk of early pregnancy and STIs among young girls. “La Maison de l’Éducation et de Sensibilisation” addresses these challenges through workshops, information sessions and the distribution of contraceptives.
This script can be useful in developing programs on methods of contraception for young girls living in gold mining areas. There is need to explain why these regions are particularly affected by reproductive health problems: economic and social instability promotes precariousness and limits access to health services, seasonal migration of workers creates conditions conducive to unprotected relationships, and inadequate access to sex education and health services increases the vulnerability of young girls.
If you choose to present this content as part of your regular program, you may use local actors, actresses, or hosts to portray the interviewees. If so, please make sure to inform your audience at the beginning of the program that these are the voices of actors, actresses, or hosts, and not the actual interviewees.
If you’re interested in creating programs about methods of contraception for young girls in gold mining or vulnerable areas, talk to an NGO manager, a specialist and a beneficiary. For example, you might ask your interviewees the following questions:
- What methods of contraception are most appropriate for young girls and women in these contexts?
- What are the barriers that limit their access to these methods?
- What are the factors to consider when choosing a method of contraception?
- What precautions should be taken to ensure the effectiveness of methods of contraception?
- What advice would you give young girls to ensure the effectiveness of methods of contraception?
Length of program, including intro and extro: 25 to 30 minutes.
Script
SIGNATURE TUNE RISES, THEN FADES OUT
HOST :
Hello, dear listeners, welcome to our program. Today, with our guests, we’re going to talk about methods of contraception for young girls in gold mining areas, through a local organization dedicated to raising awareness and supporting young girls in reproductive health issues, located in a district of Bamako’s commune VI. In these areas, where access to health care is hindered by insecurity and instability, early and unplanned pregnancies are common. Therefore, local initiatives play an essential role in raising awareness and helping young girls choose methods of contraception that are appropriate to their health and circumstances.
To find out more, we’ll talk to three experts. Ms. Diodo Diallo, president of the association, will explain the strategies she has adopted to raise awareness among young girls and local communities. Awa Diarra, a beneficiary of the association, will tell us her story and how she decided to use a method of contraception. Finally, midwife Florence Dacko will talk about the challenges she faces in the field and the approaches she uses to support women and girls in gold mining areas.
HOST :
Hello and welcome Ms. Diodo Diallo. What are the reasons that led your association to offer contraceptives on the traditional gold panning site?
DIODO DIALLO :
One day, I came into contact with a seventeen (17) year old girl named Kadi who was visiting a gold panning site. Unfortunately, she was impregnated by a young man from the same site. Since she wasn’t married, she didn’t want to show up at her family’s house with a baby on her back. She figured out a solution, which was to have an abortion after about three months of pregnancy. She went to a health center and the first person she found was an orderly in a white coat. This person had spent so much time working with nurses and doctors that everyone called him a doctor. She explained her problem and the fake doctor performed the abortion. She came home covered in blood, and a few hours later she couldn’t stand on her feet. She finally explained the situation to her friend and then to her uncle, who took her to the hospital. The conclusion was that her uterus had been cut, jeopardizing her chances of having a child and putting her life in danger. This is the reason why I decided to work for this cause.
HOST :
Oh wow… What a heartbreaking story. It’s horrifying to think what this young girl went through. Not only did she have to deal with an unwanted pregnancy under difficult circumstances, but she also found herself in the hands of someone who had no skills to help her. It’s tragic… Now I understand why you decided to take up this cause. This kind of situation shows just how important access to safe reproductive health services and information is, especially in these communities.
So, tell me, how do you go about raising awareness of the importance of contraception among the communities present in the traditional gold mining area?
DIODO DIALLO:
We organize talks and debates at the gold mining sites with the group of women who work at the site and women from the community who don’t even work at the sites. During the talks, we give the women total freedom to express themselves by asking questions without taboos, as this is usually done between us women, so there are no complexes. We project images that explain the consequences and benefits of methods of contraception. We are always joined by an expert—either an experienced midwife or a gynecologist—who is available to clarify any misconceptions or questions. We often perform plays about the benefits of contraception.
HOST :
What methods of contraception do you offer your members?
DIODO DIALLO :
When we meet with our members, we suggest methods such as withdrawal or coitus interruptus, where the man withdraws his penis just before ejaculation so that it occurs outside the vagina. Next, we suggest periodic abstinence: this involves identifying the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle and abstaining from intercourse or using local contraception during this period. The rhythm or calendar method is the most widely recommended behavioral method. This method is based on abstinence during ovulation. In addition to local methods, we also offer long-term methods of contraception such as implants or intrauterine devices (IUDs) in certain areas, such as gold mining areas. These methods are particularly suitable for women who want effective protection for several years.
HOST :
What are their advantages and disadvantages?
DIODO DIALLO :
These methods have both advantages and disadvantages, because they require the participation of the people concerned and a certain discipline. Often, we can find ourselves in situations where we have to resist, knowing that the conditions are not ideal. What’s more, modern methods can have side effects for some people. That’s why we always start by proposing natural methods, because they have no consequences for the individual’s health. The advantages of natural methods include their cost-effectiveness, as they do not require the purchase of medical products or devices, and their stress-free nature, since they do not require frequent visits to a specialist for follow-up appointments or prescriptions. However, they are less effective if not used correctly, require great rigor and careful observation of the menstrual cycle, and do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
HOST :
What difficulties do you often encounter in promoting these methods of contraception on the Gold Mulch site?
DIODO DIALLO :
The first difficulty is that it’s often not easy to get men to support our cause. They generally think that we’re teaching these women to engage in prostitution, which is an obstacle to our work. Second, the availability of women is not always easy. Finally, we do not get any help from any structure, except for a few people of good will who come to our aid.
HOST :
What impact do you hope to achieve by educating the beneficiaries on the correct use of methods of contraception?
DIODO DIALLO :
The use of methods of contraception has a significant impact on women’s lives. It gives them greater autonomy, allowing them to space their births, take better care of their children and achieve personal fulfillment. It also helps prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Another significant benefit is the reduction of clandestine abortions, which are often performed under dangerous conditions. By allowing women to plan their pregnancies, contraception plays a critical role in improving their overall health and well-being.
HOST :
How do you monitor and support the beneficiaries in the use of methods of contraception?
DIODO DIALLO :
Each of our participants has a file with her medical situation, address and all her personal information. In addition, we have a phone number that women can call twenty-four (24) hours a day if they have any problems. We also have a partnership with the health center to help us follow up with these women. Thanks to this mechanism, we are able to provide a detailed report on each participant.
HOST :
Thank you, Ms. Diodo Diallo.
HOST :
Let’s now meet our second guest, Ms. Awa Diarra, who is a beneficiary of the association. We’re talking about contraception and I’d like to know what methods you use?
AWA DIARRA :
I’ve been using an injectable method for a few months now.
HOST :
Why did you decide to use contraception and what did you like best about using the injectable method?
AWA DIARRA :
I want to space out my pregnancies. I already have two children and I’d like to wait a bit before having more because we live in an area where things are not easy. It’s easier to take care of two children by giving them a good education and better health care. As for my choice of the injection method, I find it more practical. I don’t have to remember to take a pill every day. And an injection lasts three months, so I don’t have to worry during that time.
HOST :
Do you have any concerns or side effects since you started using it?
AWA DIARRA :
At first, I had a little trouble getting used to the irregular bleeding. But it got better with time. Since I’m a member of the association, we share our concerns during our chat sessions, and the association’s specialists usually help us find a solution.
HOST :
Do you know that your method of contraception does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections?
AWA DIARRA :
Yes, we have received the information within the organization, but since I’m a couple, I’m not too worried about it. My partner knows what we’re doing. I inform him about our activities, the different methods and means of protection against sexually transmitted infections.
HOST :
What would you say to other women in your community who are reluctant to use contraception?
AWA DIARRA :
I would tell them that it’s important to plan births and take care of your health. It allows you to take better care of your children and have a balanced life.
HOST :
Thank you very much for your testimony.
With midwife Florence Dacko, we will discuss another aspect of our program. Tell us, what are the best methods of contraception for women working in traditional gold mining areas?
FLORENCE DACKO :
As a specialist, there are several types of contraception, but not all of them are suitable for all situations. The most appropriate method of contraception depends on a person’s general state of health, age, frequency of intercourse, number of sexual partners, desire to have children in the future and family history of certain diseases. Access for all to the methods of contraception of their choice contributes to the promotion of a number of human rights such as the right to life and liberty, freedom of opinion, expression and choice, and the right to work and education, as well as providing other important health and other benefits. Other methods of contraception include oral contraceptive pills, implants, injectable contraceptives, contraceptive patches, vaginal rings, intrauterine devices, condoms, male or female sterilization, lactation amenorrhea methods, withdrawal or coitus interruptus methods, and knowing your fertile period. So you can choose the method that’s right for you.
HOST :
What impact do these contraceptives have?
FLORENCE DACKO :
Contraception protects women, especially adolescents, from the health risks of pregnancy. When it comes to birth spacing, the mortality rate for children born less than two years apart is sixty percent (60%) higher than for children born three years or more apart, and ten percent (10%) higher for children born between two and three years apart. Contraception offers a whole range of potential benefits beyond health, from expanded opportunities for women’s education and empowerment to sustainable population growth and economic development for countries.
The number of women seeking family planning has risen sharply over the past twenty (20) years and is expected to reach one billion one hundred million (1,100,000,000) by 2021. At the same time, the use of modern methods of contraception has increased, with millions more women using them.
Despite this progress, challenges remain. Between 2000 and 2020, the contraceptive prevalence rate increased only slightly, from forty-seven point seven percent (47.7%) to forty-nine percent (49%). This means that millions of women around the world still do not have access to the services they need to avoid an unintended pregnancy.
In Mali in 2019, more than a quarter of women who wanted to avoid pregnancy did not have access to a modern of contraception. To address this need, the Government of Mali is working with USAID and other partners to improve access to family planning services and strengthen maternal and child health.
HOST :
What you’ve just told us highlights a paradox: while access to family planning is improving around the world, millions of women, particularly in Mali, still face numerous barriers. What are the main barriers to the use of contraceptives?
FLORENCE DACKO :
In 2022, seventy-seven point five percent (77.5%) of women aged fifteen to forty-nine (15-49) worldwide were using modern family planning methods. This represents an increase of ten percent (10%) from 1990, when the rate was sixty-seven percent (67%). The slow rate of increase is due in part to the limited choice of methods and limited access to services, especially for young people, the poor and the unmarried. There are side effects or fear of side effects; cultural or religious barriers; the poor quality of services available; user and provider prejudice against certain methods; and gender-related barriers to accessing services. Efforts to address these barriers in some regions have led to increased use of modern methods of contraception. In Mali, approximately twenty-five point two percent (25.2%) of Malian women did not have access to family planning services in 2019. Despite their desire to avoid pregnancy, they were unable to use a modern method of contraception.
To address the health needs of mothers and children, the Government of Mali is working with USAID and other partners. Together, they are investing in family planning and reproductive health services in the hope of achieving a contraceptive prevalence rate of sixteen point seven percent (16.7%) among women aged fifteen to forty-nine (15-49), regardless of their marital status.
HOST :
What are the advantages and disadvantages of these contraceptives?
FLORENCE DACKO :
When contraceptives such as the pill are used, they can be considered a very safe method of contraception. It is ninety-nine percent (99%) effective. However, if the pill is missed, if vomiting occurs within three hours of taking it, or if it interacts with certain medications such as antibiotics, its effectiveness can drop to ninety-three percent (93%). The benefits of the pill are that it is one of the most reliable methods of contraception, reducing the amount and duration of bleeding. It also helps reduce pain during menstruation, and some pills improve acne symptoms.
Disadvantages include no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Its price can be quite high, and finding the “right” pill can take some time. If you miss a pill, you may take it up to twelve (12) hours later.
HOST
What advice can you give regarding the correct and regular use of methods of contraception in the traditional gold panning site?
FLORENCE DACKO :
The correct and regular use of methods of contraception is essential to ensure their effectiveness. It is always advisable to consult a health professional for personalized advice. As far as the gold panning site is concerned, the danger is not only unwanted pregnancies, but also the risk of sexually transmitted diseases such as sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. What I recommend in this kind of situation is the use of condoms. It’s one of the only forms of contraception that not only protects against pregnancy, but also against the transmission of most STIs, such as AIDS. The male condom, when used correctly, is ninety-eight percent (98%) effective in preventing pregnancy
HOST :
Thank you for all your explanations. I also thank all our guests and listeners for this enriching discussion on the promotion of contraceptive methods for girls and women, especially in the gold mining areas. We were honored to hear from the president of the association, Ms. Diodo Diallo, who shared valuable perspectives on the challenges and solutions in this community. Midwife Florence Dacko also emphasized the importance of education and access to health care to safeguard the reproductive health of young girls. And finally, the poignant testimony of Awa Diarra, a beneficiary, reminds us just how much these initiatives can transform lives.
It’s critical that we continue to raise awareness and mobilize the resources needed to give girls and women the tools and support they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and their future. Together, we can contribute to positive and lasting change. Stay tuned for our next programs, where we’ll address other issues critical to the development of our communities. Thank you again for your support, and see you soon!
Acknowledgements
Contributed by : Cheick Bounama Coulibaly, journalist-lecturer, Fondation Maarif, fraternité production Bamako Mali and Radio TEOLIS.
Reviewed by: Fatoumata Coulibaly, Midwife at the Hamdalaye Community Health Centre in Koutiala.
Information sources
Ms. Diodo Diallo, president of the LADAMOUSO association, September 20, 2024.
Ms Florence Dacko, specialist midwife and LADAMOUSO consultant, September 23, 2022.
Awa Diarra, beneficiary and member of the LADAMOUSO association, March 29, 2024.
Resources consulted :
- World Health Organization (WHO), “Family planning and contraception”: https://www.who.int/fr/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/family-planning-contraception
- USAID, “Impact Brief: Mali”: https://www.usaid.gov/document/impact-brief-mali-
- Focus 2030, “Access to contraception worldwide: current situation and challenges”: https://focus2030.org/Acces-a-la-contraception-dans-le-monde-etat-des-lieux-et-defis-actuels
This news item was produced thanks to the “HÉRÈ – Bien-être des femmes au Mali” initiative, which aims to improve the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls, and to strengthen the prevention of and response to gender-based violence in the regions of Sikasso, Ségou, Mopti and the district of Bamako, Mali. The project is implemented by the Consortium HÉRÈ – MSI Mali, in partnership with Radios Rurales Internationales (RRI) and Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), with funding from Global Affairs Canada.
