From No to Yes: Overcoming Family Resistance to Reproductive Health Sessions

Written by SAA Facilitator

On Mansir 22, 2080, I set out for Ward No.-01 in Karuniya Tol of Devahi Gonahi Municipality, Rautahat, to conduct an SAA session on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for adolescents and youth under the USAID Adolescent Reproductive Health Project. When I arrived at the venue, I was surprised to find it empty—none of the participants were present.

Concerned, I visited the homes of the absent participants and soon discovered the challenge: many young women were not being allowed to attend, with one family member bluntly stating that their daughter-in-law was not permitted to leave the house. Despite earlier efforts to inform the families about the importance of the session, resistance remained firm, particularly from the mother-in-laws.

Determined not to give up, I worked closely with our local Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) and community leaders. Together, we visited the participants’ homes once again, speaking directly with their families and explaining the value of the session. After several discussions, we managed to convince one mother-in-law to allow her daughter-in-law to attend.

On February 1st, we successfully conducted the session, marking a breakthrough. The mother-in-law, once reluctant, not only allowed her daughter-in-law to participate but also committed to supporting her involvement in future sessions.

This experience reinforced the importance of ongoing coordination and consultation in promoting sexual and reproductive health in conservative communities. With persistence and dialogue, even the most deep-seated barriers can be overcome.