Society/ Kenyan women embrace sterilisation, defying traditional norms

A growing number of Kenyan women are opting for tubal ligation, a permanent contraceptive procedure, challenging societal expectations that tie womanhood to motherhood. Traditionally sought by women with multiple children, the trend now includes younger, childless women seeking control over their futures.

Between 2020 and 2023, around 16,000 women in Kenya underwent the procedure, according to the Ministry of Health.

Despite its permanence, sterilisation is gaining traction as a means of asserting autonomy.

However, resistance persists within medical and cultural circles, with doctors often reluctant to perform the procedure on younger or childless women, citing societal norms and the difficulty of reversal.

This shift reflects a broader global movement of women rejecting traditional roles and prioritising personal choice.

In Kenya, the trend is gaining visibility as women share their experiences online, challenging long-standing expectations and reshaping conversations about gender and fulfilment.

As more women embrace sterilisation, they are redefining what it means to live life on their own terms.

Source: bbc.com