Submission ID 130866
| Issue/Objective | In Kano State, gender disparity in the PPMV sector is pronounced, with one female PPMV to sixteen males, and 23 LGAs having no female PPMVs at all. This gap limits access to female-led family planning services, particularly in conservative communities where women prefer same-gender providers. Despite efforts to empower women, few successfully establish or sustain PPMV businesses due to structural and socio-economic barriers. This study examines the challenges female PPMVs face in establishing and sustaining FP businesses and and their implications for equitable FP service delivery |
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| Methodology/Approach | A qualitative study was conducted across six LGAs in Kano State in February 2025, involving six focus group discussions (FGDs) with 48 female PPMVs. The study examined financial, societal, regulatory, and economic challenges that hinder women's ability to successfully operate PPMV businesses and provide FP services. The discussions were transcribed and thematically analyzed to identify key barriers influencing women's participation in FP service delivery. |
| Results | Findings revealed that financial exclusion remains a major barrier, with women facing stricter loan conditions than men. Lack of collateral, high interest rates, judgment on business intention and skepticism from lenders prevent women from expanding their businesses. Societal norms also discourage female PPMVs from providing FP services, exposing them to community scrutiny, gender-based stigma, and family opposition. Many female PPMVs reported accumulating debt due to unpaid credit sales, as clients frequently take medicines on credit without repayment. Refusing to offer credit leads to negative community perceptions. Regulatory challenges, including business registration, further deter women from sustaining PPMV businesses. The high cost of FP commodities, inadequate financial literacy, and the burden of balancing business with domestic responsibilities add further strain. Many female PPMVs also lack access to formal business training and mentorship programs, limiting their capacity to scale and sustain their services. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Addressing financial, regulatory, and socio-cultural barriers limiting female PPMVs is critical to advancing equitable FP access. Aligning with Equity in Action, scaling gender-responsive financing and supportive regulatory frameworks can strengthen women's participation, improve service delivery, and restore equity in underserved communities. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Delafrida Ukaga Society for Family Health Emeka Okafor Society for Family Health Michael Alagbile Society for Family Health |
