Chommie, you know me. I talk about sex, contraception, and all the things the girls in Mzansi need to know. We have no shame here. No judgement, babes.
In a lot of homes, especially in conservative or traditional families, who might be scared of big changes, sex and anything related to it can feel like a no-go zone. Many parents or elders think that talking about contraception means encouraging sex. But, Big Sis knows that knowledge is power.
We aren’t about pushing anyone to do anything but about giving you the tools to make smart, safe choices.
Stigma - I bet you've heard that word quite a bit right? If a topic has a stigma around it, it means it gives people uncomfortable feelings, or there are negative ideas associated with the topic. It can make it hard to approach the subject. And silence or fear brings misinformation and that's dangerous, sis. An example of a misconception is that contraception is for ‘bad girls’. There are NO bad girls, babes. We are all valuable and allowed to care for ourselves.
Here’s The Thing: If we don’t talk about contraception, we stay uninformed, which can lead to unwanted pregnancies or even STIs. And I’m pretty sure no one wants that!
The more we speak about it the more youngsters can get the info they need to make the best choices for their lives. It's all about owning your health and your future. Period.
Ok, so how do you even bring it up without everyone staring at you like you just dropped a bombshell?
Instead of diving straight into “I want to talk about birth control,” you can bring up general health topics, like women’s health or menstrual cycles, and let the conversation naturally move towards contraception.
You can say something like, “Hey Mom, I’ve been learning about different ways women can protect their health, and I think it’s important we talk about contraception, even if I’m not ready for that yet.”
If it feels like a lecture, flip it! Ask your family what they think about contraceptives. It can help create an open space for discussion without making anyone defensive - put them in the driver's seat, chom. Also, you might be surprised—once you start the convo, your family may appreciate your maturity and openness. They may even have some wisdom to share, or at the very least, understand that you’re prioritising your health.
If the conversation gets heated, stay cool, sis. You’re bringing this up because it’s important—not to start a war! But, if you start to feel like the space is no longer safe or lekker, then you can change the subject or move away at any time, and perhaps approach or give it another try at a later date.
Talking about contraception in your family doesn’t mean you're disrespecting your culture or values, ghel. Remember, there’s no shame in talking about contraception. It's not a dirty word. It’s about being smart, safe, and ready when the time comes. You’re allowed to know your options and take control of your body. The more we break the silence in our families, the more informed, healthy, and powerful we ALL become.
Blogs
