September 16 is World Female Condom Day.
The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the female condom, a powerful tool that has the potential to change the sexual health landscape, especially in countries like South Africa.
But beyond the condom itself, this day represents something much bigger - empowerment, choice and control over one's body and health.
Despite being a powerful tool for sexual and reproductive health, female condoms are often underutilised according to one Lancet study.
Worn internally, female condoms give women direct control over their protection, a factor that can be particularly significant in situations where negotiating condom use with a partner proves difficult.
This element of control is what truly sets the female condom apart. It empowers women to prioritise their sexual health on their terms, without relying solely on the cooperation of their partners.
Despite the clear benefits of female condoms - such as providing women with control over their sexual health and protection against both unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - many women in South Africa still face obstacles in accessing these essential services.
The barriers are often compounded by the fear of judgement from healthcare providers, limited access to youth-friendly services, and a lack of comprehensive sex education.
For many young women, the idea of visiting a clinic to ask for female condoms can be intimidating. The fear of being judged or dismissed by healthcare workers can make it difficult for women to access the services they need.
This is especially true for young people, who may feel uncomfortable discussing sexual health due to cultural or societal stigma.
At the heart of this issue is the need to normalise open, honest conversations about sexual and reproductive health.
Talking about sex shouldn’t be taboo, and young people should feel empowered to ask questions and seek advice without fear of judgement. This is where campaigns like #ForeverWena play an important role.
“Global Female Condom Day is not just about a single contraceptive method,” said Dr Trishka Manilall, a medical doctor and partner of the #ForeverWena campaign.
“It’s about promoting a world where everyone has the right to safe, pleasurable, and healthy sexual experiences. By increasing awareness, promoting education, and advocating for greater access, we can empower women to take control of their bodies and make informed choices about their sexual health.”
According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), South Africa has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world.
In 2022, an estimated 7.8 million people were living with HIV in the country. Of these, nearly 4.8 million were women, highlighting the urgent need for female-centred solutions to sexual health.
Although South Africa has made significant improvements in sexual health services over the years, it still struggles with HIV prevalence and access to contraceptives. When it comes to teenage pregnancies, the numbers are equally alarming.
The #ForeverWena campaign emphasises that it’s not one or the other—it’s about empowering women to make the right choices for them.
Female condoms are just one option in a broader conversation about sexual health, but they represent an important step toward a more inclusive and respectful approach to contraception.
When women are given the tools and information they need to make informed choices, they are not only protecting their health but also contributing to a healthier society.
Benefits of female condoms
Dual protection: It provides a barrier against STIs, including HIV and Zika, and sperm, offering comprehensive protection.
Hormone-free: Unlike many other contraceptive methods, the female condom is hormone-free, making it suitable for people who cannot or choose not to use hormonal options.
Control and discretion: Women have complete control over the use of the female condom, and it can be inserted discreetly up to eight hours before intercourse.
Latex-free options: For people with latex allergies, the availability of nitrile and polyurethane versions ensures safe and comfortable use.
Get involved and learn more about sexual health:
If you’re curious about female condoms or want to learn more about your sexual health options, Dr Randall Ortel will be hosting a TikTok live session tonight (Monday, 16 September) at 8pm, where he will focus on female condoms and answer any questions you might have.
This is a perfect chance to learn in an open, friendly environment without fear of judgement.
For more information, visit foreverwena.co.za, follow @ForeverWenaZA on social media, or connect via their WhatsApp Chatbot on 084 952 6152. You can also scan the QR code [see attached QR code] to get direct access to helpful resources.