The Kenyans saying no to motherhood and yes to sterilisation

In Kenya, a growing number of women are making the significant decision to not have children, and this is changing traditional views on motherhood. One such woman is Nelly Naisula Sironka, a 28-year-old who has taken a bold step by undergoing a sterilisation procedure known as tubal ligation. This procedure permanently prevents pregnancy by blocking the fallopian tubes, and Nelly feels a sense of freedom from societal expectations. She expressed her feelings by saying, 'I feel liberated. ' This choice allows her to focus on her own future without the responsibilities of motherhood. According to Kenya's health ministry, around 16,000 women underwent tubal ligation between 2020 and 2023, but it is unclear how many of these women were childless.

Dr. Nelly Bosire, a gynaecologist based in Nairobi, has observed a shift in the types of women seeking sterilisation. Traditionally, women who opted for this procedure were those who already had multiple children. However, Dr. Bosire notes that more women with fewer children are now considering this option. It is important to understand that sterilisation is recommended only for women who are certain they do not want to have biological children in the future, as reversing the procedure is quite difficult. Dr. Bosire cautions that doctors typically do not encourage tubal ligation due to the low success rate of reversals. Nelly, who comes from a large family, did not feel pressured to start her own family. Instead, she credits her father for supporting her education and instilling a love for reading. Through books by influential feminist authors, Nelly discovered that a fulfilling life without children was possible.

After years of contemplation, Nelly finally decided to go through with the procedure after saving enough money and securing a stable job that allowed her to take time off. The cost of the surgery was 30,000 Kenyan shillings, which is approximately 190 pounds or 230 dollars. Nelly is concerned about the erosion of women's rights globally, especially after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion in 2022. This event made her fear that women's rights to control their own bodies could be threatened elsewhere, prompting her to act while she still had the opportunity. When she shared her decision with her family, they were not surprised, as she had always been vocal about her desire for a child-free life. Nelly is still contemplating how this choice will impact her dating life. She is not alone in her decision, as many women in Kenya are openly discussing their choice to remain child-free. Muthoni Gitau, a well-known YouTuber, has also shared her experience of getting her tubes tied with her audience.