Earlier this year, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala Al-Said declared that this year marks the beginning of a three-year birth control program. This announcement came as no shock to anyone, but more of a surprise that such a positive and progressive move is finally being executed regarding sexual health in Egypt.
President Al Sisi himself warned of Egypt’s exploding population. His excellency stated that it is a matter of homeland security, which is why such initiatives are being undertaken. This push towards contraception dramatically cuts the cost of birth control measures, whether it be condoms, IUDs, or birth control pills. However, it begs questions regarding the readiness of Egyptians to accept such measures.
Why Is Contraception Taboo?
Sex education is very limited and non-existent in many parts of Egypt. Rural and developing areas suffer the most, where sex itself is taboo and is only looked upon as a means to an end, not a normal par for the course in everyone’s lives. These areas lag behind the most because they have the lowest rates of women in education or work. The initiative directs attention to encouraging and sponsoring girls’ education and role in society other than being housewives. With such initiatives in place, there is hope to lower the rate of births and give women a chance of self-fulfilment in roles other than being a mother.
It is also important to note that birth control has some pretty significant side effects on women. And the biggest misconception is that women and only women are in charge of the process of contraception. Men are excluded based on solely misogynist ideas, while women are left to bear the brunt of body-altering procedures or medication.
So today, we bring to light these facts, in hopes that these government initiatives and enlightened ideas regarding sexual health are taken into consideration. The veil over sex needs to be lifted, and manners need to be discussed maturely and realistically without pushing women off the ledge even when it comes to their control over their bodies.