After becoming pregnant at just 17, Farzana wished she had known more about her options. This experience inspired her to dedicate her life to ensuring other women never feel the same uncertainty.
Now a counsellor at MSI’s clinic in Ajmer, India, since 2013, Farzana uses her warm personality and incredible networking skills to spread the word about reproductive health — to anyone who will listen!
Here’s her story, in her own words:
“I was married very young, at 17. When I got pregnant, I was happy but very naive. I consider myself my first client – I had conceived a child but did not even know where it was delivered from!
Before working with MSI, I had no idea about family planning methods. I was so distressed because I couldn’t space my pregnancies or access information about contraceptives. When I finally did, I was so happy that I could now share it with everyone!
In my area, which is mostly Muslim, it was difficult to talk to women. I thought, ‘Why only do this during work hours? I can do it beyond work too!’ People invite me to functions and women’s events — I go, talk, and gradually tell them about my work, about family planning and MSI’s services.
Even on the bus, I talk to whoever sits next to me. Even the bus driver asked me what I do because he sees me every day. He later came to the clinic with his wife for an abortion.
Yesterday, a policeman sat next to me on the bus and asked me about my job, I told him what I do and the services we provide at MSI. He thanked me for being a woman who does such work. He gave me his number and said I could call him for any help. This is how my network keeps growing.
Women should have the right to end their pregnancies. Before, many women suffered because they didn’t know who to turn to. They used dangerous methods, sometimes resulting in death.
Now things are changing. We go door-to-door, talking one-to-one with women, even men, about family planning and vasectomy.
I’m happy working at MSI because it has changed my life. Before, I stayed at home. Now I make a salary, I travel from village to village and share this important knowledge wherever I go.”
