More than a decade after it was introduced, the humble female oondom remains a mystery to most South African women.
The female condom is the only female-initiated method that offers protection against both pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases. And although numerous studies have shown high acceptability of the product, irregular supply has prevented it from becoming mainstream.
In Zimbabwe a novel social marketing programme run by Population Services International (PSI) is bringing messages about the female condom to women in a secure setting – hair salons. “There’s a trust relationship between clients and the hairdresser.
They are more open to what you say,” said Tarisa Wenzira, one of the 2 000 hairdressers PSI trained to demonstrate the correct use of female condoms and answer clients’ questions about them.
Wenzira said she talks to her clients while braiding their hair. Her clients, who often have to stay in their chairs for a few hours, are a captive audience. “I’ll say: ‘Have you heard about Care?’ and they’ll ask: ‘What is Care?’ Then you start explaining,” she said.
Care is the brand of female condom supplied to hairdressers by PSI. The hairdressers sell the discreetly packaged female condoms, which are often mistaken for soap, at their salons for a small profit.
