Rwanda is celebrating an extraordinary public health achievement that's empowering women and transforming families across the nation. According to the Rwanda Statistical Yearbook recently released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, the use of modern family planning methods among married women has climbed dramatically over three decades, reaching 64 percent in 2025 compared to just 13 percent in 1992.

This heartening progress tells a story of women gaining greater autonomy over their reproductive choices and families being able to plan for brighter futures together. Women like Umurerwa, a resident of Nyarutarama, exemplify this positive shift. After welcoming her first child, she and her husband had meaningful conversations about their dreams and financial goals. "I started using family planning after my first child because I needed to plan for the future," she explained. "The choice came from our situation and long-term goals."

With guidance from a gynecologist, Umurerwa chose an intrauterine device (IUD), which medical experts recognize as one of the safest and most effective forms of reversible contraception, with over 99 percent efficacy. While she experienced some challenges with infections, a side effect some women encounter, her determination and the support of healthcare providers helped her manage these concerns. She emphasized how crucial open communication with her husband proved throughout the process, noting that while he initially had reservations, thoughtful discussion helped them reach agreement about what was best for their family.

The Ripple Effect of this transformation extends far beyond individual families. Dr. Kenneth Ruzindana, a senior consultant obstetrician and gynecologic oncologist at Kigali University Teaching Hospital, attributes Rwanda's success to visionary government leadership and smart integration of family planning into routine healthcare. Community health workers bring these services directly to neighborhoods, reaching everyone from married couples to adolescents through welcoming outreach programs.

Accessibility has been a game changer. Family planning services are now available nationwide and provided free or at minimal cost, ensuring that even lower-income women can access the care they need. Regular community gatherings, including the monthly Umuganda community work sessions, create safe spaces for sharing information and normalizing conversations about reproductive health. Local and national leaders participate alongside community health workers, helping to shift cultural attitudes and encourage informed decision-making.

Perhaps most inspiring is how education has transformed women's lives. "Times are changing, women are more educated and can make choices for themselves," Dr. Ruzindana noted. "Higher literacy helps them communicate with health providers and report any side effects, and it is connected to decision-making within families. The more women are empowered, the greater their reproductive autonomy."

While challenges remain, including concerns about side effects and some persistent misconceptions, healthcare providers continue working to address these through education and supportive counseling. The focus remains on ensuring women have accurate information and the freedom to make choices that align with their personal goals and family aspirations.

Rwanda's success demonstrates what's possible when governments invest in women's health, communities rally around education, and couples work together toward shared dreams. This is a story of empowerment, partnership, and the beautiful outcomes that emerge when women gain control over their own futures.