The Sunday Mail
Phillipa Mukome-Chinhoi
In many cultures, when a couple fails to have a child, society tends to point fingers at the woman, labelling her infertile.
Such women are even stigmatised.
Mbuya Sibongile Maonde, a Chitungwiza-based traditional healer, said it is common for women who are suspected of being infertile to be divorced.
“Women are always at fault when it comes to issues to do with infertility. Women who are suspected of being infertile are often sent back to their parents so that they can seek help.
“This is done without even looking at the husband’s side. At times, if the woman fails to conceive, she is divorced or the husband marries another wife,” Mbuya Maonde said.
The traditional healer gave an example of a Sigauke, who got married to her high school sweetheart, Samson.
“After two years of marriage, the husband’s family started asking him why his wife was failing to conceive. The pressure that was being exerted on the young couple resulted in their divorce,” Mbuya Maonde said.
According to Mbuya Maonde, it was later on discovered that Samson was the one who was infertile.
In a case that shocked the world, the hands of a 27-year-old Kenyan, Jackline Mwende, were chopped off by her husband, who accused her of being infertile.
As was the case with Samson, it was later on discovered that it was her husband who was infertile.
Debunking myths
Dr Mugove Madziyire, a consultant obstetrician, said people should stop stigmatising those failing to conceive.
“Infertility affects both sexes. Some sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea may cause infertility.
“Sadly, such infections can be asymptomatic,” Dr Madziyire said.
The World Health Organisation indicated that 8 to 12 percent of couples worldwide experience infertility issues, with the number of people seeking treatment increasing dramatically.
Infertility is, according to health experts, associated with pain, humiliation, embarrassment and stress.
Dr Mertha Mo Nyamande, an integrative psychotherapist, said the effects of infertility are far-reaching.
“Infertility affects a victim’s confidence and self-esteem.
“The frustration of a couple on failing to have kids causes a lot of problems, as the two often blame each other,” Dr Nyamande said.
According to Dr Nyamande, infertility can cause psychological distress, emotional stress and financial difficulties for both partners.
Typical reactions to infertility include shock, sadness, depression anger and frustration.
Merck Foundation, an international organisation that empowers infertile women across the continent, has been at the forefront in helping tackle infertility.
Under the “More than a Mother” programme, the foundation has come to the aid of people such as Mwende.
During an online media training session, the Merck Foundation chief executive officer, Dr Rasha Kelej, highlighted some of the effects of infertility.
“Infertility can transform from acute, private distress into a harsh public stigma with complex and devastating consequences.
“An inability to have a child or to become pregnant can result in one being greatly isolated, disinherited or assaulted. This may result in divorce or physical and psychological violence,” Dr Kelej said.
The “More than a Mother” initiative is aimed at defining interventions that reduce the stigma and social suffering of infertile women.
The programme also empowers women to raise awareness about male infertility and the necessity for a team approach to family building among couples across the continent.
Zimbabwe is immensely benefiting from the partnership between First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa and the Merck Foundation. Dr Mnangagwa is the Ambassador of Merck Foundation More than a Mother in Zimbabwe.
The partnership has added significant value to women’s health and transformed the landscape of fertility and reproductive health.
