On International Older Persons Day, we honor those like Johara, whose life story transcends generations, carrying with it timeless wisdom. Johara, a widow of 65, resides in a bustling urban slum in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Her story, though from a different era, radiates timeless wisdom, shining a light on a topic that remains profoundly relevant today: family planning.

Johara's tale began in a different era. At the tender age of 16, she swiftly embraced motherhood, nurturing eight children – four sons and four daughters. Soon after, her world shifted dramatically when her husband passed away, leaving her to navigate the complexities of life as a single parent. 

The challenges of managing a large family, especially in an urban slum, are daunting. Providing each child with opportunities to thrive becomes a complex puzzle. Yet, amidst the daily struggles, Johara reflects on a different path she might have chosen, given the opportunity. In her own words -

If I had the power to choose, I would've opted for two children.

Johra recognizes the profound benefits of a smaller family, where each child can receive more attention, care, and opportunities to flourish. Today, Johra stands as a pillar of support, guiding her daughters to make informed choices about contraception.

Johara's journey is a testament to the significance of reproductive choices, especially for women. Family planning empowers individuals to make thoughtful decisions regarding the size and timing of their families, leading to improved health outcomes for both women and their children.

Johara's story reminds us of the enduring significance of reproductive rights, a cornerstone of individual autonomy and dignity. These rights empower everyone to shape their lives according to their own vision.

In Bangladesh, remarkable progress in contraceptive use has been seen, with rates rising from a mere 5% at the time of independence to an impressive 64% today. Nonetheless, the struggle is far from over. There remains an estimated 5 million women in Bangladesh who lack access to safe family planning methods.  

Johara's narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the wide-ranging impact of choice. It reaffirms that informed decision-making lies at the heart of human rights, radiating the potential to reframe lives and societies alike.

(Source - BDHS 2022)