[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ custom_margin=”%22||||false|false%22″ custom_padding=”%22||||false|false%22″ global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″][et_pb_row column_structure=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”%220px||0px||false|false%22″ custom_padding=”%220px||0px||false|false%22″ global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″][et_pb_column type=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ text_line_height=”%221.6em%22″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” link_option_url_new_window=”%22on%22″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
When misinformation and false assumptions are more easily believed than facts, important decisions can turn out to be wrong. That\u2019s what happened to Yusina Kase and Maxi Taloim, a married couple. For years, misconceptions about contraception made them reluctant to use birth control. Their views changed when they met a health worker who provided accurate information about birth control to help them make fact-based decisions. <\/p>\n
Yusina started using injectable birth control in 2014 after giving birth to her first child. \u201cThe first time I got the shot, it hurt. I had a headache and a fever. It was the same after the second shot. When I got the third shot, it was the same again\u2014the pain just wouldn\u2019t go away,\u201d she recalled. <\/p>\n
Yusina said she was not given any explanation about the side effects of the injectable contraceptive she chose. Not only did she experience fever and pain, but she also lost weight. Seeing this, Maxi, her husband, forbade Yusina from using any form of contraception, regardless of the method. \u201cTo be honest, at that time I became very opposed to the Family Planning (KB) program because I assumed that all types of contraception would have the same side effects,\u201d Maxi recalled. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″][et_pb_column type=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Yusina-Kase-sedang-menenun-kain-tradisional-dari-tampak-depan-di-dalam-rumah-di-Desa-Pariti-di-Kabupaten-Kupang-scaled-e1791356574389.jpg” alt=”"Source"” title_text=”Yusina Kase is weaving traditional fabric, as seen from the front, inside her home in Pariti Village, Kupang Regency\u2014scaled-e1791356574389″ align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”%22Foto” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″][et_pb_column type=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_heading title=”Patriarchy and Disinformation” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″][et_pb_column type=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″]The combination of a strong patriarchal culture and a lack of knowledge about contraception poses a barrier to women\u2019s access to contraception. This finding was one of the most prominent issues identified prior to the implementation of the TAKENUSA (Joint Commitment to Women\u2019s Health in Nusa Tenggara) program in South Central Timor Regency, Kupang, and East Flores. <\/p>\n
Community leader Maria Yana Aryani Bate said, \u201cThere was a case where a husband refused to let his wife use birth control, even though their child was only four months old.\u201d Many women are unwilling to use contraception because their husbands won\u2019t allow it. She added that once a woman has been \u201cdibelis\u201d (given a wedding dowry), she must follow her husband\u2019s family\u2019s decisions, including regarding the number of children they have. A strong patriarchal culture makes it difficult for Yusina and most women in East Nusa Tenggara to refuse their husbands\u2019 decisions. <\/p>\n
Resistance to family planning is not only encountered by community health workers but also during counseling sessions with midwives. \u201cA midwife once counseled a woman on using long-acting contraception because she already had many children. However, her husband didn\u2019t agree. So the midwife was accused of meddling in family affairs,\u201d recalled Midwife Triyanti Jeli Rosalina Safe, who works at the Sulamu Community Health Center in South Central Timor Regency. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″][et_pb_column type=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Ibu-kader-sedang-memberikan-sosialisasi-kepada-warga-yang-duduk-di-depan-bangunan-Huntara-di-Kabupaten-Flores-Timur-scaled-e1791356624450.jpg” title_text=”A community leader is conducting an outreach session for residents sitting in front of the Huntara building in East Flores Regency-scaled-e1791356624450″ align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″][et_pb_column type=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_heading title=”Health workers as a bridge for information” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″][et_pb_column type=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″]Maria, a community health worker, frequently raises awareness about contraception at Posyandu sessions, during home visits, and at community gatherings to provide accurate information. She says she has become more confident in her role as an information bridge after receiving training from IPAS Indonesia. <\/p>\n
\u201cFrom that training, there was so much material that helped me understand, and I really want to spread the word to all women that we, as women, must make our own decisions\u2014and that\u2019s essential,\u201d she emphasized. <\/p>\n
Many residents\u2014especially men\u2014have changed their views thanks to the persistence and patience of Maria and the other community health workers in educating people about contraception. One of them is Maxi. His views on contraception changed completely after he was educated by Maria. <\/p>\n
\u201cAt that meeting, we met with a team from the IPAS Indonesia Foundation and PKBI East Nusa Tenggara, who clearly explained information about family planning. I asked the staff to explain it in more detail because my wife had experienced some unpleasant side effects while using birth control,\u201d Maxi explained. <\/p>\n
On that occasion, she also learned about the side effects of various contraceptive methods. \u201cAfter listening to the presentations by the community health worker, as well as the IPAS and PKBI staff, my understanding has broadened. I realized that there isn\u2019t just one type of birth control option\u2014there are actually a variety of choices. Their presentation was very clear and well-organized, so that laypeople like us could understand it clearly,\u201d she emphasized. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″][et_pb_column type=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_heading title=”From Accurate Information to Service” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Triyanti-Tefirosalina-Safe-mengukur-tekanan-darah-Yosina-Kase-yang-didampingi-suaminya-Maxi-Taloim-di-Puskesmas-Pariti-di-Kabupaten-Kupang-scaled-e1791355160984-1.jpg” title_text=”Triyanti, Tefirosalina, and Safe are measuring the blood pressure of Yosina Kase, who is accompanied by her husband, Maxi Taloim, at the Community Health Center-Pariti-in-Kupang-Regency-scaled-e1791355160984″ align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″][et_pb_column type=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″]Since that meeting, Maxi has advised his wife to use an implant as a form of birth control. Yusina then visited the village midwife to have the implant inserted. She said she received a clear explanation before the procedure. She said she experienced no side effects from using the implant: \u201cI don\u2019t feel any pain, and I\u2019m still in good shape. My appetite has even increased, and I look a bit more full-figured,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
Yusina and Maxi\u2019s story illustrates how investing in health workers can help overcome often-unseen barriers\u2014such as misinformation and social norms that limit women\u2019s choices. With accurate information and more responsive health services, families can make informed health decisions. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When misinformation and false assumptions are more easily believed than facts, important decisions can turn out to be wrong. That\u2019s what happened to Yusina Kase and Maxi Taloim, a married couple. For years, misconceptions about contraception made them reluctant to use birth control. Their views changed when they met a health worker who provided accurate information about birth control to help them make fact-based decisions. Yusina started using injectable birth control in 2014 after giving birth to her first child. \u201cThe first time I got the shot, it hurt. I had a headache and a fever. It was the same after the second shot. When I got the third shot, it was the same again\u2014the pain just wouldn\u2019t go away,\u201d she recalled. Yusina said she was not given any explanation about the side effects of the injectable contraceptive she chose. Not only did she experience fever and pain, but she also lost weight. Seeing this, Maxi, her husband, forbade Yusina from using any form of contraception, regardless of the method. \u201cTo be honest, at that time I became very opposed to the Family Planning (KB) program because I assumed that all types of contraception would have the same side effects,\u201d […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[167],"tags":[],"topic":[],"class_list":["post-4403","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4403","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4403"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4403\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4435,"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4403\/revisions\/4435"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4403"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4403"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4403"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ipasindonesia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=4403"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}