Kapilvastu, May 14:

Defying religion and tradition, Muslim youths in Mosque Tole of Taulihawa VDC in Kapilvastu district have been running a campaign on sex and reproductive health for the past two years.

They have started using contraceptives. Two years ago, they never cared for family planning and used to produce more and more children, terming them “gifts of God”.

To control population explosion, local Muslim boys formed the “Unique Group” while girls of the community formed the “Khatuni Sathi Samuh” to educate people about family planning. Their campaign has become successful, as the Muslims of the area are increasingly growing conscious of the need for family planning.

“Members of the two groups freely interact on sex-related issues, reproductive health and contraceptive measures,” said Siddiqua Khatun, chairperson of the Khatun Sathi Samuh. She is also an acting-member of the Family Planning Association.

“Two years ago, we were not allowed to come out of our homes. We were not allowed to speak to unknown persons. However, the situation is improving now,” said Khatun.

Locals of 40 Muslim households here have changed nowadays. Some women have adopted family planning measures and even carried out abortion. Khatun said women are more conscious than the men here.

“Ten women here have adopted permanent family planning measures while 25 others are using contraceptives,” said Nasifa, a member of the Samuh.