Women should overcome condom fears

Mpho Maswikila | Friday October 3, 2014 11:03

 

Popularly known by her stage name ‘Mary’, she said that the greatest goal a woman can set in life is deciding whom she wants to father her children, hence the importance of condomising.  

In an interview with Mmegi, the outspoken 24-year-old, who defines herself as a goal-oriented person, said that there is no shame in going into a shop and purchasing a condom.

She emphasised that women should treat getting condoms as easy as buying sweets. “It is your own dignity that you are losing.  Just that failure will bring you long-lasting guilt and regret. 

Women should rise to the challenge, change their attitude and be in control so that they escape risks,” Mary said.

Quizzed about the impact their condomise campaign has made in the country, she said that she realised that Makgabaneng, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, have proven to be fruitful, turning around people’s attitude towards condoms.

She said this was made possible by their presentations and in the way they packaged the message and directed it.

They have brought in the aspect of colour and different flavours of condoms, and show that there is something amazing about their products, she added.

She said they encourage people to test for HIV and acknowledged a rise in the numbers of people who test.

For her part, 19-year-old Nyakallo Seisa, popularly known as Diphuka, said she realised the lack of knowledge about the use of condoms. 

She said that cultural beliefs and limitations, particularly in rural areas influence the lack of condom use.

The Bobonong-born actress said that there are only two alternatives to staying safe - condomising and abstinence, as it will keep you out of trouble.