Key Social Norms Take-aways This study highlights the powerful role that community leaders play in reinforcing or challenging social norms around contraception, abortion, and post-abortion care in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Leaders upheld strong negative attitudes and stigmatizing beliefs about induced abortion, shaped by cultural, religious, and legal norms. However, they also saw themselves as key actors in promoting contraception and supporting access to post-abortion care, signaling potential for normative change if stigma is addressed through targeted values clarification strategies.
Objectives The study aimed to explore the perceptions of community leaders in North and South Kivu about their roles in addressing unintended pregnancy, abortion, and access to sexual and reproductive health services, particularly post-abortion care.
Methods Twelve key informant interviews were conducted with male community leaders—chiefs, school principals, and youth leaders—across six rural health zones. The interviews were transcribed, translated, and thematically analyzed to assess beliefs about contraception, induced abortion, and leaders’ perceived responsibilities in shaping reproductive health behaviors.
Intervention Details The study was part of a broader community engagement strategy led by CARE, the International Rescue Committee, and Save the Children, in partnership with the Ministry of Health. The intervention involved mobilizing and training community leaders through community mapping, situational analyses, and values clarification and attitude transformation exercises. Leaders were encouraged to become advocates for family planning, disseminate information, refer women to services, and challenge stigmatizing norms.
Results Leaders overwhelmingly supported contraception and actively participated in spreading awareness and referrals for family planning services. While they expressed strong opposition to induced abortion, rooted in legal and moral judgments, they acknowledged its occurrence and the severe stigma women faced. Despite this, many leaders still supported referring women to post-abortion care and emphasized the importance of compassion, reconciliation, and inclusion. They saw themselves as conflict mediators and advocates for women’s access to life-saving care, even in cases where they disapproved of the cause.
Conclusions Community leaders can be instrumental in shifting social norms and improving reproductive health outcomes when meaningfully engaged. Their support for contraception and post-abortion care illustrates potential for broader change, but persistent stigma around induced abortion must be addressed. Integrating values clarification exercises into ongoing community engagement can help transform leaders into agents of change who challenge harmful norms and expand access to essential health services.