IVF inspires hope on International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on March 8, is this year running under the theme, ‘Give to Gain’. This offers a powerful lens through which to view the transformative role of fertility care.

Although the causes of infertility affect both men and women, women bear the brunt of this blame. Even when infertility is medically linked to male factors, cultural norms frequently hold women responsible.

This misplaced blame perpetuates gender inequality, discrimination and violence, reinforcing patriarchal structures that marginalise women further.

The consequences of infertility extend far beyond medical concerns. It can lead to psychological distress, marital instability, intimate partner violence, risky sexual behaviour and economic hardship.

In many societies, parenthood is seen as a cultural expectation. Those unable to meet this expectation often face stigma, loss of identity, grief and even ostracism or abuse.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF), a widely used assisted reproductive technology, has become a vital option for couples facing subfertility. In Zimbabwe, IVF services have quietly but steadily grown, combining modern science with compassionate care.

The IVF Zimbabwe clinic in Harare illustrates this progress, having achieved remarkable milestones, with 390 IVF babies born to date. Last year alone, 57 births were recorded, an average of one IVF baby every week.

“Infertility is not simply a medical condition but a multidimensional issue that intersects with human rights, gender justice, economics and public health,” explained IVF Zimbabwe’s doctor Tinovimba Mhlanga.

“Through opening doors for women across diverse backgrounds, IVF embodies the spirit of the International Women’s Day theme ‘Give to Gain,’ offering families the chance to grow while challenging harmful narratives around infertility.

“It is a reminder that reproductive health is central to empowerment, dignity and equality.” Dr Tinovimba Mhlanga added.

Beyond the figures, testimonies from women who have undergone IVF speak to its empowering impact.

One woman described the experience as “a second chance at life,” explaining that the birth of her child brought not only joy but also social acceptance and relief from years of discrimination.

Another woman called IVF “liberating,” noting that it allowed her to reclaim her identity as a mother while pursuing personal and professional growth.

These stories illustrate that the benefits of IVF extend beyond medical success. It empowers women, reduces stigma and fosters resilience.

“In addition to clinical interventions, a unified shift in social attitudes, equitable access to care and efforts to dismantle the stigma surrounding childlessness are required.

“Without such changes, women will continue to suffer disproportionate blame and harm, despite infertility being a shared human condition,” Dr Tinovimba Mhlanga added.

He went on to say International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on the progress made and the work still ahead.

“The empowerment that comes with reproductive health services is profound. Addressing some of the challenges through IVF can help restore dignity and agency to women, enabling them to participate fully in family life and society,” Dr Tinovimba Mhlanga said.