The intersection of career aspirations and family planning among women in Lagos State: a qualitative analysis.

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the dynamic interaction between career aspirations and family planning decisions among women in Lagos State, Nigeria. It explores how societal norms, personal ambitions and practical considerations influence these choices, using the Work-Family Conflict Theory as a guiding framework.

Method: Employing a qualitative research approach, a diverse group of 30 women in their reproductive years were selected from Lagos Island Maternity Hospital (LIMH) and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse their perspectives.

Results: The findings reveal that women with ambitious career goals often delayed childbearing to avoid career interruptions, reflecting a shift towards viewing career success as compatible with family life. However, health considerations sometimes supersede career ambitions, indicating a complex interplay between work, health and family planning. Contextual factors such as societal norms and workplace support systems also play a role in shaping family planning decisions. Women in self-employment experience greater flexibility in managing both careers and families, whereas those in traditional employment face more rigid constraints. Supportive workplace policies, particularly maternity leave provisions, emerge as critical in facilitating family planning decisions. Self-employed women emphasise the autonomy they gain in managing family planning, while those in structured employment often navigate stricter timelines.

Conclusion: There is a need to align family planning policies with women's career goals, and future research should explore these dynamics in diverse settings.