In the peripheral neighborhoods of Lubumbashi, women's economic empowerment is a determining factor in social and family balance. By gaining access to income-generating activities such as small-scale trade, crafts, or informal services, women strengthen their contribution to household expenses, notably in terms of food, children's education, and health. This increased participation improves living conditions and reduces families' economic vulnerability. However, this empowerment is accompanied by transformations in family dynamics. While it promotes greater participation of women in decision-making and strengthens their status within the household, it can also generate tensions related to the redefinition of traditional gender roles, particularly in contexts where socio-cultural norms remain conservative. Moreover, the burden of work is a major challenge, with women having to reconcile economic activities and domestic responsibilities. Despite these constraints, economic empowerment appears overall as a positive lever for family stability, promoting household resilience and better resource management. Thus, it contributes to the emergence of new social and family balances, based on greater complementarity of roles within the household.

Family planning is a fundamental component of reproductive health and an important driver of sustainable development. It enables couples and individuals to freely determine the number and spacing of their children, thereby contributing to the reduction of maternal and child mortality, the improvement of family well-being, and the empowerment of women. Despite the efforts made by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and its partners, the use of modern contraceptive methods remains low, particularly in rural areas. This study examines the sociocultural factors influencing the adoption of family planning among married women in the Kabongo Territory, Haut-Lomami Province. Based on a review of scientific literature, the findings indicate that several barriers limit access to and use of family planning services. These factors include social norms favoring large families, gender inequalities in household decision-making, religious and cultural beliefs, and insufficient knowledge of contraceptive methods. The influence of family members and the wider community also plays a significant role in the acceptance and use of contraception. Furthermore, limited reproductive health services, long distances to healthcare facilities, and economic constraints increase difficulties in accessing family planning methods. This situation contributes to the persistence of low contraceptive prevalence in rural areas compared with urban settings. The findings highlight the need for an integrated approach that takes local sociocultural realities into account. Strengthening community awareness, involving religious and traditional leaders, improving access to reproductive health services, and promoting women’s education are essential strategies for increasing the adoption of family planning in the Kabongo Territory.