KEWAPO leaders launch campaign to end obstetric violence in Kenya

A group of elected women leaders has raised alarm over the rising cases of neonatal and maternal deaths in the country. Speaking at an event dubbed Stop Obstetric Violence in Nairobi, the leaders vowed to push for legislative changes to protect the rights of women during childbirth.

The campaign, led by the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) Vice Chairperson Beatrice Elachi and Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba called for urgent action to address what they termed as a “crisis in maternal health.”

They were joined by Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Pasaris and Kirinyaga Hon. Njeri Maina emphasized the need for a dignified and respectful childbirth experience for all women. Wa Muchomba, who has sponsored the Obstetric Violence Bill in Parliament, urged Kenyans to support the legislation aimed at curbing abuses in healthcare facilities.

“We cannot normalize the abuse of women during childbirth,” Wa Muchomba declared. “Every woman has the right to dignity and access to the highest standards of healthcare as enshrined in our 2010 Constitution.”

The leaders highlighted the pressing need for a robust legal framework to ensure accountability in healthcare. Wa Muchomba underscored the urgency of passing the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Care Bill, which seeks to improve health services at both national and county levels.

“We have seen too many cases where women are treated inhumanely in hospitals. It’s time for Parliament to act decisively,” she said. “We must ensure that no woman delivers on the floor of a hospital or is detained for failing to pay medical bills.”

The bill proposes measures to guarantee that all healthcare providers report maternal and neonatal deaths, ensuring accountability and transparency. It also includes provisions for better resource allocation to maternal health services and support for healthcare workers to improve the environment in which they operate.

As part of the campaign, Wa Muchomba announced the launch of a toll-free hotline for women to report cases of obstetric violence and seek legal or psychological support. “We want women to know that they are not alone. This hotline will connect them with the help they need,” she said.

The leaders expressed concern over the increasing maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Kenya. They compared the country’s statistics unfavorably with those of neighboring countries like Uganda and Rwanda, which have recorded lower death rates.

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina condemned the poor conditions in some Kenyan hospitals, including overcrowding and lack of essential supplies. “Women are forced to share beds and even bring their own medical supplies to hospitals. This is unacceptable,” she said.

Maina also called for increased funding for research on reproductive health and more civic education to empower women about their rights.

“Chapter 4 of the Bill of Rights, our 2010 Constitution, women have a right to dignity, and a right to protection from any form of discrimination” Njeri added

The event brought together women leaders from various counties, including Nairobi, Kirinyaga, Meru, Isiolo, Bungoma, and Turkana. They reiterated their commitment to fighting for women’s rights irrespective of political affiliations.

“We stand united as women leaders of Kenya to end the violations our mothers and sisters face in healthcare facilities,” said Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris.

The leaders urged Parliament to expedite the passage of the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Care Bill before the end of the year. They also called on the government to reinstate the Linda Mama program, which provided free maternity services for vulnerable women.

As Kenya marks the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the women leaders vowed to keep pushing for reforms in the healthcare system. “We will not rest until every woman in Kenya can deliver her baby with dignity and respect,” Wa Muchomba affirmed.

The campaign has garnered widespread support, with various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and civil society groups, pledging to work towards ending obstetric violence in Kenya.

The lawmaker urged women victims to call help line number for assistance 0111055181