By Jeff Kizzilah
The campaign dubbed #HESHIMUUZAZI aims to condemn forms of violence against women, that occur while receiving maternal care.
Addressing media during the sensitisation Hon. Muthoni Wamuchomba, Member of Parliament and Founder of Gamafrica also has called on the government to address the challenges in (OBV) which affects one in three women.
She added that (KEWOPA) has committed to ending all sorts of violence against women by coming up with social interventions and strengthening health systems through building partnerships.
“Every woman, regardless of her social or economic status, deserves a dignified and respectful childbirth experience, free from any form of violence or abuse, the time has come for us to undo the injustices suffered by women under OBV in Kenya,” said Wamuchomba.
This form of violence encompasses physical, sexual, verbal abuse, bullying, coercion, humiliation, or assault experienced by women during their pregnancy, labour, and postpartum periods while receiving medical care. Regrettably, OBV often stems from medical professionals, including nurses, doctors, and midwives.
Mrs. Mercy Wanja, the Secretary to Cabinet who attended the event also said that there is a need for advocacy, training and research to address the challenges facing women in the maternal journey especially the removal of fibroids which results in medical complications. Obstetric violence (OBV) infringes on the fundamental rights of women and contradicts the principles of compassionate and respectful maternity care depriving women of their dignity.
This violation of human rights impacts women’s physical and mental well-being, potentially leading to degrading and inhumane childbirth experiences, health complications, severe psychological distress, postpartum depression, mental illness, trauma, and fatalities.