KEWOPA Highlights Rising Obstetric Violence in Kenya

Nairobi County

Friday, November 29, 2024

McCreadie Andias

The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has sounded the alarm over the increasing cases of Obstetric Violence (OBV) in Kenya, emphasizing its harmful impact on women's reproductive health.

OBV refers to mistreatment and violations experienced by women during labor, childbirth, and postnatal care.

At the launch of the Heshimu Uzazi Campaign and the unveiling of a Stop OBV Call Centre at the Kenya Women & Children Wellness Centre in Roysambu, KEWOPA Vice-Chairperson Hon. Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North) expressed grave concern about the prevalence of OBV.

“Many women, after being subjected to OBV, opt not to give birth again. It is time we stood up as leaders and said no to the practice,” Hon. Elachi declared.

She stressed that women in labor are among the most vulnerable and deserve respectful care, not mistreatment.

The new call center initiative, driven by Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), aims to document OBV cases and offer support to affected women.

Hon. Wamuchomba, who is also the sponsor of the Obstetric Violence Bill, described OBV as a silent crisis that robs women of their dignity.

“The launch of the call center is a critical step in ensuring women have access to the support and care they deserve,” she said, highlighting the importance of documenting these cases for future advocacy and systemic change.

Other notable attendees included Hon. Esther Passaris (Nairobi), Hon. Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga), and Hon. Teresia Mwangi (Nominated), as well as male MPs Hon. Caroli Omondi (Suba South) and Hon. Guyo Jaldesa (Moyale).

They all voiced their strong support for the initiative. “Our mothers and sisters need to be respected and treated with even more care during and after childbirth. The burden of any kind of violence or abuse is very heavy to carry,” said Hon.

Passaris. Echoing her sentiment, Hon. Njeri emphasized that respectable maternal healthcare is a fundamental right for every woman in Kenya, urging that every mother must have a safe and secure environment in which to give birth.

Hon. Omondi, meanwhile, warned, “A nation that doesn’t take care of its women, especially when they are bringing forth life, doesn’t have a future.”

The event also saw the participation of representatives from key organizations such as the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, the Nursing Council of Kenya, the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society, White Ribbon Alliance, and the International Centre for Reproductive Health.