Kenya women parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has today held a media sensitization workshop on Obstetrics Violence under the Gamafrica foundation organized by Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, Member of Parliament for
Githunguri,Dubbed #HESHIMUUZAZI CAMPAIGN which aims to restore child birth dignity, promote respectful maternity care and end OBV stigmatization.
Speaking to journalists during the workshop Hon Leah Sankare ,KEWOPA chairperson has called on the government to address the challenges in OBV which affects one in three women.KEWOPA is committed to end all sorts of violence to women by coming up with social interventions and strengthening health systems through building partnerships.
According to professor Anne kihara president international federation of gynaecology and obstetrics (FIGO) there is need for advocacy, training and research to adress the challenges facing women in maternal journey especially removal of fibroids which results to medical complications.Obstetric violence (OBV) infringes the fundamental rights of women and contradicts the principles of compassionate and respectful maternity care depriving women of their dignity.
What irks most is that the violence occasionally comes from medical professionals including nurses,doctors and midwives which range from sexual, verbal abuse,bullying,coercion,humiliation, or assault during their pregnancy, labor, and postpartum periods while receiving medical care.
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.
OBV is a form of violence against women that occurs while receiving maternal care,when pregnant in labour and after giving birth.This occurs mostly sue to lack of financial support to cushion vulnerable women and lack awareness.
presidential Advisor on Women's Rights Harriet chiggai, Nursing council of Kenya,Amref representative,Dr Betty Sungura CEO NGEC,Mrs,Mary Mwiti CEO council of Governors and women parliamentarians.
