16th June marked the International Day of the African Child. This year’s theme was “30 years after the adoption of the Charter: accelerate implementation of Agenda 2040 for an Africa fit for children.” Amongst the aspirations for Agenda 2040 is that children should benefit from a child-sensitive criminal justice system. The best interest principle is […]
was seated in my office immersed on a pile of papers when Mary (not her real name) walked in. From her face you could tell that she was tired though happy. I immediately offered her a seat and once she had gracefully taken a seat we exchanged pleasantries. It was a pleasant surprise to see
The realities of free maternity care for underprivileged women in Kenya. Read More »
In June, 2020, Kenyan media was awash with numerous stories of teenage pregnancies. Based on the statistics, the numbers seemed to be on an upward trajectory. This time round, it appears the news captured the national psyche and everyone wanted to weigh in on the issue. As usual, people were quick to apportion blame without
26th and 28th September marked the World Contraceptives Day and International Safe Abortion Day respectively. What these two important days in the reproductive rights world have in common is that they perpetuate the right to bodily autonomy. Women have a right to control their own bodies and make their own reproductive choices. Decisions to become
Respecting the Right to Bodily Autonomy for All Women Including Commercial Sex Workers Read More »
When the COVID 19 pandemic broke out, it was soon accompanied by a spike in the number of gender-based violence (GBV) cases. This relationship between the two was attributed to several factors including job losses and the tension that arises when a couple spends too much idle time together. However, the pandemic is well into
COVID 19 and Gender-based violence; A reasonable Cause or a Sorry Justification Read More »
May 23 is the United Nations’ (UN) International Day to End Female Genital Fistula. This is a day which promotes action towards treating and preventing Female Genital Fistula. This year’s theme is “Women’s rights are human rights! End fistula now!” To mark this year’s celebrations, Flying Doctors Society of Africa in partnership with the Ministry
End Female Genital Fistula Read More »
Irecently received a call from a distressed acquaintance whom we shall call Flo. Flo called seeking assistance for her 3-year-old daughter who is a victim of sexual gender-based violence (SGBV). Through the course of our conversation, she explained the myriad of challenges she had experienced – from seeking medical assistance to getting her statement recorded
We Need to Take A Survivor-Centred Approach in SGBV Response Services Read More »
n October 2020, my graduate school program director, Professor Morrison, shared with me an article she had come across in the Washington Post. It was the story of baby Blessing. A new-born who had been rescued from a dumpsite in Kibera in the dead of the night where her mother had dumped her. As I
Access To Contraception: A Key Component to Realization of Reproductive Rights. Read More »
Menstruation health management (MHM) has been an area of focus for a few years now as it directly impacts how girls and young women navigate their lives. In Kenya, advocacy for adequate and quality menstrual health management facilities and products triggered the development of MHM policies including the Menstrual Health Management Strategy 2019-2024. Despite the
Menstrual Health Management: A rights issue not a Women Issue Read More »
