Nakuru-based Reproductive Health Champions Organization(RHCO) in partnership with other Sexual Reproductive Health Services Network in Nakuru on Saturday September 28 joined the World in marking Safe Abortion Day through a Cultural Dialogue on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights(SRHR).
The event that brought on board elders from various communities among them Kikuyu, Luhya, Maasai, Kamba, Luo, Kisii etc, saw a call towards addressing challenges that traditional cultures have had on women accessing safe and legal abortion in the country.
The youth who were part of the participants also had a session to air their questions concerning culture and matters Sexual Reproductive Health Rights.
Addressing Journalists after the event, Executive Director Reproductive Health Champions Organization (RHCO) Mr. Martin Lunalo challenged the diverse Community Cultures to shun retrogressive cultures such as FGM and early marriages that have had negative impact on girls and women.
While lauding the diversity within the society through various cultures, Lunalo noted that there was need to safeguard the rights of women and girls when it comes to accessing Sexual Reproductive Health services as enshrined in the Constitution.
He added that through the Dialogue, it emerged that some of the traditional cultures that were there did not respect the rule of Law with elders having no authority as they had no protection of the Law.
“We are glad that the elders from different communities are now agreeing with SRHR champions that there is need for us to be progressive and see what are the gains in the laws that we have a as a country, the jurisdiction that we have signed to as a country to be made part and parcel to these discussions so that even as they go to their communities, they can be ambassadors and sensitize them to know that we now have laws in place on matters SRHR such as Article 26 of CoK on matters Abortion care for women and girls,” he stated.
According to Lunalo, having the elders from various counties joining such conversations on SRHR is a milestone that cannot be taken for grunted.
He at the same challenged the government of the day and duty bearers to ensure that matters access to safe abortion should be given priority in all health facilities.
“We need to ensure that matters SRHR and moreso safe abortion are given priority in all our health facilities to help save our women and girls from unnecessary deaths,” he said.
Lunalo added that with such conversations, then issues around maternal mortalities, access to SRH services shall be addressed.
He pointed out that culture should not derail efforts made in SRH rights, but should contribute towards a valued and valid family and society at large.
“We need to have Right-based movements that do not disrespect the Rights of Women in accessing Sexual Reproductive Health services. women, men have equal opportunities to power, to decide which services they want when it comes to SHR services.
Sentiments echoed by Ms Dorcas Nyambura from Kelin Kenya.
She lauded partners; Reproductive Health Champions Organization(RHCO), the Nakuru Reproductive Health Network, RFSU, and the Safe Abortion Fund for making the event successful.
According to her, “Culture has been a strong barrier when it comes to accessing safe and legal abortion.”
However, with such cultural dialogues, then it dimistifies the issue that abortion is a myth from Western.
“This dialogues is all about how culture can be incorporated to ensure access to safe and legal abortion for women and girls and safeguarding SRHR,” she said.
She at the same noted that with such conversations, then the elders are key component as they can be Champions of SRHR at community level.
On their part the elders expressed optimism that the program will go a long way in addressing challenges that have been there in the society.
James Ng’ethe- is an elder from Kikuyu Community and a members of Kiama kia Ma.
He pointed out that progressive culture plays key role in shaping children and society at large.
The elder noted that health rights are key for any society and should be safeguarded by all.
He at the same time lauded RHCO and partners for holding such a Dialogue on SRHR in Nakuru County.
“Involving our youth and elders in such discussions is paramount as it helps shape our society,” stated elder Ng’ethe.
He called on government, SRHR champions and elders across the country to continue engaging youth at family level units to ensure they are on right track adding that technology advancement should not derail the morals.
Their sentiments coming when Nakuru County Health Department statistics indicate that teenage pregnancy has been on the rise as revealed during this year’s World Contraception Day event held at Rongai Health Centre in Rongai Sub-county.
Elder Ng’ethe noted that the retrogressive cultures should be done away with to save society from such.
“As elders, we have a role to reach the youth the right approach to life. Parents should not ignore their parenting roles focusing more on their vocations,” stated the Elder.
Sentiments echoed by elder Silas Ambani from Luhya Community.
According to him, culture is education in itself but should be regulated especially on matters SRHR to avert harm to the girls and women.
“The Luhya culture spells out every aspect of life. But we urge the youth to be close to the elders for advice on matters life,” he stated.
The event was also attended by a section of Members of the Nakuru County Assembly who have been champions on matters Reproductive Health Rights.
Author: Pristone Mambili
A trained Journalist with passion for Radio and online Writing.