Celebrating International Day of Safe Abortion Advocating for Safe Spaces in Zomba District
On September 28, 2024, Girls Activist Youth Organization (GAYO) and Her Liberty Organization will commemorate the International Day of Safe Abortion. As part of our ongoing commitment to advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), the two organizations are implementing a crucial project in Zomba District.
This initiative seeks to address a deeply concerning reality in Malawi: unsafe abortions account for 18% of maternal deaths (IPAS Malawi, 2019), while the Zomba District Health Office (DHO) reports an alarming 300-500 cases of unsafe abortions each quarter (Africa Brief, 2023). These numbers represent lives lost or jeopardized due to a lack of access to safe reproductive health services, limited education on SRHR, and social barriers to open dialogue on these vital issues.
The Root Causes of Unsafe Abortions
In Malawi, factors contributing to the high rate of unsafe abortions are varied and complex. They include limited understanding of reproductive health and rights among young people and communities, insufficient access to modern contraceptives leading to unplanned pregnancies, cultural and religious taboos that prevent open conversations about SRHR, and a lack of youth-friendly spaces where young people can access comprehensive information about their health and rights. These challenges contribute to unsafe abortion practices, endangering the lives and well-being of women and girls. As such, GAYO and Her Liberty Organization are committed to addressing these issues head-on.
The Project’s Vision
The goal of this project is clear: to contribute to a safer and healthier environment in Zomba District by advocating for safe spaces where young people, especially women and girls, can access vital information on SRHR, receive the care they need, and feel empowered to make informed decisions.
To achieve this, the project aims to reduce the prevalence of unsafe abortions in Zomba District by creating awareness and addressing the root causes, increase access to accurate SRHR information for young people through workshops, safe spaces, and youth-friendly services, advocate for improved access to modern contraceptives, ensuring that women and girls have the means to protect their reproductive health, and break cultural taboos and foster open dialogue about reproductive health, rights, and choices, particularly among young people and community leaders.
As we commemorate the International Day of Safe Abortion, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of women and girls. Together, we can build a safer, healthier environment where every individual has the right to make choices about their own bodies, free from fear or harm. Let us work hand in hand to end unsafe abortion practices and ensure that every woman and girl in Malawi has access to the health services, support, and respect they deserve.