Kwathu Ndi Kwanu, a feminist non-profit organization, is an advocacy for young women, including refugee women who are survivors and victims of gender-based violence in this country. Through capacity building and training in financial and digital literacy, they work to create a future where these women can break free from any form of violence and achieve economic independence.
As we approach Safe Abortion Day which comes on September 28th where this year's theme is Solidarity in Abortion, Kwathu Ndi Kwanu has stepped forward to raise awareness about the importance of safe, legal abortion in Malawi. They are using a strategically placed billboard in Lilongwe; City Centre, right opposite the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC), to spread this message. It is believed that by doing so, a greater number of people will be reminded of the vital need to support women’s reproductive rights.
Looking back in time, in the year 2021, Malawi’s High Court clarified that doctors here have the legal right to request safe and comprehensive medical care for patients whose pregnancies endanger their physical or mental health or pose a risk to their lives. This ruling highlights the fact that legal termination exists even though some human/reproductive rights activities restrict pregnancy termination, therefore, it’s time the public is informed of the facts fully. This also indicates that although those living in the urban areas may have much access, those in the rural areas should not be left out. They should be equipped with enough knowledge from how they can access the medical care to how they can take care of themselves.
Early and unwanted pregnancies are known to have serious effects on Malawian women and their futures which affects economy in this country. Currently, 30% of female teens experience pregnancy, leading to discrimination from peers and a distraction of their education. Many are forced to leave school for at least a year and a half, which greatly affects their chances of completing their education and reaching their goals. Without proper access to safe and legal abortions, most women resort to unsafe shortcut procedures, which not only endanger their fertility but also put their lives at risk.
Older women also face similar struggles. For instance, the social shame, financial burden and potential health risks associated with pregnancy can lead to consequences for both the women and their families. The fact remains: Safe termination saves lives. All Malawian women deserve the right to make decisions about their bodies and futures without fear of judgment, stigma or their lives being in danger.
The need for pregnancy termination is not new in Malawi. From the Wazamba in the north to the Azamba (Traditional Birth Attendants) in the south and others across the country, Malawians have long supported women in managing unsupported pregnancies. These practices, rooted in compassion and care, have historically been a part of Malawi’s cultural fabric. Yet, over time, the truth about safe pregnancy management has been overshadowed by discrimination and fear the most.
Communities have turned against one another by being judgmental and isolating others. However, it is essential to remember that pregnancy termination, much like the values of compassion and neighborliness, is considered as part of Malawi’s traditions. It remains one of the practices for protecting the health and well-being of women and their families.
Kwathu Ndi Kwanu urges all Malawians to join in this vital conversation. The management of pregnancy, whether through prevention or safe termination, is key to securing the futures of countless women and their families. It’s time to break the silence, reduce the stigma and report the fact that safe termination saves lives and helps women regain control of their futures.
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