By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, November 30 Mana: Chairperson Parliamentary Committee on Health, Dr. Matthews Ngwale has emphasized the often-overlooked human rights abuses faced by women during pregnancy and childbirth at a regional sensitization workshop on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (ASRHR) legal frameworks held in Lilongwe on Monday.
He was speaking at a workshop organized by the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), which aimed to enhance awareness and implementation of legal protections for women and adolescents.
“Some practices that we consider normal during pregnancy and delivery are, in fact, human rights violations. Forcing a woman to carry a pregnancy against her will is a violation of her rights. Similarly, the use of force during childbirth, such as coercively pushing a baby out, constitutes abuse,” Dr. Ngwale stated.
He further highlighted that neighboring countries like Zambia allow women access to safe abortion services, a right that remains restricted in Malawi, effectively undermining women’s reproductive rights.
Programme Officer for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights at NANHRI, Robert Afewa, underscored the significance of protecting women’s rights under the Maputo Protocol, a key African treaty addressing violence against women.
“We are currently observing 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The Maputo Protocol, which Malawi has signed and ratified, advocates for safe abortion, comprehensive sexuality education, and measures to combat violence against women. Our efforts are focused on ensuring that the provisions of this protocol are implemented effectively,” Afewa said.
The workshop also emphasized the importance of addressing gender-based violence and promoting access to sexual and reproductive health services as integral to achieving broader human rights and health goals.
By fostering collaboration and advocacy, NANHRI and its member institutions aim to create a more equitable legal and social environment for women and adolescents across Africa.
