Women’s Action Group (WAG) joins the rest of the world in commemorating the International Women’s Day on the 8th of March 2024. The International Women’s Day (IWD) is the annual day for celebrating the achievements and progress made towards gender equality, while also recognising the work that still needs to be done to ensure the rights of women in all spheres of life.
This year’s theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate progress”, puts emphasis on the importance of empowering women as key to advancing societies and economies globally. One fundamental aspect to investing in women is ensuring access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), including safe abortion services. The Adolescent fertility study of 2016 revealed that at least 16% of maternal mortality in Zimbabwe were due to unsafe abortions. Restrictive laws, stigma and lack of access to services are some of the factors contributing to maternal morbidity and mortality in Zimbabwe. It is crucial to note that having access to SRHR including safe and legal abortion services not only saves lives but also contributes to reducing maternal mortality and enhance the wellbeing of women. When women have control over their reproductive health, they can make informed decisions about their lives, families and futures. Therefore, investing in women’s health is an investment in development and the future of the nation.
As we commemorate the International Women’s Day, Women’s Action Group and its partners therefore call upon:
- Government to prioritise and invest in comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including access to safe abortion services
- Government to ensure availability and accessibility of contraception for women
- Government to improve public policies related to gender equality and access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights including safe abortion
- Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to advocate and support efforts to promote and protect women’s rights including Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights.
- Ministry of Health and Child Care to offer quality and comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health services including safe abortion without discrimination
- Media to amplify the voices of women and provide accurate information on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
- Communities to invest in women by challenging gender stereotypes and promoting women’s empowerment
Together we can create gender-just societies where women’s rights are prioritised and respected
