Health experts have called for an urgent need to address the challenge of obstetric violence (OBV) in Kenya.
This is after a report by Gama Africa Foundation spotlighted the grim
reality of obstetric violence (OBV) in Kenya, highlighting its profound impact
on women’s health and dignity during childbirth.
The foundation's Project Manager Abigail Gikonyo presented the findings, revealing critical gaps in maternal healthcare systems and calling for immediate interventions to ensure women receive dignified care.
“Obstetric violence is a form of mistreatment experienced by women before, during, and after childbirth. Many women are unaware of their rights, and without platforms to share their experiences, OBV often goes unreported and unaddressed,” Gikonyo said.
The report identifies key factors contributing to this crisis, including limited civic education, insufficient training for healthcare providers, and the absence of a legal framework recognising OBV as a form of violence.
Economic barriers also exacerbate the issue.
“A lack of financial support systems prevents vulnerable women from accessing quality maternal care,” Gikonyo added.
She noted that neglect in addressing postpartum recovery processes is a major concern.
Shockingly, the
report attributes 60 per cent of maternal deaths in Kenya to poor-quality care linked
to OBV.
Gikonyo noted that the effects of OBV are devastating, ranging from psychological distress and postpartum depression to severe physical complications like inhumane childbirth experiences and maternal deaths.
“Maternal mortality rates in Kenya remain alarmingly high, with estimates from organizations like WHO and UNICEF ranging from 500 to 600 deaths per 100,000 live births. This is unacceptable, and it underscores the urgent need for action.”
The Gama Africa Foundation, through its #HeshimuUzazi campaign, has initiated several interventions.
These include rescuing detained mothers unable to pay hospital bills, intervening in cases of alleged newborn theft, and conducting nationwide awareness campaigns.
The foundation has also worked to sensitise community health promoters and advocated for policy changes in Parliament to outlaw OBV.
“Every woman deserves a safe and dignified childbirth experience,” Gikonyo said, urging healthcare professionals to adopt more empathetic practices.
She called for reconciliation forums between mothers and medics to foster open conversations about OBV.
A toll-free call centre 0111055181 has also been established to provide real-time support and intervention for victims.
“This is a platform for women to report their experiences and receive the help they need,” Gikonyo noted.
Founder Gathoni Wamuchomba emphasised that every woman, regardless of her social or economic status, deserves a dignified and respectful childbirth experience, free from any form of violence or abuse.
“The time has come for us to undo the injustices suffered by women under OBV in Kenya.”
Through the HeshimuUzazi campaign, the foundation is creating awareness, rescuing affected women, and pushing for laws to end OBV, ensuring safe and dignified childbirth experiences for all women across the country.
