Alarm as women and girls’ sexual reproductive rights get violated in Kenyan police cells

However, in most African countries—including Kenya—women and girls have, over time, suffered Sexual Reproductive Health violations arising from climate change as well as human authorities meant to offer them protection.

The African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), a catalyst for the advancement of women and girls' rights and empowerment across the African continent, is developing a unified SRHR Charter this March, the month of International Women’s Day, to shed more light on policies and implementations going forward.

A forum held in Nairobi gathered various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from across the continent with the aim of harmonizing diverse values and perspectives regarding SRHR, particularly in light of setbacks experienced in individual countries.

In her opening remarks at the meeting, Memory Kachambwa, the Executive Director of FEMNET, reminded the audience that Africa is leading in sexual reproductive conflicts and violations, thus underscoring the need for a working charter.

“The idea is to have a common understanding in a common area, and climate change affects them all. When climatic conditions like floods and drought occur, there is a significant compromise on women's sexual reproductive health, such as access to menstrual hygiene and family planning services. When there are floods, women and children seek shelter, and mother and daughter are easily sexually violated in exchange for safe shelter,” explained Memory.

Addressing the attendees, Ann Wanjiku Mwangi, the Vice Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), lamented the fact that women's and girls' sexual rights are violated at Kenyan police stations.

“We had a case in the western region where a girl and her mother were arrested for selling illicit brew. They were placed in different cells, only for the girl to be sexually assaulted by an officer in the cell. How uncouth!” Ann said, adding that IPOA has received several cases of sexual assaults in police stations across Kenya, with the Western region being particularly notorious for such cases.

To strengthen the African Continent Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Charter, FEMNET is working toward creating a document that can be used effectively to change lifestyles. It is also seeking to consolidate discussions on the varying interpretations of SRHR across different regions, while addressing conflict, cultural, and traditional barriers that may impede progress.

The collaboration forum will facilitate critical dialogue, enabling participants to share experiences and contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the SRHR Charter implementation across Africa.