KELIN held a two-day meeting in Kilifi County on 27th and 28th March 2023, to discuss issues of access to safe and legal abortion in the County as well as sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) information and services. The meeting was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders. Representation came from the community of people living with HIV (PLHIV), the LGBTQIA+ community, healthcare professionals, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), and Community leaders. This ensured that the meeting was inclusive and responsive to the needs of all community members. The diversity of perspectives and experiences allowed for a rich and robust discussion of the issues and the development of cross-cutting relevant and effective strategies.
One of the main outcomes of the meeting was the increased knowledge on legal frameworks related to access to safe and legal abortion and SRHR rights. Through presentations and discussions led by KELIN SRHR experts, community members gained a better understanding of the laws and policies that govern access to these services in Kilifi County and the country as a whole. The meeting provided a platform for community members to share their experiences and learn from each other. As a result, they developed effective strategies for advocating for the right to safe and legal abortion, including how to effectively lobby policymakers to effect change in the law and policy on safe and legal abortion, reduction of teenage pregnancies that are closely associated with unsafe abortions, and SRHR information and services closely linked to teenage pregnancies.
To round it off, KELIN facilitated the formation of a movement led by champions who aim to influence policy and legislative reform processes that address SRHR concerns within the communities.
Overall, the discussions and sharing of experiences, resulted in a better and more accurate understanding of SRHR issues, leading to a reduction in SRHR stigma. It is hoped that this meeting will be a catalyst for future efforts to improve access to SRHR services, including safe and legal abortion, in the county and beyond.
To contribute to the discussions on this forum, follow KELIN on our social media platforms:
Twitter: @KELINKenya following the hashtag: #justice2health)
For more information, please contact:
Dorcas N. Gitonga
Programme Officer, Sexual Reproductive Health Rights
P. O. Box 112 – 00202 KNH Nairobi,
Tel: 020, 2515790 │Mobile: 07111189400
E-mail: dorcasgitonga@kelinkenya.org
Website: www.kelinkenya.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya
