The Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe recognises that the right to healthcare extends beyond accessing healthcare facilities and medicine to include reproductive healthcare. Although the Constitution does not explicitly mention “respectful maternity care”, there are several Constitutional provisions which work together to protect women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Section 76- the… Continue reading Respectful maternity care simplified and the legal gaps
Category: My Sister’s Keeper
Policy Brief: Addressing disrespect and abuse in maternity care in Zimbabwe
Introduction Childbirth is supposed to be a moment of dignity, care and safety for women. Yet, that is not the case for many women in Zimbabwe who have and continue to be on the receiving end of abuse, neglect and preventable harm. This brief highlights several anonymized survivor testimonies which highlight systemic failures in maternal… Continue reading Policy Brief: Addressing disrespect and abuse in maternity care in Zimbabwe
Reproductive Justice and the Constitutional Promise to Zimbabwean Women
(Rights-based maternal care for every woman in Zimbabwe) Introduction Giving birth is arguably one of the most profound moments in a woman’s life, yet everyday countless Zimbabwean women are met with neglect, discrimination or disrespect in maternity wards (Gwatidzo et al., 2019). "Birth with dignity" encompasses the right of every woman to be treated with… Continue reading Reproductive Justice and the Constitutional Promise to Zimbabwean Women
Whose Shame Is It Anyway? Breaking Menstrual Stigmas
The post discusses the societal shame surrounding menstruation, highlighting the need for open conversation about periods. It reflects on personal experiences of secrecy and embarrassment during adolescence, advocating for the removal of stigma. Emphasizing the importance of discussing menstruation for menstrual equity, it calls for changing perceptions to embrace this natural biological process.
Death is not justice
Death is not justice. This reflection explores how survivors carry grief when perpetrators escape accountability and the courage it takes to heal beyond loss.
Megan Sekenhamo 