A safe motherhood and reproductive health bill has been unanimously backed by Sierra Leone’s cabinet. The bill will expand access to abortion to include terminations outside the current provisions to only interfere when a mother’s life is at risk.
Sexual health
Arts, Culture and Sport Sex workers in Nigeria deserve fair treatment from the media
The study reveals a consistently biased and negative depiction of sex workers by news media in Nigeria. Sex work is abhorred in many African societies. But, “Why is it that a practice so thoroughly disapproved, so widely outlawed … can yet flourish so universally?”
Lifestyle South Africa approves the use of the Dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV prevention
Women in South Africa from 18 years of age and older have the green light to use the DPV-VR Ring. The silicone ring gives women an alternative preventative measure against HIV thus advancing sexual reproductive health rights for women in the country.
Politics and Society “SHE SOARS” Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for out-of-school adolescent girls
The “SHE SOARS” project is advocating for the adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights of female school dropouts in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia. The end of the project may bring about accountable and equitable adolescent SRHR policies, legal frameworks, and services in the respective countries.
Politics and Society #UnderTheBlankets: A campaign prioritising sexual reproductive rights for refugees and migrants
“Is it because I am a foreigner?” is a question that aptly describes the barriers to healthcare in South Africa for asylum seekers and migrants. But the Sonke Gender Justice’s (SGJ) #UnderTheBlankets campaign is working to change that.
Politics and Society Survivors of sexual violence in South Africa are finally finding their voices
Prevailing patriarchal and cultural norms in some societies prevent women victims of sexual crimes from talking out by shaming them.
Lifestyle Not less of a woman: Infertility, IVF, miscarriages, surrogates and choosing childlessness
The ability to give birth is widely touted as a woman’s defining feature. Having children – or wanting them, and how you have them are a source of anxiety for many women. In this respect, famous women such as Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, Gabrielle Union, Beyoncé and Tracee Ellis Ross help give voice to all women.
Politics and Society South African girls learn self-defence as boys learn empathy to tackle sexual violence
The South African charity Action Breaks Silence is working with schools to educate girls in self-defence and mental strength while encouraging boys to be empathetic and emotionally expressive. So far, more than 12,000 girls and 1,365 boys in 150 schools countrywide have been through the programme.
Politics and Society “Women can now give up contraceptive methods,” Magufuli tells Tanzanian women
Tanzania has a population of about 53 million people, of which 70% live below the poverty level, surviving on about US$2 a day. Despite this, President Magufuli has instructed women to do away with birth control interventions, claiming that the country needs more people.