YOUTH-LED organisation My Age Zimbabwe on Wednesday hosted an Open House ahead of the International Safe Abortion Day commemorations, an event which brought together parliamentarians, stakeholders, young women, and girls, creating a platform for critical discussions on the milestones achieved and ongoing challenges regarding access to safe abortion services in Zimbabwe.
The International Safe abortion Day is an annual day of action commemorated annually on September 28 in support of the right to safe abortion.
The event also marked the launch of The Silent Treatment, a theatrical performance that illustrated the diverse stories and challenges faced by women and girls in accessing safe abortion services.
Speaking at the event, Gweru Urban MP Josiah Makombe, who was representing the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health, said Open House serves as an essential platform for acquiring knowledge from experts and engaging in meaningful discussions on critical issues surrounding safe abortion.
“This Open House is a vital platform to learn from experts and map the way forward on how to better access to safe abortion and dissemination of information for young people to make informed decisions,” he said.
Representing young women, Tendaishe Changamire said it is high time for change and the review of the TOP Act [Termination of Pregnancy Act] since the restrictive law drives women into the shadows of unsafe abortion
“It is imperative that we address the restrictive nature of this law, which forces women into unsafe circumstances,” Changamire said.
“Change is essential to ensure their health and rights are protected.”
The discussions highlighted the urgent need to advocate a revision of the Termination of Pregnancy Act, a legislative framework that currently limits women’s autonomy over their reproductive choices. Participants shared their experiences and insights, shedding light on the various obstacles that hinder women’s ability to obtain safe and legal abortion services.
The event highlighted the detrimental effects of restrictive legislation on women’s health and overall well-being.
“The current restrictions not only undermine women’s rights, but also jeopardise their health by pushing them towards unsafe abortion practices,” Changamire said.
“We should prioritise the well-being of women and advocate for legislative changes that promote safety and empowerment.”
A key outcome of the Open House was a collective commitment among attendees to engage with policymakers to promote an environment that emphasises women’s rights and health.
The collaboration among diverse stakeholders reaffirmed the notion that access to safe abortion is not only a medical imperative, but also a fundamental human right.
My Age Zimbabwe is an organisation that champions youth leadership, participation, gender equality and the health and rights of adolescence and young people.
