Globally, an estimated 736 million women—almost one in three—have been subjected to intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence or both at least once in their lives.
The rates of depression, anxiety disorders, unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and HIV are higher in women who have experienced violence compared to women who have not.
Every year almost half of all pregnancies about 121 million are unintended.
This is according to the World Health Organization report that was released in September last year.
Women and girls continue to face life-threatening situations in their daily social, educational, economical and personal lives from acts of violence with the perpetrator known to them most of the time.
Access to safe and legal abortion to survivors of Sexual violence is almost impossible, even when the law has mandated and directed it as a Right to survivors.
Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Kenya has witnessed an increase in gender-based violence cases reported by men, women and children.
According to the Ministry of Health, between mid-March and June last year, over 5000 rape cases were reported.
Girls aged 18 and below accounted for 70 per cent, five per cent were boys and men were 95 per cent.
The numbers were a 7 per cent increase from cases reported during the same period in 2019.
Most of the time, sexual violence acts leave survivors with trauma, STIs and pregnancy.
In restrictive environments, women and pregnant persons result in unsafe ways and practices to terminate pregnancies and thus most of the time they end up losing their lives.
An estimated 2,600 women and girls die annually in Kenya, amounting to seven deaths every day, from complications related to unsafe abortions, according to a Centre for Reproductive Rights report.
Most victims are women and girls from impoverished urban and rural settlements who cannot afford private healthcare and face stigma and discrimination seeking treatment in public hospitals.
Survivors of rape or any other form of sexual violence that leads to pregnancy are entitled to safe and legal abortion without any form of further victimization.
Young people continue to face barriers while accessing safe and legal abortion even within the confines of the law.
External stigma by society leaves a huge impact on anyone’s decision.
Lack of comprehensive information to diverse young is also not availed and accessible, furthermore restrictive laws and policies hinder the access and also the provider.
According to the constitution and the National Guidelines on Management of Sexual Violence in Kenya, termination of pregnancy and post-abortion care in the event of pregnancy from defilement and rape is a key Right of a Survivor of Sexual Violence.
SGBV is a serious yet preventable social and health problem that can be avoided.
No one should accelerate any more form of violence to any woman or any pregnant person by forcing them to keep a pregnancy that they do not want.
As we continue marking the 16 days of activism against GBV, I urge the Ministry of Health to ensure wide access of safe and legal information and services to all people who need it
Sexual reproductive health and rights youth expert, NAYA Kenya
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
