On 28 September 2026, International Safe Abortion Day, My Age Africa joined government officials, Members of Parliament, UN agencies, civil society, youth movements, healthcare providers and community advocates at the Rainbow Towers in Harare for the 2026 Reproductive Health Indaba. The theme was “Solidarity, Evidence and Action: Advancing Reproductive Justice in Zimbabwe.”
My Age Africa served as a co-convener, working with the Safe Abortion Coalition and other partners to shape a day of dialogue, learning and shared commitment. First convened in 2024, the Indaba has become a key national platform for taking stock of progress on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Zimbabwe.
Speaking on a panel on access to services, My Age Africa shared what is happening on the ground. Under the Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1977, abortion is legal only in limited circumstances. Even when women and girls qualify, they often struggle to get care because of complex administrative procedures, stigma, misinformation and age-related barriers. Many turn to unsafe options, leading to illness and maternal deaths that could have been prevented. Young people, and those in rural and underserved communities, face the steepest barriers to accurate information and friendly, confidential care.
The panel also discussed practical ways to improve access and service provision:
• Strengthening referral pathways so that women and girls who qualify for legal services can reach them quickly, without being turned away
• Training and supporting healthcare providers to deliver non-judgmental, youth-friendly and rights-based care
• Expanding community-level information to counter myths and help people understand their rights and options
• Putting young people at the centre of how services are designed, delivered and monitored
• Linking evidence to policy so that lessons from communities shape legal reform, including discussions on the proposed TOP Private Member’s Bill
The Indaba closed with renewed commitments to coordinated advocacy and stronger partnerships. A communiqué will set out shared priorities for the year ahead.
My Age Africa is proud to stand with its partners in this movement. We remain committed to making sure every woman and young person in Zimbabwe can access safe, dignified and timely reproductive health care.
