My Age Africa recently participated in the SRHR Indaba, an annual event hosted by the SRHR Africa Trust (SAT). This vital forum brings together policymakers, civil society organizations, development partners, and young people to engage in critical dialogue aimed at strengthening advocacy, linking evidence to policy reform, and advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Zimbabwe. The Indaba also serves as a commemoration of International Safe Abortion Day, reinforcing the collective commitment to reproductive justice within the region.
The event was honored by the presence of Johanna Gårdesten, First Secretary at the Embassy of Sweden in Harare, who served as the Guest of Honour. Also in attendance were Hon. T. Mawodzere, SAT Deputy Board Chair Nyasha Timba, Board Member Delight Muchazondida, representatives from the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC), the UNFPA Zimbabwe, and other key partners dedicated to advancing SRHR across the region.
My Age Africa actively participated in a dialogue session focused on improving access to health for women and girls, with a particular emphasis on safe abortion. During this session, Honourable Thomas Muwodzeri, representing the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health, presented a compelling argument for reform, highlighting the undue burdens currently placed on women seeking legal abortions under existing legislation.
Honourable Muwodzeri’s statement underscored the emotionally taxing and protracted procedures that survivors of rape must navigate in order to access legal abortion services. He emphasized that the current system, which necessitates reporting to the police, obtaining official documentation, undergoing interrogation, and awaiting magisterial approval, inflicts further trauma upon vulnerable women.
In addition to the dialogue sessions, a gallery walk facilitated cross-learning among participants. My Age Africa, as a partner in the PACCESS (Partnerships for Movement Building to Accelerate Access to SRHR) project, showcased the work of its community working groups.
The presentation highlighted ongoing efforts in movement building within the SRHR and safe abortion landscape. This provided a valuable opportunity to share experiences and strategies with other stakeholders committed to advancing reproductive justice.
My Age Africa remains dedicated to advocating for policies and practices that ensure access to comprehensive SRHR services for all women and girls in Zimbabwe.
