Kenya launches call centre in Nairobi to support victims of obstetric violence

The campaign against obstetric violence (OBV) in Kenya has leapt forward with the launch of a dedicated call centre designed to confront this pervasive issue.

Obstetric violence refers to gender-based violence that occurs when a woman is mistreated during childbirth or other forms of obstetric care.

Recognising the urgent need for prompt interventions, emergency response coordination, and comprehensive documentation, the new centre will function as a centralised point of contact, offering affordable and dependable support for women subjected to obstetric violence.

The centre, located at the Kenya Women and Children's Wellness Centre in Roysambu, Nairobi, will serve as a central hub for women affected by obstetric violence. It will offer support to victims, coordinate interventions with healthcare providers and legal entities, and collect data to inform future research and policies.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Gamafrica Foundation, is designed to provide immediate assistance, document cases, and advocate for policy changes to improve maternal healthcare in the country.

The launch event saw participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, the Nursing Council of Kenya, the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society, the White Ribbon Alliance, and the International Centre for Reproductive Health.

Also present were MPs Guyo Jaldesa (Moyale), Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), and Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga), among others.

Speaking at the launch on Thursday, MP Wamuchomba, who sponsored the Obstetric Violence Bill, noted the importance of the new call centre.

Silent crisis

"Obstetric violence is a silent crisis that continues to rob women of their dignity during some of their most vulnerable moments," she said.

Wamuchomba added that by documenting these cases, the initiative would lay the groundwork for systemic change and improved maternal health policies.

Violations can include physical abuse, verbal mistreatment, neglect, and violation of women's dignity while they are in a vulnerable state.

Over the past year, the Heshimu Uzazi campaign, led by various stakeholders, has worked tirelessly to highlight OBV, advocate for the victims, and push for a culture of respect in maternal healthcare.

The new call centre is seen as a timely intervention to provide immediate help for women experiencing obstetric violence and ensure their cases are documented.

According to a recent survey conducted by the Gamafrica Foundation, about 80 per cent of women have experienced some form of OBV, with many unsure of where to turn for help.

Angela Nguku, founder of the White Ribbon Alliance, said that the lack of disability-friendly facilities in many hospitals and the challenges faced by midwives have contributed to the problem.

"Why do they slap pregnant women?" Nguku asked, referring to the abusive practices that persist in some healthcare settings.

KEWOPA Vice-Chairperson Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North MP) expressed concern about the devastating impact of OBV on women's reproductive health.

"Many women, after being subjected to OBV, opt not to give birth again," Elachi said.

The legislator also emphasised the vulnerability of women during childbirth.

"When a woman is giving birth, she is in the most vulnerable state and should be treated with care, not mishandled," Elachi said.

Respect for during childbirth

Several other lawmakers also spoke at the launch, with Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris stressing the importance of respect for women during childbirth.

"Our mothers and sisters need to be respected and treated with even more care during and after childbirth. The burden of any kind of violence or abuse is very heavy to carry," she remarked.

"Respectable maternal healthcare is a right for every woman in Kenya. All mothers must be accorded a safe and secure space to have a child," MP Njeri Maina said.

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi noted that a country that neglects the care of its women, especially during childbirth, risks compromising its future.

"A nation that doesn't take care of its women, especially when they are bringing forth life, doesn't have a future," he warned.

The call centre also aims to support ongoing efforts to pass Wamuchomba’s Obstetric Violence Bill.

This Bill seeks to provide legal protection for women from OBV and hold healthcare providers accountable for mistreatment during childbirth.