Kenya Launches First Toll-Free Call Center for Obstetric Violence
In a groundbreaking move to combat a hidden yet pervasive form of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Hon. National Chairperson of the Kenya Women Parliamentarians (KEWOPA), Hon. Leah Sankaire, has joined forces with Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, the Member of Parliament for Githunguri, to launch Kenya’s first toll-free call center dedicated to addressing Obstetric Violence (OBV). The launch took place on [insert date] and marks a pivotal moment in the fight for women’s rights and dignity during childbirth.
Obstetric Violence refers to the abuse, neglect, and discrimination women often face during maternity care, a form of violence that has long been hidden behind the doors of healthcare facilities. This call center aims to provide a confidential and accessible platform for women to report instances of mistreatment, ensuring that no woman is left to suffer in silence during what should be a joyful and life-affirming experience.
Hon. Sankaire expressed her heartfelt congratulations to Hon. Wamuchomba for her visionary leadership in launching the OBV Call Center, noting, “Congratulations to Hon. Wamuchomba on the remarkable launch of the OBV Call Center—a groundbreaking initiative transforming the experiences of women and girls in accessing reproductive healthcare and childbirth services. KEWOPA is deeply honored to be part of this inspiring journey, paving the way for dignity and justice in maternal care. Together, we are setting the gold standard for the region.”
The OBV Call Center represents a significant step forward in Kenya’s efforts to ensure that all women, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location, receive respectful and compassionate care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The initiative is expected to have a far-reaching impact, providing women with a means to speak out against abuse and advocate for the improvement of healthcare systems, while also raising awareness of the issue of obstetric violence.
As part of the launch, Hon. Wamuchomba emphasized the importance of ending OBV and ensuring that the healthcare system is one where women’s rights are respected and upheld. “This call center is not just a hotline, but a lifeline for women experiencing obstetric violence. It is a tool that will empower women to demand their rights and call for an end to the abuse and discrimination they face in our health facilities,” she said.
The launch has garnered widespread support from women’s rights organizations, healthcare professionals, and lawmakers, all of whom see the OBV Call Center as a critical tool in the ongoing fight to improve maternal care in Kenya.
As the call center begins operations, it is poised to serve as a model for other countries in the region, setting a precedent for comprehensive, accessible, and compassionate care for women during one of the most significant moments in their lives.
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