Gender
KCs report what life is like for women facing gender-based discrimination and violence, some of whom are also living with HIV, TB and other serious health issues. Stories range from women rebuilding their lives and their sexual and reproductive health after suffering rape and violence to mothers who have experienced and overcome stigma and abandonment after developing complications during childbirth, such as fistula.
KCS also highlight the impact violence and discrimination have on transgenders, gay men, lesbians and men who have sex with men by telling individual stories of struggle and empowerment and by documenting grassroots campaigns and community activities.
Inadequate health facilities blamed for poor maternal healthcare
Lack of Health facilities in remote areas of Kenya has contributed to the high rate of child mortality. Many pregnant women in rural homes either die while giving birth or lose their babies on delivery for lack of accessibility to health facilities. more
Women of the World Unite!
From www.citizen-news.org
The United Nations General Assembly has created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, in July 2010 — a new agency solely focused on women’s rights with a view to invest in women’s equality. In the words of Michelle Bachelet, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, “This is a time of great promise. We have a historic opportunity to accelerate the achievement of what champions of gender equality have worked towards for years.” go
Uganda: Muslim women back condoms for HIV prevention
From www.plusnews.org
Some Muslim women in western Uganda are demanding that a new HIV prevention programme for Muslims include condom promotion, going against calls by local religious leaders for the programme to be limited to messages on faithfulness and abstinence. go
Kenya’s youth face reproductive health challenges
Like other developing countries, Kenya has a young population with more than 30% of the population being between 20 to 24 years. Young people face severe demands and challenges associated with transition to adulthood, for example, those related to reproductive health and rights. Although the policy and legislative environment for adolescence and youth health has improved significantly over the years, investments in the social sectors has also increased leading to high demand for improved access to social services such has education and health. more
Cervical cancer appointment comes too late for Pauline
Pauline has been married to her second husband Pete for 13 years. When she went for a Pap smear test at the end of September 2010, she was referred to the University Teaching Hospital where it was confirmed that she had cervical cancer. Pauline was not given any medication as she was too weak.
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Women risk HIV infection in wife inheritance
Mama Lavender is 28 years of age and is living in Kayole estate in Nairobi. Though it was not her wish to get married for the second time, she found herself in a second marriage which she says landed her in problems. more
The cracked mirror
Women in Nairobi, as well as rural Kenya, can be inherited and subsequently infected with HIV. more
Women and girls represent more than half of Uganda’s new HIV infections
The Agenda for Accelerated Country Action for Women, Girls, Gender Equality and HIV 2010–2014 (Operational Plan) supports the implementation of the UNAIDS Action Framework: Addressing Women, Girls, Gender Equality and HIV. more