Gender and Reproductive
Health Rights
Preventing gender-based and sexual violence is an
important public health priority in Kenya. Such violence can lead
to severe injuries and other health problems. For many, the threat
or fear of violent behavior prevents them from protecting themselves
adequately from unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections,
including HIV/AIDS.
The Kenyan government’s Gender and Reproductive
Rights Program, implemented by the Division of Reproductive Health
with other local and international partners, aims to:
- remove legislation, policies, and traditional
or cultural practices that discriminate against women and girls
- promote and provide comprehensive reproductive
health services for women
- achieve equality and equity between men and women
- ensure that women have access to information,
education, and services needed for them to achieve good sexual
health and to exercise their reproductive rights and responsibilities
The initiative’s first collaborative efforts
were with Liverpool VCT and Care Kenya to develop and launch National
Guidelines for the Medical Management of Rape and Sexual Violence
and with GTZ to develop a plan of action against female genital
mutilation. Future efforts will include scale-up of services for
victims of rape and other sexual violence, and a project to integrate
gender issues into HIV/AIDS policies and services.
