Group leaders share information on sexual health rights in Malawi

All women, all around the world, should have the right to choose if and when they have children.

All women should have the right to have control over their bodies, their health and their future.

All women should be able to access healthcare, which includes abortion and family planning services.

Empowering women and teenage girls with information, knowledge and support to make their own decisions is crucial.

With the results of the US Election last week, it is extremely likely that the ‘global gag rule’ will come into effect. This means no projects, charities and NGOs funded by the US-government will be able to provide, endorse, reference or advocate for abortion access.

This does not impact our current projects but will have a devastating impact for so many, for years to come.

When there is no choice, this results in women needlessly dying, of pregnancy complications and unsafe abortions. It can affect women’s mental health and wellbeing, and keep them locked in a cycle of poverty.

In Malawi, we are supporting teenage girls and young women, helping them to know about their rights, using radio programming to raise awareness of contraception, pregnancy and forced marriages.

In Ethiopia, we stand for supporting women through pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. We talk about family planning and the importance of spacing out pregnancies, so when families choose to have children, they are ready to look after them, both financially and emotionally.