Traditional leaders in Thyolo District have urged women and girls to seek safe abortion to avoid health complications associated with unsafe abortion.
The leaders, including group village heads (GVHs) Chimbalanga, Kankhomba and Tayali from Traditional Authority (T/A) Bvumbwe said this on Wednesday when Women Rights Institute (Wori) assessed the impact of its two-year Kalondolondo reproductive health project in the area.
To ensure compliance, GVH Chimbalanga said the leaders formulated by-laws which will fine girls or women K100 000 for carrying out unsafe abortion, adding that the situation was previously getting out of hand before the introduction of the by-laws.
“The by-laws have also encouraged communities to discuss sexual and reproductive health issues and the dangers associated with unsafe abortions,” he said.
The chief said continued community awareness is important as some people lack adequate information about sexual and reproductive health.
On his part, Tayali said it was important for girls and woman to access sexual and reproductive health services such as contraceptives to prevent unplanned pregnancies.
Wori executive director Bertha Mfune commended the traditional leaders for taking action against unsafe abortions and for supporting reproductive health awareness activities.
She said community leadership is important in addressing issues affecting women and girls because traditional leaders are closer to the people.
Mfune said Kalondolondo project has helped communities to access information on sexual and reproductive health and understand the dangers of unsafe abortions.
In his remarks, Bvumbwe Area Development Committee chairperson Cedric Magaleta said the by-laws also require pregnant girls to seek medical care at health facilities together with their partners.
He said the requirement has helped to promote responsibility among partners and encouraged pregnant girls to seek appropriate health services.
Magaleta said increased awareness of the dangers of unsafe abortions has also contributed to more girls returning to school after giving birth.
