Girls Activist Youth Organisation (GAYO) and Her Liberty have emphasized the critical role of the media in highlighting the challenges faced by young women who resort to unsafe abortions.
The organizations made this call during a media orientation on reporting unsafe abortions among young women. Her Liberty Project Manager, Kattie Mikwala, expressed concern over the rising number of deaths and complications resulting from unsafe abortion practices.
“Many young women die or suffer serious complications, including the removal of their uterus, after using unsafe methods like overdosing on drugs or relying on herbs to terminate pregnancies,” Mikwala said.
She cited research showing that 18% of women die annually due to unsafe abortions, with 64 young women from Zomba alone seeking medical treatment between January and June 2024 after undergoing unsafe abortions.
Mikwala appealed to the Zomba media to raise awareness about safe abortion methods and advocate for legal reforms that would allow women to access safer procedures, reducing the number of deaths and complications.
“We believe the media can play a significant role in educating young women about safe abortion practices,” she added.
GAYO Programme Manager, Gilbert M’bwana, echoed the call for more media coverage on safe abortion, emphasizing the need for young women to know where they can seek safe help if they decide to terminate a pregnancy. GAYO and Her Liberty are implementing a project on unsafe abortion with support from Amplify Change, aiming to reach 5,000 youths in Senior Chief Malenia’s area in Zomba.
One of the reporters, Lauryn M’banga from Yoneco FM, appreciated the orientation, stating she now feels more informed and committed to writing about safe abortion practices.
