The coalition of two organizations, Umunthu FM and Ladder for Rural Development (LAFORD), under "Community Voices for legal reforms project" have called for intensified advocacy towards reviewing legal reforms on safe abortion in the country
Speaking on Tuesday in Salima during a two-day media workshop, Umunthu FM's project coordinator, Yamikani Mwawa, said strengthening community engagement among locals is crucial in advancing awareness on the legal framework surrounding safe abortion.
Mwawa said unsafe abortion remains one of the serious challenges affecting young girls and women in the country a development she said needs a collaborative efforts among stakeholders to promote and implement legal frameworks that can help protect Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of women.
“Our role together with other partners is to ensure that advocacy on legal reforms regarding safe abortion are effectively disseminated within communities,” she said.
In her remarks, Programmes Manager for Ladder for Rural Development (LAFORD) Olivier Mandalasi said the organization has observed existing gaps in advocacy on safe abortion arguing stereotypes and religious restrictions continue to limit open discussion on the subject.
Mandalasi further stressed the significant role journalists play in advocating and disseminating accurate information to communities and has since disclosed that plans are underway to enhance media engagement with various communities.
“We have observed some gaps that need to be addressed. For instance, many journalists are not fully given access to publish information on issues related to to abortion. This is due to ethical and religious considerations,” said Mandalasi.
Among others, the presentation tackled issues on ethical reporting on SRHR and safe abortion, understanding legal framework and current laws on safe abortion in Malawi as well as understanding post abortal care services.
The workshop brought together media practitioners from various outlets within the central region and was designed to build journalistic capacity in reporting on sensitive but critical issues related to SRHR by ensuring professionalism, balance, and integrity in coverage.
Umunthu FM and LAFORD are implementing a 24-month project in Kasungu and Ntchisi, respectively, with support from Pamoja Amplify Change.
