Progress on Addressing Violence against Women in Africa

The resolution on obstetric violence, adopted in March, marks progress toward preventing and addressing this harmful practice, which violates women’s and girls’ rights to life, health, dignity, education, and physical integrity. Obstetric violence, mistreatment, disrespect, and abuse exercised against women and girls in health care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum contribute to high rates of preventable maternal mortality and morbidity in Africa, including by dissuading women and girls from seeking necessary health services, further compromising their health and well-being.

The resolution takes a comprehensive approach to obstetric violence, recognizing it as a form of gender-based violence experienced not only during childbirth but also when women and girls seek other reproductive services. It recognizes that obstetric violence includes physical, verbal, and psychological abuse, taking into account both physical and mental well-being. The resolution tasks the Working Group on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights in Africa and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa to develop guidelines on eliminating obstetric violence by March 2027 and urges African governments to contribute to this process. Link to full story here.