At the centre of communities, a quiet yet intense struggle is emerging; a fight for reproductive rights, health equity and the fundamental essence of community well-being, resonating deeply across the nation.
This struggle reflects broader societal challenges, where cultural norms collide with modern health needs.
Amid these societal and systemic barriers, voices from communities, experts and advocates unite, seeking transformative change for reproductive health and empowering individuals to reclaim their rights.
Historically, pre-colonial societies thrived on a culture that nurtured and protected women, fostering a supportive environment for families.
However, the legacy of colonisation disrupted these familial bonds and introduced systemic barriers that continue to haunt the nation’s health delivery system.
As maternal mortality rates remain alarmingly high and access to safe reproductive healthcare is often a distant dream for many, a pressing question emerges: Is there a crucial need for policy reform in reproductive health?
Itai Rusike, executive director of the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH), alongside social and health experts and community voices’ insights, illuminate the complexities of navigating a system fraught with legal restrictions, socio-cultural resistance and the ever-present hope for meaningful change.
Their narratives paint a picture of the ongoing struggle for reproductive health rights in Zimbabwe, weighing the pros and cons of potential policy reforms that could reshape the future for countless vulnerable individuals across the nation.
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Health experts note that maternal mortality rates still remain alarmingly high and access to safe reproductive healthcare is often a distant dream for many, pressing the crucial need for policy reform in reproductive health.
“In pre-colonial Zimbabwe, communities operated within a framework of mutual support, where the roles of family members, that is, elders, siblings and extended relatives, ensured the well-being of women and children”, Rusike said in a CWGH policy brief.
“Cultural practices provided safeguards, from mentorship in life stages to ensuring adequate nourishment”, he said.
With the advent of colonisation, however, these structures were fractured. Many able-bodied individuals migrated to urban areas for work, leaving women and children to fend for themselves.
This shift not only imposed a new lifestyle but also introduced foreign laws that often contradicted indigenous practices. Although Zimbabwe boasts progressive constitutional provisions regarding health, the reality is stark: implementation remains dismal.
He observed that disparities between policy intentions and actual service delivery are evident, echoing a challenge faced by many African nations.
Legal restrictions, socio-cultural resistance and weak policy enforcement severely limit access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare.
Specialists denote that maternal mortality rates remain high, primarily due to unsafe abortions, lack of contraception and inadequate healthcare services.
These systemic barriers prevent individuals, particularly marginalised groups, women, adolescents and survivors of sexual violence, from accessing necessary care.
“We are operating in a context where reproductive health rights are not only a health issue but a matter of human dignity. Each statistic represents a life affected by systemic failure,” Rusike said.
His words reflect deep-seated frustration within the community and among health advocates.
At a recent health conference in the capital, reproductive health expert, Thandiwe Moyo, stressed: “Our laws must adapt to current realities. Women’s daily struggles cannot be overlooked. Access to safe reproductive health services is a fundamental right, not a luxury.”
Community voices echo this sentiment. Sarah, a young mother from Rusike village in Goromonzi district, shares her experience: “When I was pregnant, I felt lost. There were no resources available and I had to rely on my family for support. What if they weren’t there? Many women face similar fears.”
Her story highlights the urgent need for accessible healthcare and education as urbanisation creeps into formerly rural set-ups such as Goromonzi and Chishawasha.
In response to these challenges, CWGH has taken significant steps to advocate for policy reform. It has coordinated partnerships and collaborations, bringing together various stakeholders to address reproductive health issues.
Recently, the Zimbabwe Global Financing Facility Civil Society Coalition (Zim GFF CSO) co-convened an alliance focused on safe abortion, marking a significant shift in Zimbabwe’s restrictive abortion laws.
“The pathway to reform is not easy,” Rusike, who coordinates the coalition, explained. “But we are committed to mobilising resources and creating dialogues that highlight the importance of reproductive health.
Experts assert that the question of whether there is a need for policy reform in reproductive health is no longer debatable. The evidence is clear: existing policies fall short of addressing the realities faced by key and vulnerable populations (KVPs).
CWGH’s comparative analysis underscores the necessity for revitalising primary healthcare as a means to achieve universal health coverage, which is pivotal for resuscitating Zimbabwe’s health delivery
system.
The coalition has also successfully convened national health financing dialogues, advocating for innovative health financing solutions, including domestic resource mobilisation and national health insurance.
“Sustainable financing is key to ensuring that all individuals, especially KVPs have access to quality reproductive healthcare,” Rusike said.
As Zimbabwe navigates these complex challenges, the voices of community members, health experts and advocates must be amplified.
The urgent need for policy reform in reproductive health is not just about changing laws; it’s about restoring dignity, ensuring safety, and providing equitable access to healthcare.
Every step taken towards reform is a step towards saving lives. The intersection of culture, law and health must be navigated carefully, with the voices of KVPs at the
forefront.
The stories of Sarah, combined with the advocacy of organisations like CWGH, illustrate the pressing need for policy change through amicable dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders.
