As away of joining the rest of the world to commemorate the International day of action for women’s health, Akina Mama Wa Afrika (AMwA), exhibited on under reported stories on sexual reproductive health for women, to highlight more on the matter.
During the commemoration event that took place at Circular Design Hub in Bugoloobi, AMwA featured stories about SRHR written by journalists and they took time to present and talk about where the challenges about SRHR are, and what needs to be done.
The International Day of Action for Women’s Health, brings organizations and activists to mobilize, take action, and amplify demands for sexual and reproductive health rights and justice (SRHRJ) for all through inclusive, accessible, and available SRH information and services!
This day demands for the prioritization of SRHR in all development agendas, human rights conventions and treaties, and electoral agendas!
According to the report on Ugandan Media Coverage on SRHR by AMwA, the findings made by African Center for Media Excellency (ACME), conducted from 01 January to 30th June 2023, across the three media platforms studied such as Newspaper, Television and Online platform, reveals fascinating trends in SRHR with 735 articles discussing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) identified.
The report shows that Newspaper covers 50%, Television covers 28.4% and Online coveres 21.6% SRHR stories.
AMwA therefore recommends that there should be a crucial observation in the under representation of vital SRHR topics like sexuality education, fertility struggles and sex work since this lack of coverage creates knowledge gaps and hinders public awareness limiting access to information and services for individuals navigating those sensitive challenges.
The SRHR lead in AMwA Williams Alabukunola noted that, this day is to remind us of the important issues around SRHR, the importance of thinking deeply around issues that are considered controversial and to remember that there are average women who are forced to make decisions between bad and worse.
She added that in some countries, women with disabilities have been left behind, sexual and gender minorities whose rights are not recognised, people living with HIV have been criminalised for who they are, therefore this day helps to forefront such issues and tell the stories for the benefit of the communities.
During the event, journalists showcased the stories covered about SRHR, panelists discussed SRHR issues and the role of media on reporting SRHR stories, among other issues.
