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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System Date: 07 Aug 2008 Title: KZN promotes sexual, reproductive rights of women -------------------- By Siboniso Ntuli Pietermaritzburg - The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has launched a campaign to promote the sexual and reproductive rights of women during the month of August. The campaign, which is themed "Respect women's rights to be responsible", will provide information to couples and individuals (specifically women) on family planning and the right to attain the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health. It will also highlight the right to make decisions concerning reproductive choices, free of discrimination, coercion and violence, as expressed in the human rights framework of the Constitution. According to the department they hope that the information and services they provide to the communities will ensure that these rights are respected and recognised at all times. The campaign will be implemented in four districts of the province namely, eThekwini, Uthungulu, Umgungundlovu and Amajuba. According to the department men will also be educated about sexual and reproductive health, as it takes a partnership to have a family. "Women have a right to health, but protecting that right often depends on a partner's support," the department said. Women will also be educated about the choice of termination of pregnancy, which is a health imperative. The International community has recognised that unsafe abortion is a major threat to women's health. "By liberalising restrictive abortion laws and investing in abortion safety, we can save the lives of tens of thousands of women every year," the department said. Communities will also be educated on protecting and respecting women's sexual and reproductive health. According to the department, reproductive health is determined not only by the quality and availability of health care, but also by socio-economic development levels, lifestyles and women's position in society. "These core values, respect, rights and responsibility, underpin a vision of a society where women are valued and sexuality is viewed as a normal and healthy part of being human, of being young, of being alive," the department said. Social change is always difficult, particularly when the basic relations between men and women in families and society are involved. The past decade has seen greater attention and progress towards the empowerment of women. There has also been a growing recognition of how the rules governing men and women's opportunities, social endowments and behaviours affect the prospect for accelerated development and justice. - BuaNews |
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