The Women Rise Community Engagement held on May 1st, 2024, in Mt Ayliff, focused on addressing Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) issues in Chithwa village, amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. This blog highlights the event's emphasis on exploring SRH challenges within the unique dynamics of the Chithwa community. Insights from recent government engagements emphasise the policy responses to the pandemic's impact on SRH, especially for rural women. Discussions delved into concerns such as increased teenage pregnancies, the importance of Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE), Adolescent Sexual & Reproductive Health Rights, and challenges related to unsafe abortions and contraceptive access. Mrs. Phikwa, representing the community, expressed gratitude for the Women Rise team's dedication, emphasising its empowering impact on women and girls through education and resource provision, ultimately enabling informed choices and advocacy for health and rights.
Figure 1: Women from Mt Ayliff gathered for community engagement on Sexual and Reproductive Health (Zikhona Mtwa, May 2024)
On 1 May 2024, the Women Rise Project held a community engagement in Mt Ayliff, focusing on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) issues in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. The event specifically targeted Chithwa village in Mt Ayliff, under the Umzimvubu Local Municipality, part of the broader Alfred Nzo District Municipality. The engagement brought together various stakeholders to discuss current SRH challenges, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the community. By centering the discussion on Chithwa village, the event aimed to address the unique dynamics and challenges in this specific community, exploring how SRH issues intersect with broader social, economic, and health-related factors.
The engagement also built on insights from a prior government meeting held on 26 March 2024. At this earlier event, participants, including representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of Social Development, and the Office of the Premier Special Programmes Unit, shared how these entities have responded to SRH needs during the pandemic, especially for rural women.
During the discussions, we delved into how the pandemic has affected various aspects of reproductive health. One key area that was examined was teenage pregnancy. With lockdowns and disruptions to education and healthcare services, community members stated that there have been concerns about an increase in teenage pregnancies. We also talked about Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE), which is crucial for young people to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. Another significant topic that was addressed was Adolescent Sexual & Reproductive Health Rights. These rights are essential for young people to access the services and information they need to protect their health. However, with the strain on healthcare systems and resources during the pandemic, there have been challenges in ensuring these rights are upheld. Unsafe abortions emerged as a concerning issue in the discussions. Restrictions on movement and access to healthcare services have led to an increase in unsafe abortion practices, risking the health and lives of individuals. The availability and access to contraceptives were also highlighted during our conversation, where disruptions in the supply chain and limited access to healthcare facilities have posed challenges for individuals seeking contraceptives. HIV/AIDS and cancer were also part of the discussion where community members expressed how the pandemic has affected the delivery of services for HIV/AIDS and cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Mrs. Phikwa, a respected community member, expressed deep gratitude to the Women Rise team on behalf of the residents. She praised the team's unwavering dedication and highlighted the profound impact their presence has had in rural areas. According to Mrs. Phikwa, the team has played a vital role in bridging gaps in access to essential SRH information, empowering individuals with knowledge and resources. She emphasized that the team's efforts go beyond raising awareness; they aim to equip women and girls with the knowledge needed to make informed choices about their SRH. Mrs. Phikwa also stressed the importance of debunking myths and promoting contraceptive literacy, noting that these educational initiatives have significantly empowered women and girls to take control of their health and well-being. By understanding their options and rights, women in the community are better equipped to advocate for themselves and make choices that positively impact their lives.
Figure 2: Women from Mt Ayliff involved in discussing Sexual and Reproductive Health (Zikhona Mtwa, May 2024)
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