This archive report was first published on 13 November 2019.
As the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD25) takes place in Nairobi, marking 25 years since the first conference, it is clear that Kenyans are obsessed with policing women's bodies and what people do in their bedrooms.
On one hand, the conference aims to promote access to proper sexual and reproductive healthcare information and services, as well as family planning services, which are essential for women and development. However, the contrasting messaging and undue focus on pre and post-natal care have led to confusion and misinformation.
The government, by its own admission, owes citizens basic healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health information and services. This involves talking about sex, its effects, and ensuring that those who need hospitals can access them for consultation and drugs if necessary. The Kenyan Constitution of 2010 guarantees the right to the highest standard of reproductive health, and the Health Act of 2017 guarantees safe, effective, and affordable family planning for all Kenyan adults.
Despite these guarantees, safe and affordable family planning services remain elusive for many Kenyans. Meanwhile, fake Christians are screaming bloody murder on the streets, literally, in a situation that has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with personal choice and free will.
As the conference continues, it is essential to separate fact from fiction and to focus on the real issues at hand, such as stopping female genital mutilation and ending maternal mortality. By doing so, we can work towards creating a better world for women and promoting their autonomy over their own bodies.
