The International Community of women living with HIV Eastern Africa (ICWEA) joined the vital campaign against forced and coerced sterilization of women living with HIV in 2014. This nearly ten-year advocacy odyssey ended in a big victory this year when Hon Justice Mrima delivered an extraordinary judgment. This landmark decision specifically declared that executing tubal ligation on a woman living with HIV without her consent violated her fundamental rights to dignity, freedom from discrimination, health, and the ability to start a family.
Despite this extraordinary victory, we remain committed to echoing the Kenyan court’s call to action, asking medical facilities to examine and strengthen their informed consent policies and practices. It is critical to prevent the violation of the human rights of women and girls living with HIV by firmly condemning the practice of sterilization.
ICWEA underlines the critical importance of the government and collaborative partners establishing an equal and secure approach. This approach should provide compensation for women who have been forced or coerced sterilized, provide access to critical psychosocial support, and present alternate paths for these women to accomplish their child-bearing dreams.
Furthermore, we strongly urge East African governments to conduct thorough investigations into incidences of sterilization of women and girls living with HIV in their respective countries. This action is critical in ensuring that all women, including those living with HIV, have the right to health.
The fight for justice and the preservation of the rights of women living with HIV against forced sterilization continues. ICWEA continues steadfast in its commitment to advocating for women’s dignity, rights, and well-being. Together with partners, governments, and advocates, we continue to advocate for a society in which all individuals’ rights, regardless of health status, are acknowledged, safeguarded, and defended.
