Access to Comprehensive SRHR Services
At the Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW), we believe that every woman and girl has the right to make informed choices about her body, health, and future.
Our commitment to advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is rooted in dignity, equality, and autonomy — ensuring that all women and girls can access essential health services, exercise their reproductive rights, and live free from stigma or discrimination.
In alignment with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage goals (UHC 2030), COVAW’s work focuses on reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths, curbing teenage pregnancies, halting the spread of HIV, and addressing harmful norms and practices that limit women’s and girls’ control over their sexual and reproductive health.
Despite progress, challenges persist — including limited awareness, restricted access to services, and deeply ingrained social stigma. COVAW’s SRHR programs aim to bridge these gaps through advocacy, education, and inclusive partnerships.
Our Objectives
Objective 1: Increasing Access to Comprehensive SRHR Information and Services
COVAW is dedicated to ensuring that every woman and girl can make informed decisions about her body and reproductive health.
We collaborate with health providers, communities, and policymakers to:
- Expand access to accurate SRHR information and services.
- Promote awareness on topics such as menstruation, contraception, and safe motherhood.
- Advocate for the prevention of unsafe abortions and ensure access to abortion-related care within the framework of Kenyan laws.
- Deliver comprehensive sexual education in schools and communities to reduce teenage pregnancies and new HIV infections.
- Provide SRH products, including sanitary towels, to school-going and out-of-school girls to promote menstrual hygiene and school attendance.
Through this objective, COVAW empowers women and girls with the knowledge, confidence, and resources they need to lead healthy, autonomous lives.
Objective 2: Advocating for Legal and Policy Reform to Uphold Reproductive Rights
COVAW is actively engaged in advocating for the lifting of reservations placed by the Government of Kenya under Article 14(2)(c) of the Maputo Protocol — a crucial step toward full realization of reproductive rights for women and girls.
By working in partnership with like-minded organizations and legal experts, we aim to:
- Ensure legal clarity and access to laws related to reproductive health for both healthcare providers and the general public.
- Align Kenya’s domestic laws with international human rights standards to eliminate inconsistencies and safeguard reproductive autonomy.
- Review and reform sections of the Penal Code — including those under “offences against morality” and “offences connected with murder and suicide” — to ensure they reflect the principles of the Constitution and global commitments to gender equality.
This legal advocacy ensures that women and girls in Kenya are not only protected by the law but also empowered to claim their reproductive rights without fear, stigma, or discrimination.
Our Commitment
COVAW’s SRHR initiatives go beyond health — they are about justice, dignity, and empowerment.
We are building a future where women and girls have full control over their reproductive choices, access to quality healthcare, and the freedom to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
