MUTARE - A local non-governmental organisation (NGO), Zimbabwe Womens Forum (ZIWA) yesterday launched a forum addressing sexual and reproductive health issues.Speaking at a strategic meeting in the city, deputy director of ZIWA, Mercy Kuchambwa, said the issue of sexuality was contemporary and critical especially in light of the HIV and Aids epidemic.
We have recognised that the issue of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Practices ought to be addressed in efforts to curb the prevalence of HIV and Aids, said Kuchambwa.
She said the NGO was hoping to break a barrier in the stigma associated with addressing issues of reproductive health.
This meeting should present our future leaders with the opportunity to speak out concerning issues related to the pandemic and what can be done to erode the stigma associated with the virus, she said.
The NGO revealed that the need to introduce such a forum came about after a baseline survey, conducted in June 2007 on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Practices revealed that there was lack of information dissemination.
The targeted participants, mostly from tertiary institutions and member districts were not aware of their sexual rights.
ZIWA was established in 2000 and its core mandate is to encourage the development of a world in which men and women can participate equally in decision-making.
Addressing issues of sexuality is a major step towards creating this world.
Post published in: Analysis