The call to end obstetric violence (O. V) in Africa- a hidden form of gender-based violence faced by women during pregnancy and childbirth- took centre stage at the sidelines of the 85th Ordinary Session of theAfrican Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, the Gambia.
On 22 October 2025, KELIN, in partnership with the Center for Reproductive Rights, Centre for Human Rights (University of Pretoria), and Equality Now, convened a powerful side event under the theme “Strengthening Litigation and Implementation at the ACHPR: Advancing Gender Justice, Procedural Accountability, and Ending Obstetric Violence”. The hybrid event drew human rights advocates, legal practitioners, and regional experts who examined how the African human rights system can drive accountability for abuses within the maternal healthcare system.
Delivering the keynote, Hon. Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie, the ACHPR Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, stated, “Every woman has the right to a safe, dignified, and respectful birth experience. The Commission’s role is to ensure that no woman in Africa faces violence in the very moment she seeks care.” The Special Rapporteur in her remarks underscored that addressing obstetric violence aligns squarely with the Commission’s commitment to advancing gender justice and the right to health. She further reaffirmed the ACHPR’s readiness to collaborate with civil society and States in developing comprehensive Guidelines on the Elimination of Obstetric Violence.
Professor Ebenezer Durojaye from the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria further emphasized the ACHPR’s authority under Article 45 of the African Charterto develop standards, interpret rights, and ensure that States report on violations—including those related to maternal health. Derrick Kimani of the Center for Reproductive Rights further highlighted the need to strengthen procedural mechanisms within the Commission to enhance accountability, transparency, and consistency in decisions affecting women’s rights. Professor Biyegon, the Africa Regional Advocacy Coordinator at Amnesty International, also underscored that African women and girls still await the tangible benefits of gender-related rulings due to low state compliance and non-implementation.
From KELIN, Ms. Melinda Mugambi called for explicit legal recognition of obstetric violence, warning that its invisibility in national and continental laws perpetuates impunity.
“The lack of direct language regarding abuses that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-partum period means that obstetric violence risks remain invisible and unaddressed. We must break the silence, name the injustice for what it is, and legislate against it,” she urged.
As part of the side event, KELIN also premiered a powerful short documentary, The Silent Labour Pains, which gives voice to survivors of obstetric violence in Kenya and their pursuit of justice through the courts. The film powerfully illustrates that ending obstetric violence is not only a health priority—it is a human rights imperative.
Watch the full documentary here: The Silent Labour Pains
KELIN and its partners continue to advocate for the adoption of ACHPR Guidelines on the Elimination of Obstetric Violence and for national reforms that recognize and address OV within legal and accountability frameworks.
“This is about justice, dignity, and the right of every African woman to give birth safely and with respect,” concluded Ms. Mugambi, from KELIN
For more information, please contact:
Melinda Mugambi
Associate Legal Counsel.
Kuwinda Lane, Off Langáta Road
P.O BOX 112-00202 KNH Nairobi
Tel: +254790111578
Email: litigation@kelinkenya.org
