Safe spaces on realization to SRHR service delivery
Summary
safe spaces can be tangible, like in a specific meeting or setting. Or, they can be more intangible, such as within a particular culture or subset of friends.
By applying the Make Way intersectionality approach, most women share some of the barriers to accessing quality SRHR services while they visit some health facilities, and this is mainly due to a lack of access to information on their SRHR rights and other social factors like age, disability, race, religion, etc.
“Intersectionality is a lens through which one can see where power comes and collides, where it locks and intersects. It is the acknowledgment that everyone has their own unique experiences of discrimination and privilege.” Kimberle Crenshaw.
We all need an inclusive Safe space where we are free to learn and share our life experiences without being judged or despised.
Through the Make Way Programme, CDSK established a Safe space for young women with disabilities in Kisumu, the aim was to create a safe and inclusive space for young women with disabilities; to learn and share their lived experiences through SRHR
Within the Safe spaces, women share and learn a lot concerning their sexual and reproductive health rights and also share their stories freely from any prejudice or judgment.
A safe space ideally refers to a judgment-free environment where people can fully express themselves and be themselves.
Safe spaces are essential as they help boost one’s psycho-social well-being and self–esteem, and dignity
safe spaces can be tangible, like in a specific meeting or setting. Or, they can be more intangible, such as within a particular culture or subset of friends.
Safe spaces may include some advocacy, sensitization, and learning, but the main goals are rooted in empathy and support. In a safe space, members aim to reduce any sense of discomfort. Safe spaces offer a sense of inclusivity and unwavering compassion and support.
As a result, safe spaces can be fantastic opportunities for marginalized groups who have experienced chronic oppression or abuse. In such cases, a safe space provides a sense of refuge.
Safe spaces can also be valuable when people need support more than guidance or education. Like, a physical forum that provides support and resources for young mothers with disabilities, who will benefit from the spaces.
By applying the Make Way intersectionality approach, most women share some of the barriers to accessing quality SRHR services. At the same time, they visit some health facilities, and this is mainly due to a lack of access to information on their SRHR rights and other social factors like age, disability, race, religion, etc.
“Intersectionality is a lens through which one can see where power comes and collides, where it locks and intersects. It is the acknowledgment that everyone has their own unique experiences of discrimination and privilege.” Kimberle Crenshaw.
Intersectionality helps to understand how different sets of identities impact access to rights and opportunities, these can be race, ethnicity, class, religion, sexuality, ability, age, and mental health, among others.
The Make Way Programme applies intersectionality as a tool in assessing how various aspects of social prejudice, hinder access to justice and equity while seeking Health services in our societies.
The safe spaces have created avenues for self-expression and learning entities whereby young women with disabilities can access information about their SRHR rights and peer-to-peer advocacy.
