MSI Reproductive Choices Kenya has launched the second phase of its For Every Stage of Woman campaign, calling for women’s healthcare experiences to be centred on listening, dignity and respect.
The campaign, launched under the theme “We Start by Listening”, is based on research into women’s experiences with healthcare and aims to encourage women to speak openly about their health concerns while urging healthcare providers to take their voices seriously.
Speaking during the launch on Thursday, MSI Reproductive Choices Kenya Country Director Dr. Walter Obita said the campaign was responding to what women had told the organisation about their experiences with healthcare.
“Phase 2 brings that promise to life: listening more closely, sharing real women’s voices, and creating more relevant, accessible experiences that show women we understand their needs and are here for them, every step of the way,” Dr. Obita highlighted.
MSI Reproductive Choices Kenya, formerly Marie Stopes Kenya, is an organisation that has provided sexual and reproductive healthcare in Kenya since 1985.
It offers contraception, maternity services and post-abortion care, while working with government and partners to expand access across 41 counties.
MSI was founded in 1976 and now operates in 36 countries across six continents, supporting more than 100,000 people daily with reproductive healthcare.
The organisation spoke to 102 women while developing the second phase of the campaign. The findings highlighted several challenges women face when seeking healthcare.
According to the research, 62% of women surveyed had ignored a signal from their bodies that later proved important, while 64% said they had been told their pain was normal despite feeling otherwise.
A further 52% said they had been interrupted before finishing an explanation of their health concern, while 44% reported being rushed through consultations. Another 33% said healthcare providers had talked at them instead of listening.
Overall, 82% of the women surveyed had experienced at least one of the negative healthcare experiences examined in the research.
Dr. Obita stated that the statistics represented real experiences and demonstrated the need for healthcare systems to pay greater attention to women’s concerns.
“These are not simply statistics. Behind every percentage is a woman. A woman who wanted someone to listen to her pain. A woman who wanted to ask a question without feeling embarrassed. A woman who wanted to understand what was happening to her body. A woman who wanted to participate in decisions about her own health. And this is why Marie Stopes Kenya starts with listening,” he said.
The research also found that 68% of women surveyed felt connected to their bodies and paid attention to signals from them.
“Women are listening. They are noticing changes. They are asking questions. They are seeking information. They are trying to understand their bodies. Healthcare must listen too,” Dr Obita maintained.
The organisation also operates 16 clinics across the country and complements clinical services through outreach, community engagement, partnerships and digital channels.
It also announced plans to open another MSI Premier Clinic in Ruiru to expand access to reproductive healthcare.
Dr Obita said the campaign would require collaboration among government, healthcare professionals, communities, development partners and the media.
“Our commitment is therefore not just ‘We listen.’ It is: ‘We start by listening, we understand, and we’re here when you need us,’” he concluded.