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Chief Sokontwe Urges Counsellors to Discard Teachings That Infringe on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights

By Linda Mupemo, ZANIS-Milenge



Chief Sokontwe - Picture by Linda Mupemo



Chief Sokontwe of the Ushi people in Milenge district of Luapula Province has urged traditional marriage councellors to desist from propagating teachings that infringe on women's Sexual and Reproductive Health rights.

Chief Sokontwe noted that some traditional teachings were retrogressive and aimed at suppressing the women folk.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS, the Traditional Leader said there is need for marriage counsellors to undergo modern training especially on  health matters. 

He said it is important for counsellors to be furnished with the right information about health rights as they teach people under them. 

He added that counsellors need to differentiate between teachings that preserve culture and those that are detrimental to the well-being of people especially young girls and women. 

Chief Sokontwe called on married couples in the community to adopt good health seeking behaviour more so, when it comes to family planning. 

He observed that some men stop their wives from accessing family planning services, a situation he said puts the lives of women at risk. 

"Some men want to impregnate their wives year in, year out. It is not healthy for the woman and the children," he said.

Chief Sokontwe said he will continue to sensitise the community on the importance of family planning and other health services. 

And Milenge District Hospital Medical Officer In Charge Nicholas Sakala said there was need to intensify sensitisation of the community on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights.

Dr. Sakala noted that information on sexual health is still regarded as a taboo topic in the area. 

He said health authorities have made health facilities more conducive by setting up youth friendly corners and working with peer educators to enable adolescents freely seek sexual reproductive health services. 

Dr. Sakala said people need to be enlightened on the matter to enable them make sound and informed healthy choices.


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