Indigenous Women have called for recognition and equipping of traditional birth attendants, among other key recommendations for adoption by government, even as they seek to escalate their other demands in upcoming global platforms.
Addressing Journalists in Isiolo following conclusion of a three-day conference that culminated in celebrations to mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People Sunday, the Indigenous Women from 27 ASAL Counties under the umbrella body of Indigenous Women Council noted that the call was in line with this year’s theme, “Honoring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.”
Led by the Convener of Indigenous Women Council who is also the Executive Director of Samburu Women Trust Jane Meriwass, the women said that the theme reminds members of public of the vital role that Indigenous women play as traditional midwives, healers and custodians of medicinal, spiritual, cultural and ecological knowledge.
Jane noted that Indigenous midwives/traditional birth attendants have sustained generations through knowledge passed from mothers, grandmothers and elders, therefore their contribution to maternal health, cultural continuity and community well-being must be recognized, respected and supported by all.
She however noted that the recommendation should not be misconstrued to insinuate that expectant mothers are now encouraged to give birth at home, but since some mothers within the pastoral landscape are still forced to deliver in Manyattas due to challenges such as extremely long distances to health facilities, then there was need to recognize and equip the traditional birth attendants who she said still play a crucial role towards reducing incidents of maternal mortality.
Additionally, she also called upon the devolved governments to establish more health facilities closer to villages and equip them, arguing that some of the health facilities in remote areas lack basic items required to assist the mothers to deliver safely.
Jane further demanded the recognition of Indigenous women as important custodians of forests, range lands, water sources, biodiversity and other natural resources, indigenous knowledge and community-led practices that offer important solutions to climate change, environmental degradation, food insecurity and loss of biodiversity.
She argued that Indigenous women continue to experience systemic discrimination, exclusion from decision-making, limited access to health services, insecure land and territorial rights, gender-based violence, poverty, climate-related impacts and inadequate recognition of their knowledge and leadership.
The Women affirmed that there can be no meaningful development, climate justice, conservation, peace, health or human rights without the meaningful participation and leadership of Indigenous women.
The Chairperson, Indigenous Women Council Grace Lolim demanded the recognition, documentation, preservation and inter-generational transmission of Indigenous knowledge, including knowledge relating to health, traditional medicine, food systems, livestock, forests, biodiversity, water management and climate adaptation.
She said that Indigenous knowledge must not be appropriated, commercialized or exploited without the consent of Indigenous communities and knowledge holders.
Lolim also called for formal recognition and support for Indigenous traditional midwives and their contribution to maternal and reproductive health.
She emphasized the need for culturally appropriate health services, stronger referral systems between traditional midwives and health facilities, documentation and protection of Indigenous midwifery knowledge, and investment in maternal and newborn healthcare in remote Indigenous communities.
Jackline Lekiale, a youth representative at the Indigenous Women Council, and one of the persons selected to travel to Mongolia in the next couple of days to represent the Kenyan Indigenous people and ensure that their opinions are considered at the global convention on Rangelands hailed the council leadership for according young people a chance.
Shoba Liban, a member of the indigenous women Council and the Executive Director of Pastoralist Women for Health and Education reiterated the need for recognition and protection of the collective land, territorial and resource rights of Indigenous people.
She said that any development, conservation, climate, mining, infrastructure or investment initiative affecting Indigenous territories must ensure meaningful participation, transparency, fair benefit-sharing and respect for free, prior and informed consent.
The women warned against any forced displacement, land dispossession and exclusion of Indigenous communities from decisions concerning their ancestral territories.
Shoba noted that Indigenous women who defend their lands, territories, communities, cultures and natural resources must be protected from threats, violence, intimidation, criminalisation and retaliation, adding that the State and other actors must ensure a safe and enabling environment for Indigenous women to organize, advocate and defend human rights and the environment.
Joy Lenawalbene, a member of the Council demanded urgent action to prevent and address all forms of violence against Indigenous women and girls, including gender-based violence, sexual violence, exploitation and discrimination.
She said that Justice, protection and survivor-centered services must be accessible to Indigenous women and girls, including those living in remote and marginalized areas.
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