As part of its strategic efforts to strengthen reproductive health systems and promote justice-centered solutions for survivors of rape, incest, and life-threatening pregnancies, a non-governmental organisation, Gender Development Initiative (GENDI), organised series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).
The discussions was held in Obafemi-Owode, Ewekoro, and Yewa South Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ogun state.
According to the Executive Director of GENDI, Prof. Olubunmi Ashimolowo, the discussions aimed to bridge knowledge gaps around Safe Termination of Pregnancy (STOP).
The event gathered community perspectives, and fostered collective dialogue around safe, legal, and dignified reproductive health options for survivors in vulnerable conditions.
In her address, Prof. Ashimolowo emphasised that the FGDs were designed to support honest conversations about reproductive health, particularly in cases of rape, incest, and pregnancies that endanger women’s lives.
“It was designed to explore ways the community could engage with emerging reproductive health realities compassionately and responsibly”, she said
Each session of the FGDs was attended by diverse community stakeholders, including women of reproductive age and adolescent girls, youth, community stakeholders, religious leaders and health workers.
Prof. Ashimolowo, who provided context for the discussions, said the participants were invited to reflect on the questions the local government areas that highlighted fairness, dignity, compassion, and community responsibility.
“Across the three local government areas, participants were presented with real-life hypothetical scenarios including a young girl impregnated through rape;
A minor forced into pregnancy due to incest or harmful cultural practices;
A woman with a life-threatening medical condition caused by pregnancy.
“All participants in the three local government areas unanimously agreed that forcing any of these women or girls to carry such pregnancies would be unjust”, she added.
A youth participant in Yewa South LGA noted that while abortion is widely perceived as illegal, it is a common reality, often sought discreetly.
Likewise in Ewekoro LGA, participants stressed the need for safe and professional alternatives to reduce the dangers women face.
In Obafemi-Owode LGA, several participants voiced strong support for laws that allow safe termination of pregnancy under specific conditions, such as rape, incest, or serious medical threats.
