Push Comes to Shove with Embrace and Bowmans
Movement leader of Embrace, Julie Mentor, discusses the rise of obstetric violence present in healthcare facilities with guests in Sandton.
A social movement that advocates for the well-being of mothers in the country, Embrace, hosted its campaign Push Comes to Shove on November 30.
The campaign shed light on a serious topic which many did not know existed, obstetric violence.
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Participants of the campaign and guests gathered at the Bowmans auditorium in Sandton and the leader of Embrace, Julie Mentor shared the definition of obstetric violence with attendees.
“The term obstetric violence refers to the violence carried out against women, girls, gender non-conforming and trans persons by health systems when accessing reproductive healthcare. These violations are often physical, verbal and psychological. This neglected form of gender-based violence happens during pregnancy, childbirth and in the postpartum period,” said Mentor.
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The head of pro bono at Bowmans, Fatima Laher welcomed guests to the awareness campaign and spoke of the actions the company had taken in assisting women affected by this social issue. Most important was the company’s investment and collaboration with non-profit organisations that focused on empowering women such as Embrace.
Representatives of Embrace shared four thought-provoking stories of survivors of obstetric violence and how they had been exploited by the healthcare system, mainly through discrimination.
Before the event reached its conclusion, a panel discussion with key speakers from various organisations touched base on the topic based on their vast knowledge and personal experiences.
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