Rachel Kabejja
20 September 2008
interview
The Member of Parliament for Ntenjeru North is an advocate for the reduction of Maternal and Child Maternity and also a member of the African Parliamentarian Network against Corruption. Rachel Kabejja spoke to her.
Who is Sarah Nyombi at a glance?
Sarah Nyombi is a wife to a loving husband, a mother to three biological sons -Jonathan, Fredrick and Robin and so many non- biological children.
As an advocate for maternal and child mortality, do you think the government has done enough?
The government has tried but it's not enough, the statistics of maternal deaths are alarming and it's the basic things that can prevent causes of maternal death that are lacking. Only five percent of our health facilities can perform caesarean so many women are left to die. I believe giving birth to a baby should be a joyous moment to everyone which is not the case sometimes though. However, the Ministry of Health has already laid a road map to help curb this but there are no funds.
What do you think would be the best way to curb maternal and child mortality?
Education is the key. Once men and women are educated, they will know the danger of having many children and make right choices. I also believe education helps keep girls in school. Family planning should be emphasised and people should know that family planning doesn't stop one from giving birth but helps to stop unwanted pregnancies and to give you an overall healthy life where you can get and give quality services to your family.
What should every woman know about maternal and child mortality?
First that maternal and child mortality can be stopped. Women should be careful to look out for danger signs which cause maternal death like bleeding. When a pregnant woman sees blood before the end of nine months, she should hurry to a health centre available and every pregnant woman should go for antenatal services. It's also surprising from a current report that 90 percent of the pregnant women visited a health centre once but only 41 percent gave birth there. Women should learn to appreciate and use the available health services.
Are you emancipated as women legislators?
I would say no because of so many other factors, however, to some extent we are. The fact that we are politically empowered, and that we are educated - I mean A' level or its equivalent. Some women own so many personal and family businesses although others are still lagging behind.
People have a view that the women's movement seems to fight men, what is your comment on that?
Men should know that women are their counter parts and not competitors. I also think some of our men should really grow up and stop fearing those small things.
What is the best way to deal with this perception?
Sensitisation and community dialogues to both men and women. There are different biological roles for each one of us but there are also unwanted stereotypes from long ago like women should not eat fish or chicken moreover these are full of proteins. Women also should behave and be good examples. Emancipation doesn't mean that you should underlook or minimise your husband or men in general. It is also a gradual thing which can't be achieved overnight.
What do you think is the most pressing need for women today and what should be done?
Women mostly in the rural areas are not really empowered. Their economic situation is very bad. They should be empowered economically and educated, this will help reduce the school drop out rate and also reproductive health should be included in the curriculum.
What is your beauty secret?
I'm in a happy love relationship with my husband and therefore having regular sex makes me look good and young.
Your final word
Women should be confident and believe in themselves.
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