Do the rights of poor women really matter? Globalization and the protection of reproductive health rights in Uganda

Abstract

In Uganda, there has been some progress in the advancement of women's status through various policy strategies. The policy framework identifies the protection of reproductive health rights as one of government's priorities. Employing library and desk research, the article critically examines the policy framework within which poor women's reproductive health rights are protected. This article argues that the policy framework is geared more towards protection of the interests of globalization than reproductive health rights of poor women. Privatization of health care services ignores the fact that because of their poverty, poor women cannot afford such services. Private sector led growth, whether in health or agriculture has a deleterious impact on poor women's reproductive health rights. Reproductive health policies that exalt contraception over critical areas such as emergency obstetric care, nutritional and occupational health are bound to fail. Any policies designed to protect the reproductive health rights of poor women must take into account their interests, realities and experiences. This can be achieved by involving women in the design, implementation and evaluation of policies intended for their benefit. Short of this, poor women will continue to be mere spectators of the so-called benefits of the globalization process. East African Journal of Peace and Human rights Vol. 13 (1) 2007: pp. 81-103