Gender Commission’s position on the coerced/forced sterilisation matter
On the 10th February 2022, Minister of the National Department of Health (NDOH) Dr. Mathume Joseph Phaahla gave a written response to the question that was asked by Honourable Naledi Nokukhanya Chirwa regarding the women who were coerced/forced to sterilise due to their HIV&AIDS status. Subsequent to this question, and the written reply by Dr. Phaahla the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has been inundated with questions in order to ascertain its position on the matter.
The Commission for Gender Equality hereby states categorically that it is facilitating discussions between the NDOH, the women and their respective legal representatives as per the recommendations of the CGE report. These discussions have not, to CGE 's knowledge, been concluded.
As such, the CGE is unfortunately not able to comment on various issues and considerations made by NDOH until a formal communication from NDOH is shared with the CGE and the concerned legal representatives of the women. Once a formal progress report is received, the NDOH, CGE and legal representatives will discuss and provide away forward on the matter.
Owing to the sensitive of the matter at hand, the CGE would not be making further comments.
Enquiries:
Javu Baloyi
Cell: 083 579 3306
