Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (TAWLA) has stressed the need for stakeholders to intensify the fight against maternal deaths as most women in the country are not aware of their sexual reproductive health rights.

TAWLA Vice Chairperson Margaret Ringo made the remark over the weekend in Dar es Salaam at the official opening of a two day workshop on sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR)

She said the workshop aimed at promoting SRHR and gender equity by advocating for domestication of International and Regional Conventions on human rights if they are to have an effect on the lives of Tanzanian women.

“Most women in Tanzania are not aware of their Sexual Reproductive Health Rights, and even worse, they lack access to information on the laws and services…” explained the chairperson.

According to TAWLA, the crisis is worsened by cultural norms and practices that discourage the use of contraceptives and other family planning ways.

TAWLA intends to raise awareness especially among policy makers and stakeholders on the disastrous effects of maternal deaths that continues to slow development and economic growth while speeding the rate of HIV/Aids infection.

Stella Mwambenja, a Counselor from (Kiwohede) said if the draft will become law, then it will help reduce early marriage and pregnancy of young girls and increase understanding about reproduction. She advised TAWLA to use a youth friendly approach when the draft is in place to reduce the existing stigma that they may freely express their issues.

Safia Ngalapi from, Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA) congratulated the government for continued increase in effort to ensure women receive better health service in the delivery room.