Effect of Comprehensive Sexuality Education on Access to Sexual Reproductive Health Services among Women with Disabilities: A Case of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

A lack in capturing the voice of women with disabilities on sexuality and reproductive health does not only constitute an inequality, but continues to marginalize those who by virtue of having impairments are already experiencing some forms of exclusion. This paper is an advocacy call intending to raise awareness on the importance of increasing knowledge among women with disabilities regarding sexuality and access to sexual reproductive health services in Zimbabwe, using Bulawayo as a case study. Lack of information about sexuality and reproductive health does not only make women with disabilities vulnerable, but also endangers the live of other people in society. The paper adopts a qualitative approach in capturing the views of women with disabilities regarding sexuality and access to reproductive heathy services. The study targeted women with disabilities under the following categories; the deaf, visually impaired and physical impairments. The research design adopted is a case study, focusing on Bulawayo. The sample comprised seven physically impaired, two hearing impaired and one visually impaired. Snowball sampling technique was applied within a purposive sample to identify participants. In depth interviews are the data collecting instruments. A sign language interpreter was engaged during the interviews with the deaf. Data is presented on tables and analyzed thematically. The study established that women with disabilities have limited knowledge on sexuality; are engaged in unhealthy and risky relationships which makes them vulnerable; information on sexuality and reproductive health is not only limited but is presented in inaccessible formats. The study also found out that the deaf are severely constrained in accessing information on sexuality due to language barriers. Therefore, the study recommends that government should strengthen laws that protect disability rights and autonomy. Service providers should avail information in accessible formats. Health care staff need to incorporate disability sensitivity on sexuality and reproductive health.