Tabitha Saoyo

Tabitha Saoyo

Tabitha is a human rights lawyer in Kenya, who litigates on behalf of marginalized women. She specializes in issues related to safe abortion, forced sterilization of women, and sexual and gender-based violence. As a vocal advocate, she works hard to integrate constitutional and human rights changes into policies, laws, and frameworks. Through her work, Tabitha …

Meet the Fellow

Undaunted: Stories from the Frontlines

The New Voices Fellows Class of 2019 took to the stage in Aspen, Colorado for an unforgettable evening of story-telling. Ten New Voices Fellows  shared short, personal stories that transcended time and space – from a 1980 Bob Marley concert in Zimbabwe, to a present-day overpriced dinner in New York City, to a father’s 2010 …

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Forced Sterilisation and the Status Of Women In Society

In this interview, Tabitha Saoyo discusses the challenges and continued battle against forced sterilisations in Kenya. The practice is wide-spread, though rarely discussed as women are generally reluctant to talk about their experiences. Tabitha calls for the empowerment of women through greater protections of sexual and reproductive rights. Listen to the interview here >   …

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Reinstate the Guidelines On Safe Abortions

On August 4, 2013, Mary Omollo (not her real name), a young house help, was frog-marched from her home in Nairobi’s Mathare slums to Muthaiga Police Station. She was accused of procuring an unsafe abortion.  Mary was humiliated in the full glare of the media. More importantly, she was kept in custody without any medical …

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