About BANETU

BANETU is a movement of women and women’s groups advocating for the fundamental right of women to make their own decisions about their bodies, health and future. BANETU is working to combat violations like forced sterilization, child marriages and lack of access to reproductive healthcare.

Our Vision

A Just and equitable society where women have liberty to make choices about their own bodies and future without the threat of violence or coercion.

Our Mission

To empower women to have the ultimate control over decisions that affect their bodies and future including choices related to health, sexuality, reproduction and personal identity.

Our goal

To ensure reproductive freedom, securing informed consent, achieving gender equality, and protecting individuals from sexual violence and harmful practices.

Our Objectives

• Sexual and Reproductive Agency-To empower women to decide if and when to have children, use contraception and access comprehensive reproductive healthcare.
• Freedom from Coercion and Violence- To protect women from sexual violence, forced sterilization, forced testing and harmful practices like child marriage or female genital mutilation.
• Informed Consent in Healthcare-To ensure that women can make free and informed decisions about medical procedures, treatment and care without discrimination.
• Gender Equality-To challenge power imbalances, particularly the historical control over women’s bodies by men and establishing equal legal capacity.
• Personal Bodily Sovereignty-To uphold the right of women to determine their own physical identity, expression and actions.
• Social Justice and Human Rights-To protect women from state-sanctioned restrictions on their physical rights.

Why Bodily Autonomy?

Bodily autonomy is a basic human right that forms the foundation of personal freedom and self-determination. It is the power and agency to make choices about one’s own body and future without the threat of violence or coercion. Bodily autonomy is about respecting each individual’s right to govern their own body without external pressure or interference. Bodily autonomy is rooted in the idea of consent and the belief that every woman should have the freedom to make informed decisions about their own life. This autonomy extends beyond mere physical health; it encompasses mental, emotional, and social well-being, highlighting the interconnected nature of women’s agency and overall quality of life.

We believe that bodily autonomy is an essential aspect of human dignity and freedom. We empower women to make choices about their bodies and futures without fear of violence or coercion. By advocating for legal reforms, raising awareness and promoting cultural change, we work to protect this fundamental right and build a society where woman can thrive. Respecting bodily autonomy is not only a matter of personal liberty but also a cornerstone of a fair and equitable world.

Our Core Values

• Self-Determination: The right to make decisions about one's own body, life and future without external coercion.
• Consent: We require that all sexual and medical interventions are freely agreed to by women.
• Equality and Non-Discrimination: Ensuring every woman regardless of gender, age, race, or ability has equal power to make decisions about their body.
• Bodily Integrity: The right to physical safety and protection from violence, sexual assault and harmful practices.
• Health and Empowerment: We believe in access to comprehensive sexual health information and services for women (including contraception and abortion) to empower personal decision-making.
• Gender Equality: We empower women and girls to make decisions about their reproductive lives, which is often hindered by patriarchal systems.
• Healthcare: We emphasize that women can refuse or consent to medical procedures, emphasizing informed consent.
• Rights for All: We believe that bodily autonomy is not limited to women's issues, but a universal right protecting all individuals from forced, unwanted actions.
• Safety: We seek a society free of abuses such as domestic violence and forced procedures.