Ghanaian-American activist Precious Baba is taking on a new challenge, advocating for the release of pregnant women and young girls incarcerated in Madagascar's prison system. Baba is collaborating with prominent Malagasy lawyers to address the dire conditions faced by these vulnerable populations, particularly at the Antsirabe Prison and Antanimora Prison.
The situation is alarming, with pregnant women lacking proper prenatal care, medical services, and adequate nutrition. They're often left in overcrowded cells, exposed to infectious diseases, with little to no healthcare support. Baba's initiative seeks to secure the release of unjustly detained pregnant women, ensure humane treatment, and raise awareness about the structural failures in the justice system that disproportionately affect women.
Baba's work highlights a broader issue: Madagascar's prisons often detain women and girls for minor offenses, with prolonged pre-trial detention being common. Without access to legal representation, these women remain trapped in a cycle of injustice. Baba's efforts aim to address both the immediate need for their release and the systemic flaws that perpetuate their suffering.
This initiative is an extension of Baba's long-standing commitment to public health and human dignity. Her work has always centered on protecting the most vulnerable, whether through malaria prevention or justice reform. Baba's efforts in Madagascar send a powerful message: pregnant women and young girls deserve dignity, justice, and care, even within prison walls.