About
PROGRESS 2026: MenEngage Africa SRHR Learning and Exchange Symposium
12–14 August 2026 | Mombasa, Kenya
“Reclaiming Autonomy: Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Justice in the Face of Resistance”
Key dates
REGISTRATION DEADLINES
15 May 2026: Extended early bird registration closes
30 June 2026: Final registration deadline
SESSION PROPOSALS
20 March 2026: Abstract submissions due
31 May 2026: Outcomes of proposals announced
SYMPOSIUM DATES
12-14 August 2026: SRHR Progress Symposium takes place
About the Symposium
The MenEngage Africa Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Learning and Exchange Symposium is a crucial platform to bring together advocates, policymakers, youth leaders, and practitioners to advance Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Africa. The 2026 Symposium – SRHR PROGRESS 2026 – will come at a critical time for sexual and reproductive health rights — just four years before the deadline to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 50:50 in 2030.
Despite progress made, many barriers still prevent the full realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all Africans, particularly for women, young people, persons with disabilities, and other marginalised groups.
In the face of shrinking civic space, reduced funding, and growing pushback against SRHR and gender equality, PROGRESS 2026 will focus on expanding collaboration, mutual accountability and collective action to advance SRHR in the remaining years before the Sustainability Development Goals must be met. The symposium will prioritise young voices, especially young people with disabilities, while fostering intergenerational connections to ensure continuity in advocacy, programming, and policy development.
What to expect
Bringing together 300 diverse participants – from youth leaders to policymakers to healthcare providers – PROGRESS 2026 will assess regional SRHR frameworks and their impact. Through interactive sessions and presentations, we’ll develop strategies for reproductive justice in challenging contexts, explore innovative funding approaches, and accelerate progress toward the SDGs. A dedicated pre-conference will empower young advocates with skills for effective representation in policy spaces, ensuring all voices shape Africa’s SRHR future.
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1) Advancing Reproductive Justice in Restrictive Contexts:
Discuss strategies to maintain and promote reproductive justice to ensure improved access to services, bodily autonomy, and equity for marginalized communities, in the face of evolving global policies, resulting in the reduction of SRHR funding and rise in nationalist governments.
2) Promoting Regional Innovations and Global Solidarity to mitigate global funding deficits and constraints on SRHR:
Develop innovative, inclusive, and locally driven strategies and alternative financing models for the achievement of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by 2030 by sharing experiences and best practices within the region and beyond.
3) Facilitating Transformative Action for 2030:
Redefine and expedite advancement towards the SDGs through a reproductive justice perspective, highlighting intersectional strategies to tackle systemic inequities, uphold human rights, and establish robust SRHR systems that cater to the needs of varied communities, especially women, youth, and marginalised groups.
Sponsors and key partners
Code of conduct
Attendees to PROGRESS 2026 are bound by a code of conduct to ensure everyone can participate safely, inclusively, and with dignity.