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The second MenEngage Africa Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Learning and Exchange Symposium: Taking stock, filling gaps and exploring opportunities

The MenEngage Africa Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Learning and Exchange Symposium concluded in Nairobi, Kenya, leaving a lasting impact on the continent’s efforts to promote SRHR for all. The three-day event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organisations, researchers, and community leaders, to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices under the theme PROGRESS 2024: “Promoting the realisation of SRHR and Gender Equality across Africa’’. With an attendance of over two hundred participants from all around Africa, Indonesia and The Netherlands. The symposium was the second of its kind, following the inaugural one that took place in South Africa last year. The symposium hosted twenty-one breakout rooms and three plenaries over three days.

“Every individual, regardless of age, gender, or background, has the right to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health,” said Deputy Ambassador Geir Arne Scheir of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Norway to gender equality and SRHR anchored in the belief that every individual regardless of age and ethnicity has access to the information needed to fully realise their SRHR.

Moreover, diverse stakeholders from civil society organisations (CSOs), embassies and international organisations gave opening remarks, all emphasising that SRHR are fundamental human rights essential for well-being, and that they are a cornerstone of social justice, gender justice and sustainable development. Maximina Jokonya (Executive Director, Y+ Global) noted that African youth continue to face barriers in accessing their human rights in all facets of their lives and highlighted the need to have honest conversations as a movement committed to ‘doing development differently’. This was echoed by Jacqueline Utamuriza-Nzisabira, Regional Policy Specialist for United Nations Women East and Southern Africa, speaking on behalf of Hodan Addou Regional Director for UN Women East and Southern Africa, urged on the need to prioritise addressing the structural drivers of inequalities that become the structural drivers of vulnerabilities to HIV transmission and SRHR violations such as economic inequality and harmful societal norms.

Bafana Khumalo Co-Executive Director, Sonke Gender Justice affirmed that achieving SRHR for all is a complex, multifaceted endeavours that requires commitment to feminist principles, collaboration, and dialogue, and that commitment must extend beyond the symposium walls to ‘the communities we serve and the lives we touch’.

The symposium served as a platform for participants to discuss critical issues related to men’s engagement in SRHR, such as gender-based violence, harmful gender norms, and access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services. Key themes explored during the event include:

• Challenging harmful gender norms: Participants examined how traditional gender roles and stereotypes contribute to SRHR inequities and explored strategies for promoting gender equality.
• Promoting men’s engagement in SRHR: The symposium discussed the importance of involving men and boys in SRHR programming and explored effective approaches to engage them as allies and advocates.
• Addressing gender-based violence: Participants addressed the root causes of gender-based violence and discussed strategies for prevention, response, and support for survivors.
• Improving access to SRHR services for men and boys: The symposium explored barriers to access to SRHR services for men and boys and discussed strategies for improving their availability and quality.

One of the highlights of the symposium was the presentation of innovative programs and initiatives that are making a difference in promoting SRHR among young people, men and boys in Africa. These included community-based interventions, educational programs, and advocacy campaigns.

The MenEngage Africa SRHR Learning and Exchange Symposium was a significant milestone in the continent’s efforts to advance SRHR for all. The event provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to connect, learn from each other, and develop collaborative partnerships to address the challenges and opportunities related to men’s engagement in SRHR.

As the symposium concluded, participants expressed their commitment to continuing the work initiated at the event and to using the knowledge and insights gained to drive positive change in their communities.

Download the Symposium report.

MenEngage Africa and Sonke Gender Justice host SRHR Symposium in Boksburg, South Africa

The MenEngage Africa Sexual Rights Health and Rights(SRHR) Learning and Exchange Symposium which took place from the 21^st to the 23^rd of October in Johannesburg South Africa, was an important event that focused on the theme of “SRHR for All: Building a Better Future for Africa’s Youth.” The symposium brought together a diverse range of stakeholders committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa. The three-day event was hosted by Sonke Gender Justice and MenEngage Africa in collaboration with partners such as the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), Save the Children International (SCI), Frontline AIDS, The Global Network of Young People Living with HIV (Y+ Global), UNESCO, Community Centre for Impact, The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and technical partners. The symposium was attended by over one hundred delegates representing most regions in Sub-Saharan Africa. These delegates included young people of all their diversities, religious and traditional leaders, LGBTQI+ persons, and allies.

Throughout the three-day event, attendees engaged in meaningful discussions and workshops, sharing their experiences and expertise on the various topics related to SRHR. Participants explored different approaches to addressing the challenges facing young people in Africa, such as the lack of access to comprehensive sexuality education, safe abortion services, and youth-friendly health services. They also discussed the importance of engaging with traditional and religious leaders to promote gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

The symposium also emphasized the importance of involving young people in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. Young people were recognized as key stakeholders in the promotion of SRHR, and their voices were heard throughout the symposium. The symposium also acknowledged the crucial role that religious and traditional leaders play in shaping attitudes towards SRHR in their communities. Participants discussed the need to engage with these leaders in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner to promote positive change. The symposium was a reminder that progress can only be achieved through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and inclusive and innovative strategies

This symposium was a crucial platform for engaging men and boys in the promotion of SRHR, which is often a neglected area in discussions on gender equality. The symposium created a safe space for men and women to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in promoting SRHR.”Your story matters, you matter, said Jude Thaddeus Njikem, SRHR Specialist at Sonke Gender Justice. These words resonated with the audience throughout the duration for the symposium serving as a persistent reminder to young people concerning their participation in the forthcoming dialogues.

“Our presence here, representing diverse backgrounds, organizations, and perspectives, is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). We come together with the firm belief that SRHR is not just a matter of healthcare, it is a matter of human rights, justice, and equality”. Said Co-Executive Director at Sonke Gender Justice and a board member of MenEngage Global,

The Symposium was honored to have a representative from the Kingdom of the Netherlands Embassy in South Africa, Charity Kiwumulo who gave a keynote address and appreciated the conveners of the Symposium. She acknowledged the organizers of the symposium and the importance of the gathering. In her address she noted that Africa remains the epicenter of HIV, with over half of the number of people living with HIV in the world living in this region and SRHR is essential in helping young people make informed choices about their health and lives.

“We believe that access to sexual and reproductive health and rights is extremely crucial for young people. It provides medical care and comprehensive sexuality education, which gives them vital information about their sexualities, sensuality and gender identities and expression. It also allows them bodily autonomy and power over their lives”, Charity concluded. The MenEngage Africa Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Learning and Exchange Symposium was an overall success as it brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders working to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa. Delegates were able to propose real answers to the difficulties affecting young people in Africa via cooperation, information exchange, and inclusive and creative tactics, ensuring that they have access to the tools and services they need to lead healthy and productive lives. The Symposium closed with young people feeling energized to continue advocating for SRHR access in their local communities. The symposium concluded with the presentation of an outcome document and a commitment.

Download the Symposium report.