Abstracts

PROGRESS 2026: MenEngage Africa SRHR Learning and Exchange Symposium

Theme: “Reclaiming Autonomy: Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Justice in the Face of Resistance”

Dates: 12–14 August 2026

Venue: Mombasa, Kenya (TBC)

Submission Deadline: 31 March 2026

About the Symposium

Building on the success of PROGRESS 2024, the MenEngage Africa SRHR PROGRESS 2026 Symposium will convene youth leaders, civil society organizations, policymakers, government representatives, healthcare providers, academic institutions, researchers, international and regional partners, as well as religious and traditional leaders from across the continent. The goal is to strengthen collective action toward advancing sexual and reproductive justice in Africa.

The Organizing Committee invites submissions of abstracts showcasing cutting-edge research, program implementation strategies, advocacy outcomes, and best or promising practices. These will be shared at the MenEngage Africa Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Learning and Exchange Symposium 2026, themed “Reclaiming Autonomy: Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Justice in the Face of Resistance.” 

What’s different in 2026: PROGRESS prioritises practice-to-policy transfer, youth co-leadership, and measurable accessibility. Selected sessions feed into an open SRHR Action Toolkit.

Inclusion commitment: We aim for ≥40% youth-led contributions and ≥15% led or co-authored by persons with disabilities.

Download the call for abstract submissions here.

Preparing your proposal

Authors are invited to submit abstracts of no more than 350 words, including a brief description, methodology, and findings. Abstracts should fall under one of eleven Conference Tracks, unpacked in the FAQs.

Be sure to go through our Proposal FAQs to give your Abstract the best chance of being accepted, or download them as a PDF here.
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How to submit

All proposals will be evaluated through a secure, external online portal, AbstractWiz.com.

To submit your abstract using the online portal, please register a free account using this link, or via the button below:

PROGRESS 2026: MenEngage Africa SRHR Learning and Exchange Symposium

MenEngage Africa invites experienced and passionate individuals to join the Abstract Review Committee for PROGRESS 2026. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the voices, insights, and innovations that will guide the next chapter of SRHR advocacy and action across the region.

We are seeking individuals with diverse expertise and backgrounds who are committed to feminist principles, intersectional approaches, and transformative gender justice. If you are knowledgeable in SRHR, gender equality, youth engagement, research, or community-based advocacy, we encourage you to apply. https://abstractwiz.com/submission/signup/9/

Role of Reviewers

As an Abstract Reviewer for the MenEngage Africa SRHR PROGRESS 2026 Symposium, you will play a key role in shaping a dynamic, inclusive, and impactful programme. Reviewers are expected to:

• Evaluate submitted abstracts for quality, relevance, originality, and alignment with the symposium theme and sub-themes.
• Provide constructive feedback to authors (where applicable) to support learning and improvement.
• Ensure that the final selection reflects regional diversity, gender balance, youth representation, and inclusion of persons with disabilities and marginalized voices.
• Participate in a short virtual briefing and calibration session to ensure a shared understanding of the review criteria and scoring process.

Eligibility Criteria

We invite applications from individuals with:

• Proven experience or expertise in SRHR, gender equality, public health, disability inclusion, youth advocacy, or reproductive justice.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in research, program design, policy, or advocacy in SRHR-related fields.
• Familiarity with academic or practice-based peer review processes (preferred but not mandatory).
• Commitment to impartiality, confidentiality, and meeting agreed review deadlines.

We particularly welcome reviewers who bring:

• Regional diversity: Representation from all African sub-regions, youth (18–35), persons with disabilities, and gender diversity.
• Language capacity in English, French (please indicate in your application).

Time Commitment

Review period: 15 May 2026 – 15 July 2026

• Estimated workload: 10–15 abstracts, each requiring approximately 20 minutes to review.
• Reviews will be managed on https://abstractwiz.com/. Login details provided upon selection.
• Orientation: 1-hour online briefing (date to be confirmed).
• Review window: 15 May – 15 July2026.
• Calibration briefing: 20 May 2026 (1 hour, virtual; recording shared).
• Moderation & tie-breaks: 20 May–26 June 2026.
• Final decisions issued by: 15 July 2026.
• All reviews must be completed by the agreed deadline.

Conflict of Interest, Confidentiality & Safeguarding

All reviewers must agree to:

• Not review abstracts authored by you, your current organisation, current co-authors/collaborators (past 24 months), or close supervisors. Indicate to us to reassign if there exists a conflict of interest  
• Not share or use abstract content outside the review process.
• Provide respectful, non-discriminatory feedback; report any concerns to yanga@genderjustice.org.za

What Reviewers Gain

• Recognition in the Symposium Report and website.
• Certificate of contribution as an Abstract Reviewer for PROGRESS 2026.
• Networking opportunities with SRHR experts and partners across Africa.
• Priority consideration for moderation or facilitation roles during the symposium.

Download the call for abstract reviewers here.

How to Apply

Interested individuals should submit:

1. A short Expression of Interest (max 2 pages) describing their background and motivation.
2. A brief CV (max 2 pages) highlighting relevant experience.
3. Contact information (name, email, organization, country).

Send applications to: yanga@genderjustice.org.za

Deadline for reviewer applications: 10 May 2026

Join us in shaping an inclusive and transformative dialogue on SRHR in Africa. Together, we can ensure that every voice counts toward reproductive justice for all.