In an important development for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in the Southern Africa region, HIVOS through the Regional SRHR Fund through the generous support from SIDA has entered into a partnership with the Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF) and launched a project, “Accelerating Access to SRHR for All Ages in the SADC Region,” anchored on the HIVOS broader campaign dubbed #Consent2Access with the aim of advocating for improved laws, policies and practices on age of consent for adolescent access to SRHR information and services in East and Southern Africa. This collaboration aims to bring about significant legislative changes that will enhance access to SRHR for adolescents and youth. The primary objective of this initiative is to secure high-level commitment from SADC Parliamentarians to prioritize SRHR on their national agendas. The focus will be on developing and implementing legislation that removes age-related access barriers, ensuring that all young people can exercise their rights.
The initiative outlines several specific objectives aimed at fostering a conducive environment for SRHR reform: Education and Persuasion: The initiative will educate SADC Parliamentarians about the urgent need to address age-related barriers to SRHR. This will be achieved by presenting compelling data, evidence, and personal testimonies that highlight the socio-economic impact of these barriers. Creating Internal Champions: A core goal is to establish a cohort of internal champions within the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) and other policy makers who will work to keep SRHR reform at the forefront of regional discussions. These champions will encourage the harmonization of laws across member states. Securing Tangible Commitments: The initiative aims to secure commitments from a core group of Members of Parliament (MPs) to take concrete steps in their national parliaments, such as initiating committee reviews or tabling motions related to SRHR. Building the SRHR Champions across the SADC region. Providing Practical Tools: Parliamentarians will be equipped with a practical, actionable tool, a Legislative Roadmap that offers a clear step-by-step guide for reviewing, amending, or repealing restrictive laws within their national contexts.
The first activity of this partnership will take place during the 58th Plenary Assembly – Standing Committee Session of the SADC PF, currently ongoing in Johannesburg, South Africa. This event will serve as a platform for discussions and interventions aimed at transforming perceptions of SRHR from a health issue to a critical developmental and economic imperative for the SADC region. The Johannesburg event will ensure: Peer-to-Peer Influence: Champions from countries with progressive SRHR laws will share their experiences with their counterparts from nations where reforms are still needed. This peer support will leverage the spirit of regional cooperation within the SADC PF. Personalized Legislative Roadmap: Each participant will receive a personalized copy of the Legislative Roadmap, with their first actionable steps highlighted. This roadmap is designed to be user-friendly, visually appealing, and non-legalistic, ensuring that it remains a practical resource for MPs in strategic planning. Raising Awareness: Participants will engage in discussions, moving beyond the view of SRHR as merely a health issue, to recognize its broader implications for development and economic growth.
The partnership between HIVOS through the regional SRHR Fund and SAYoF marks a significant step forward in addressing the age-related barriers to SRHR in the SADC region. In mobilizing parliamentarians and providing them with the necessary tools and support, this initiative aims to foster a legislative environment that champions the rights of adolescents and youth. Through collective action and commitment, the initiative seeks to ensure that SRHR becomes a priority on national agendas across the SADC member states.
#SAYoF #SRHRFund #SADCYouth #Consent2Access
