In our work promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), it is evident that better coordination is essential. By coming together, gathering evidence, and exchanging experiences, we can strengthen our efforts, identify gaps, and co-create impactful strategies for programmatic, policy, and advocacy actions, said Jude Theddues Njikem during the opening ceremony of the 2nd instalment of the MenEngage Africa Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Learning and Exchange Symposium
Yesterday marked the beginning of #MEASRHR2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, an important symposium where young people took the helm to drive meaningful discussions from the forefront. The opening ceremony included the opening remarks from Sonke Gender Justice’s Executive Director, Bafana Khumalo, Maximina Jokonya of Y+ Global, Deputy Ambassador and Royal Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi, Geir Arne Schei.
Key highlights
Jacqueline Utamuriza-Nzisabira gave a keynote address at the opening Plenary on Policy Frameworks and Gap Analysis, emphasising the strength of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) resolution 60/2. The plenary, moderated by Sonke’s Regional SRHR Coordinator Runyararo Mutariswa, focused on providing an overall assessment of the implementation of Resolution 60/2 in Africa. The panelists included,, Itumeleng Komanyane (Frontline AIDS), Lilian Njeri (ATHENA Network), Irene Ogeta (ATHENA Network), and Dr. Jean-Basco Butera, Board Chairperson of the Center for Inclusive and Sustainable Development (CISD), noted that there was a long way to go in terms of the implementation of the resolution.While African states have done well with processes relating to the uptake of policy frameworks, there remains a gap in implementation with regards to Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), gender equality, gender-based violence, and universal health coverage. This is driven largely by unstable political environments and a lack of investment in domestic resources. It is important moving forward for us, as African people, to hold governments accountable and ensure that all people are involved in the conversations about resource allocations and program rollout.
The plenary session was followed by nine breakout rooms organised by different partners which included discussions with religious and traditional leaders on social norms and positive masculinity, SRHR policies and so many others.
Live broadcast
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Highlight video
Spread the word
Stay connected by checking out the social media pages of MenEngage Africa and Sonke Gender Justice and spread the word by using #MEASRHR2024 and #Progress2024. A full social media guide can be found on our website.