SRHR is for every BODY – A campaign for health, rights, and dignity across Africa

Across Africa, many people do not have the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies. Some are turned away from clinics. Others are denied birth control. Some are attacked just for trying to get care.

This must stop.

SRHR is for every BODY

#ActForSRHR is a campaign by MenEngage Africa and Sonke Gender Justice. We are working across the African continent to bring change.

With our message, Act. Challenge. Protect. We ask everyone to take action. This includes leaders, health workers, parents, young people, and especially men and boys.

What we stand for

This campaign is about real change:

• Making sure everyone can get sexual and reproductive health services.
• Challenging shame, stigma, myths, and unjust laws.
• Changing laws to protect everyone’s rights.
• Getting men and boys involved as part of the solution.

Everyone can help make this happen.

What is SRHR?

SRHR stands for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. It is about:

• Being treated with respect.
• Making your own choices.
• Getting care that is safe and fair.

SRHR means:

• Birth control if you want it
• Choosing if or when to have children
• Respectful care at clinics
• Learning about your body and health
• Saying no to sex if you don’t want it
• Being yourself without fear

Everyone has these rights — no matter your gender, age, ability, or HIV status.

The 5 Pillars of SRHR

1. Sexual Health

People should feel safe, respected, and happy during sex. This includes:

• Access to information
• STI and HIV prevention and treatment
• Sexuality education in schools

2. Reproductive Health

Everyone should have support at every stage of their reproductive life. This includes:

• Birth control
• Safe pregnancy and birth care
• Access to abortion if needed

3. Sexual Rights

You have the right to choose who you love and when you want sex. You should never be judged, harmed, or denied care because of who you are.

4. Reproductive Rights

You have the right to decide:

• If or when to have children
• How many children to have
• What kind of care you want

This includes saying no to child marriage, forced sterilisation, or being pressured into sex.

5. Enabling Environment

Laws, clinics, and communities must support these rights. This means:

• Fair laws
• Trained health workers
• Safe and welcoming clinics

Why this campaign, why now?

• In Ethiopia, approximately 13% of adolescent girls aged 15–19 in Ethiopia have begun childbearing, with higher rates observed in rural areas compared to urban settings.​ (Source)
• In Malawi, over 141 000 unsafe abortions occur annually, contributing to 6–18% of maternal deaths. ​(Source)
• In Uganda, same-sex relationships are illegal, with harsh punishments under the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act. (Source)
• In South Africa, nearly 40% of women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. (Source)

Many people still face shame, fear, or danger when they try to get care. This must change.

What #ActForSRHR calls for

We want:

• Fully funded, youth-friendly health services
• Sexuality education in every school
• Disability-responsive health services
• Fair laws that protect LGBTQI+ people and allow safe abortion
• Youth and community voices in decisions

How you can join us

You can:

• Share the campaign using #ActForSRHR and #SRHR4All
• Sign petitions for better laws
• Ask questions at your clinic or school
• Share your story and listen to others

Let’s Act. Let’s Challenge. Let’s Protect.

Because SRHR is not a privilege — it’s a right. And it’s time we made it real.