World Contraception Day is an important opportunity for contemplation and action in the fight for gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). “The Power of Options,” this year’s theme, emphasizes the significance of choice in family planning and reproductive health decisions. It’s a subject that connects profoundly with our work at Sonke Gender Justice and precisely matches with our Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Strategic Plan for 2023-2027, as outlined in our document link. Today, I want to shed light on how the power of options extends beyond the realm of contraceptive choices to encompass the broader landscape of SRHR and how men and boys can be the catalysts for positive change.
At Sonke Gender Justice, we understand that true empowerment means giving everyone, regardless of gender, the freedom to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. This principle lies at the heart of the “Power of Options” theme. Yet, in many societies, women and girls have historically bore the burden of reproductive decisions and family planning. It is about time we engage men and boys as active partners in this conversation, and in doing so, we will unlock the full potential of SRHR. Access to a wide range of contraceptive options is essential to ensuring that people can make informed decisions about their reproductive lives, thereby reducing unintended pregnancies and maternal mortality rates. This theme mirrors our core values at Sonke Gender Justice, where we believe in promoting gender equality and empowering individuals to make choices that are best suited to their unique circumstances.
Our SRHR Strategic Plan for 2023–2027 is a roadmap that charts a course toward a more equitable, just, and inclusive society. It emphasizes the critical role of engaging men and boys as allies in the fight for SRHR. This holistic approach seeks to engage men and boys not as passive recipients of information and services but as active advocates, service users, and change agents within their communities. One of the key pillars of our strategic plan is the promotion of gender-transformative approaches. This means challenging traditional gender norms and stereotypes that have often limited the role of men and boys in SRHR discussions. We are working to create a society where men and boys are encouraged to embrace their role as caregivers, decision-makers, and supporters of their partners’ SRHR choices.
Here’s how the theme “The Power of Options” aligns with our work and strategic plan:
Educating and Informing
One of the cornerstones of empowering individuals in their SRHR choices is access to accurate information. Our strategic plan outlines initiatives to provide comprehensive sexuality education for men and boys. By equipping them with knowledge, we enable them to make informed choices, thereby reducing unintended pregnancies, the spread of sexually transmitted infections, and unsafe abortions.
Promoting Gender-Equal Partnerships
In striving for equality, it is vital to foster partnerships where both partners have an equal say in family planning decisions. “The Power of Options” encourages open dialogue between couples. Our strategic plan encourages community dialogues and campaigns to challenge harmful gender norms and promote respectful, equitable relationships.
Access to Services
Access to contraceptive methods and healthcare services is a fundamental right. Our plan advocates for improved access to quality SRHR services for all, regardless of gender. Men and boys should be active participants in advocating for and accessing these services, acknowledging that reproductive health concerns everyone.
Supportive Communities
The “Power of Options” also highlights the role of communities in creating an environment where individuals can exercise their SRHR choices without stigma or discrimination. Our strategic plan emphasises community engagement to reduce harmful practices and discrimination, fostering an inclusive space for all.
Policy Advocacy
To create lasting change, we must influence policies that affect SRHR. Our strategic plan includes advocacy efforts to ensure that policies and laws support gender equality and the empowerment of men and boys in SRHR.
“The Power of Options” is not merely a theme for World Contraception Day; it is a call to action. It challenges us to recognise that SRHR is a shared responsibility, and that men and boys play a pivotal role in realising the full potential of choice and empowerment.
Our SRHR Strategic Plan for 2023–2027 is a testament to our commitment to this cause. It provides a clear path forward, outlining how we will work tirelessly to engage men and boys as partners, allies, and advocates in the journey towards a world where everyone has the power to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Let us seize this moment to celebrate choice, promote equality, and empower all individuals, regardless of gender, to make the best decisions for their SRHR. Together, we can harness “The Power of Options” to create a more just and equitable world.
At Sonke Gender Justice, we remain committed to our SRHR Strategic Plan for 2023-2027, which places men and boys at the centre of our efforts to promote choice and equality. Together, we can harness the power of options to create a world where everyone has the autonomy and support to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, leading to healthier and more equitable societies across Africa and beyond.