Aim
To improve all citizens’ rights and access to quality SRHR services – particularly of women, girls, key populations and marginalized groups – in a safe, fair and equitable manner.
Where
Southern and East Africa: Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Why
Patriarchy and a heterosexual norm create deeply entrenched attitudes and practices that relegate young women and girls to a low socio-economic status. For example, child marriage and polygamy deny women and girls adequate control over their sexual and reproductive health. High rates of sexual and gender-based violence and HIV-related diseases, particularly among adolescent girls, young LGBTI individuals and young sex workers, are great cause of concern. National and local governments across southern and eastern Africa have not, to date, prioritized the realization of everyone’s rights to safely access high quality and equitable SRHR services without fear of stigma, discrimination, sanction or criminalization.
How
The Regional SRHR Fund has adopted an approach that is inter-connected and mutually reinforcing. Evidence-informed grant-making is at the center of all our activities and is supported by a range of actions that aim to ensure a comprehensive approach, including: capacity strengthening of partner and youth-led organizations; advocacy and influencing policies for improved access to services for young people and adolescents, and strategic convening of key stakeholders for a more coordinated regional SRHR response.
