MenEngage Africa Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Strategic Plan 2023–2027

A strategy for how MenEngage Africa seeks to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all individuals in Africa, including women, girls, men, boys, and people with diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC).

The strategy provides a framework for MenEngage Africa country networks to advocate for improved SRHR outcomes and societies free of gender inequality. It is built upon four key strategies: Link, Learn, Improve, and Influence.

While providing a standardised approach, the strategy also allows for customisation by each country network to suit their local context, without compromising on fundamental sexual and reproductive principles, rights, quality, and minimum standards. This standardisation aims to foster harmonious progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other regional and global SRHR agendas.

Underpinned by evidence and aligned with global and regional policy commitments, the strategy’s content was guided by the SRHR needs of diverse girls and women in Africa, considering age, religion, socio-economic status, sexual orientations, cultural associations, and gender expressions. The strategy emphasises a commitment to advocating for gender-transformation that ensures bodily autonomy and integrity for all people, free from coercion and discrimination.

Who will find this resource useful? 

This Strategic Plan will be highly valuable for:

• MenEngage Africa country networks and partner organizations: To guide their programming and advocacy efforts in SRHR.
• Civil society organizations, donors, and government officials: Working on gender-transformative approaches to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes in Africa.
• SRHR advocates and activists: Seeking to promote gender-equal SRHR and challenge harmful practices and norms.
• Researchers and policymakers: Interested in evidence-based strategies for advancing SRHR and gender equality in the African context.
• Individuals and organizations committed to gender justice and human rights: Particularly those focusing on the rights of women, girls, and people with diverse SOGIESC, as well as those working with men and boys.

About the Authors 

This Strategic Plan was developed through a collaborative process involving MenEngage Africa leadership, representatives from 22 country networks, and key partners, including Sonke Gender Justice’s Regional Programmes and Networks unit and the MenEngage Africa SRHR Technical Working Group. It aligns with the Global MenEngage Alliance Strategic Plan 2021 – 2024 and draws insights from extensive regional and global literature. The final draft was further reviewed by the MenEngage Africa Steering Committee.

Find out more 

Find this resource on the MenEngage Africa website here.

To learn more about MenEngage Africa’s work and initiatives, please visit: www​.menen​gageafrica​.org