“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go further, go together” This old adage perfectly encapsulates the journey and the successes celebrated through the impactful 2gether 4 SRHR Phase I Joint Programme.
At an event marking the release of the Phase I Close-Out Report, the personal stories shared served as powerful reminders of how this collaborative initiative has changed lives. One such story is that of Rebecca, a 20-year-old peer educator from Uganda living with HIV. Through 2gether 4 SRHR’s peer educator initiative, Rebecca has become a beacon of hope in her community, providing vital sexual and reproductive health information while connecting young people to essential services like family planning and gender-based violence support. Her dream of becoming a midwife is a shining example of how the programme empowers young people, transforming both individuals and communities.
The knowledge-sharing event, hosted in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria, provided a platform to celebrate the key results of the 2gether 4 SRHR Joint Regional United Nations Programme. The scene was set with a stage play that creatively depicted the pressing issues faced by communities in East and Southern Africa, including high rates of gender-based violence, homophobia, and the lack of adequate resources.
In the audience were Regional Directors for UNAIDS, UNFPA, and UNICEF, as well as the ambassador of Sweden to Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. The event also welcomed representatives from the South African Government, development partners, international financial institutions, senior leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC), regional forums of parliamentarians, the United Nations, civil society organizations, and academia.
A Partnership for Progress
Since its launch in 2018, 2gether 4 SRHR has been supported by the Government of Sweden and has united the efforts of UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO. The programme aims to ensure that all people in Eastern and Southern Africa can fully exercise their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Now, as it moves into Phase II, the initiative continues to push forward with its mission, buoyed by the success of its first phase.
Through various effective partnerships, 2gether 4 SRHR has achieved measurable progress across key SRHR indicators in the region. These include reductions in maternal mortality, new HIV infections, and adolescent birth rates. All this progress has been realized despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other humanitarian crises.
Core Achievements and Impact
Ms. Eva Kadili, UNICEF’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, presented the programme’s core achievements at the event, highlighting its collaborative, rights-based approach. Five key achievements from Phase I stand out:
- Unified Regional Partnerships: 2gether 4 SRHR has fostered a collaborative “Delivering as One UN” approach, bringing together governments, civil society, regional economic communities, and parliamentarians. This united effort has amplified the SRHR agenda, particularly for marginalized groups, young people, and key populations.
- Advancing Legal and Policy Frameworks: The programme has influenced public discourse, enhancing lawmakers' and civil society’s understanding of SRHR. More than 60 laws, policies, and strategies have been strengthened, promoting inclusivity and addressing stigma and discrimination.
- Strengthening Accountability: By working with partners to improve monitoring systems, including scorecards and community-led monitoring, 2gether 4 SRHR has ensured that progress on key SRHR indicators is effectively tracked and celebrated, while gaps are addressed.
- Tailored and Inclusive SRHR Services: The programme has enhanced access to integrated SRHR services across 10 countries—Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Peer-driven models have played a crucial role in supporting vulnerable groups, including adolescent girls, LGBTQI communities, and people with disabilities.
- Resilience Amid Humanitarian Crises: In the face of crises, starting with the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme has ensured the continuity of SRHR services. This resilience has been fortified through costed action plans across 22 countries, ensuring preparedness for future emergencies.
(L) Chinwe Ogbonna UNFA Deputy Regional Director with event attendees (R) and actress Kim Adnonis performing an excerpt from "He Had It coming"
Looking Ahead: Phase II and Beyond
As 2gether 4 SRHR embarks on Phase II, it marks a new chapter in the journey toward a more inclusive and equitable future for the region. The programme’s continued focus on collaboration and innovation will be essential in ensuring that all people in East and Southern Africa have the opportunity to realize their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
For more information on the 2gether 4 SRHR Joint Programme and its ongoing initiatives, you can read the full programme document [here].