In many African cultures, when issues arise, they are brought forward to the lekgotla—a community court where collective wisdom and shared decisions shape the outcome. This gathering of voices reflects the values of unity, accountability, and respect, creating space for dialogue and resolutions that resonate within the community. Such traditions serve as an inspiration for modern platforms where complex social issues, such as sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), can be addressed through inclusive leadership and regional cooperation.
In the same spirit of communal decision-making, the 2gether 4 SRHR Programme, in collaboration with the Africa SRHR Team of Sweden, organized a pivotal roundtable discussion under the theme “Transforming Futures.” The forum aimed to accelerate collective regional actions to advance SRHR across East and Southern Africa, bringing together key decision-makers, development partners, regional economic community representatives, civil society organizations and government departments.
The gathering included prominent leaders such as Regional Directors from UNAIDS, UNFPA, and UNICEF, alongside His Excellency Håkan Juholt, Sweden’s ambassador to Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. Together, they assessed the progress of SRHR in the region and charted the actions needed to secure the future of sexual and reproductive health rights.
Her Excellency Mrs. Monica Geingos, the former First Lady of Namibia and an official United Nations Sustainable Development Goals advocate, delivered the keynote address. She emphasized the importance of leveraging expertise from the private sector into public initiatives, calling for sustainable and scalable solutions to tackle society’s most complex health challenges. She urged the forum to foster continuous dialogue stating “ We need to build community trust, and promote inclusivity as key pillars if we want to see successful SRHR initiatives”
Advancing SRHR Through Collaborative Action
The forum provided a critical space for discussions on how the 2gether 4 SRHR Programme is transforming health systems and expanding access to essential services such as family planning, maternal health, and HIV prevention. Delegates from participating countries shared insights into the programme’s achievements, highlighting the integration of SRHR into broader healthcare delivery systems, improvements in service delivery, and efforts to ensure that vulnerable groups—particularly women, young people and key populations—have equitable access to these vital services.
Key leaders Ms. Anne Githuku-Shongwe, UNAIDS Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, and Ms. Lydia Zigomo, UNFPA Regional Director, reiterated the collective responsibility of governments, international organizations, and local communities in addressing persistent gaps in SRHR services. They reaffirmed their commitment to expanding outreach programs, reducing maternal mortality, and improving availability and access to family planning commodities.
One of the forum's critical takeaways was the need to foster youth leadership and community engagement by promoting comprehensive sexual education and youth-friendly health services. This approach is vital in addressing the specific needs of adolescents and young people, especially in combating HIV and improving access to reproductive healthcare.
A representative from the Eastern and Southern African Parliamentary Caucus on SRHR highlighted the importance of grassroots-driven demand for legislative change. The speaker noted that externally imposed laws often face resistance, whereas community-led advocacy can drive more meaningful and lasting transformations.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, called for creative solutions that respect cultural contexts while advocating for universal human rights. Dr. Moeti’s reflections emphasized the urgent need for collective action to improve maternal health outcomes and adolescent health.
Strengthening Health Systems and Expanding Access
The discussions at the forum further emphasized the importance of resilient health systems that can sustainably deliver SRHR services, even in rural and underserved areas. The integration of SRHR into primary healthcare was noted as a significant achievement, ensuring that reproductive health services, including HIV prevention and maternal care, remain accessible to all.
Regional cooperation was another key talking point, with representatives sharing best practices from their respective countries. The importance of data-driven decision-making and evidence-based policies were stressed as a key resource to advance SRHR services. By leveraging digital health technologies, several countries have improved service delivery and outreach, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Call to Action for Sustained Momentum
The forum concluded with a collective call to strengthen and scale up SRHR initiatives in East and Southern Africa amidst challenges of funding, humanitarian crises and problematic social norms. Participants emphasized the importance of unity, resilience, and sustained advocacy to ensure that SRHR remains a top priority within health systems across the region. Leaders committed to enhancing regional collaboration to ensure that the progress made is not only sustained but also expanded so that all individuals—regardless of geographic or social barriers—can access SRHR services.
By continuing to foster partnerships, strengthening leadership, and promoting community-driven solutions, the 2gether 4 SRHR Programme is laying the foundation for a healthier and more equitable future. A future where every individual has the freedom to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights with dignity and autonomy.
Key themes that emerged from the platform:
- Vigilance and Sustained Effort: The need for continuous attention to counter the pushback against SRHR gains and advocate for the rights of women, adolescents, and young people.
- Collaboration Across Sectors: Multi-sectoral partnerships involving governments, regional organizations, civil society, and private sector partners were emphasized as critical to advancing SRHR.
- Innovative Approaches to Overcoming Barriers: Creative strategies that address cultural, legal, and systemic barriers through community-driven initiatives, inclusive dialogues, and local leadership emerged as a core focus.
This roundtable discussion reflected a shared commitment to intensify efforts and work collaboratively to advance SRHR across the region, focusing on inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation. Together, we can transform futures by ensuring every individual’s right to health is upheld.