A woman’s ability to have a satisfying and safe sexual life, to plan and have children if she chooses to, and to prevent or manage reproductive health problems is key to her physical, mental and social well-being. But what is reproductive health?
It encompasses a range of issues including menstrual health, pregnancy and childbirth, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It also includes access to comprehensive sexuality education and safe, legal, and affordable sexual health services.
Today, there’s a wide range of resources and platforms dedicated to meeting the needs of women in these areas. Whatever your interest or need is, there’s an organization available to address it. Perhaps it could be the starting point for you.
Helpful resources
Below is a list of organizations that advocate for reproductive and sexual health and rights in Africa:
- International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) African Region – IPPF works to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights across Africa, with a focus on providing education, services, and advocacy to marginalized communities.
- The African Centre for Women, Information and Communications Technology (ACWICT) – This organization works to empower African women and girls through technology and education. They also provide sexual and reproductive health information and services.
- The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) – AWDF supports grassroots organizations working towards the empowerment of African women, including by promoting sexual and reproductive rights and health.
- The Center for Reproductive Rights – This organization uses the law to advance reproductive rights as human rights in Africa and around the world, including by working to ensure access to safe abortion, comprehensive sexuality education and services.
- Marie Stopes International – Marie Stopes provides family planning services, maternal health care, and safe abortion services.
- Family Planning 2030 – Family Planning 2030 is a global partnership working to increase access to family planning information, services, and supplies to women in need.
- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) – UNFPA works to improve access to reproductive health services and promote reproductive rights, particularly for women and girls.
- The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) – APHRC conducts research and provides evidence-based advocacy on issues related to population and health in Africa.
- The African Network for Prevention and Protection Against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN) – ANPPCAN works to protect children’s rights and promote their well-being, including access to sexual health information and services.
These organizations work towards increasing access to family planning and reproductive health services, educating communities and advocating for policies that support sexual and reproductive rights.