Ensuring Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights: Challenges and Solutions

By Catherine Murombedzi

Health Correspondent
 

Sexual and reproductive health rights are fundamental human rights that underpin the well-being, dignity, and autonomy of individuals, particularly women, girls, and marginalised communities. The ability to make informed decisions about one’s own body, health, and future is essential for achieving gender equality, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable development. However, despite the importance, sexual and reproductive health rights remain under threat in many parts of the world, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and African regions. Stigma, taboo, and discriminatory policies and practices continue to restrict access to comprehensive sexuality education, contraceptive services, and safe abortion, exacerbating health risks and perpetuating inequality.

A recent virtual session by She & Rights, hosted by the National Coalition of People Living with HIV in India (NCPI Plus), Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI), International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW), Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR), Asia Pacific Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media) and CNS discussed the challenges and the possibilities.

“Sexual Health with Equity and Rights,” brought together experts and advocates from various organisations to discuss the issues and potential solutions.

Stigma and taboo surrounding SRH issues were identified as significant barriers to accessing SRH services and information.
Lady Nancy Lisondra, Youth and Advocacy Advisor at the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), highlighted that these barriers can lead to unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and mental health issues among young people.

These challenges are often rooted in structural barriers, including discriminatory laws, policies, and social norms. Women and girls in the region face numerous obstacles in accessing education and employment opportunities. Limited access to decent facilities for menstrual hygiene products, leading to absenteeism and dropout rates among girls, she said.

“Many young people living with HIV, including those from key populations, are unaware of the available Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services and their rights. This lack of awareness is particularly pronounced in rural areas. Furthermore, young people living with HIV often face stigma and judgment from healthcare providers and peers, which prevents them from seeking help. Another significant challenge is the mental health issues that young people living with HIV face, including depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. These issues can profoundly impact a young person’s ability to access and utilise SRHR services, exacerbating their vulnerability,” said Pooja Mistra.

One of the critical challenges highlighted during the session was the limited access to comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in the region.

Gressa Mae G. Pepito, Vice President of the Family Planning Organisation of the Philippines (FPOP), emphasized that comprehensive sexual education is essential for empowering young people to make informed decisions about their SRH.

However, she noted that the Philippines’ Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (APP) Bill, which seeks to strengthen CSE, has faced significant challenges during its legislative journey.
“The APP Bill had taken too long than anticipated stalling progress….,” said Gressa Mae G. Pepito.

Even in Africa, stigma and taboo surrounding SRH issues remain a barrier.
The writer, Catherine Murombedzi, a health journalist from Zimbabwe, concurred.
She, however, said youth friendly corners established in some health facilities helped.
“We have a few facilities running youth friendly corners. However, it is not enough as these are partner supported and can have time frames. This means that they are not permanent to give sustained service,” she said.

*Early Child Marriage and Adolescent Pregnancies*

A youth Maria Iqbal Shah said maternal mortality was high in teenagers falling pregnant. 

“Early child marriage and adolescent pregnancies are a major concern in the region. Early child marriage can lead to early pregnancy, which can result in high maternal mortality and morbidity, as well as affect the mental health of young mothers. The law must protect young girls,” said Maria Iqbal Shah, a member of Y-PEER.

The session emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to address SRH challenges in the region. Strengthening CSE programmes and policies is required. There is a need to increase access to youth-friendly and stigma-free SRH services

The continent has discriminatory laws and policies that restrict women’s participation in the workforce.

*Health and Personal Safety Challenges*
Boys and men in the region face unique challenges related to health and personal safety.
● High death rates due to accidents, suicide, and other preventable causes
● Limited access to healthcare services, particularly for mental health and substance abuse.

*Challenges*
Despite progress in some areas, many countries in the region continue to face significant challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health services.
Very few have coverage in national health insurance, when ill and high out-of-pocket expenditures hit hard on the pocket. This then leaves SRH looking like a luxury, yet it is a basic health requirement. Restrictive laws and policies, such as parental consent requirements sees girls carrying unplanned pregnancies. This makes women and girls vulnerable and the poverty cycle continues.

*Data Gaps*
There is a need for increased efforts and investment in data collection and civil society engagement to address the significant data gaps in the region, particularly in relation to gender and peace/security.

*Youth Focus*
The region is experiencing a demographic shift, with countries facing aging populations. However, adolescent girls and boys continue to face significant challenges. Adolescent pregnancy, which remains a significant health risk in many countries.

Addressing these challenges will require a sustained commitment to advancing gender equality, promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights, and investing in data collection and civil society engagement.
The meeting called on addressing stigma and taboo surrounding SRH issues. One way was holding more similar meetings for the media to amplify awareness. By writing, the media helps in promoting policy changes and legislation to support SRH rights. Lawmakers required more sensitisation to be in a position to make informed decisions. Enabling environment augers well for SRHR. Achieving these will enhance collaboration and coordination among governments, civil society organisations, and communities.
Ensuring SRH rights is critical for promoting the well-being and safety of young people, women, and marginalised communities in the Asia-Pacific region, which mirrors Africa. The session highlighted the need for urgent action to address the challenges and barriers to accessing SRH services and information. By working together and promoting a multi-faceted approach, we can ensure that everyone has access to comprehensive SRH information and services.
● *Feedback: cathymwauyakufa@gmail.com
*