RESEARCH STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF COVID19 PANDEMIC ON THE SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN AFRICA

July 28, 2022
Kenya, Ongoing ProjectsComments Off on RESEARCH STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF COVID19 PANDEMIC ON THE SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN AFRICA

The research seeks to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Sexual and

Reproductive Health Rights of Women and girls in Africa in a comparative analysis. The lessons would be drawn from Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Nigeria by considering critical areas for exploration, analysis, and assessment to ascertain how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the enjoyment of SRH information, goods, and services.

We shall assess the lessons from each country and develop a comparative analysis on the impact that COVID-19 had on these African countries on SRHR of women and girls and produce a comprehensive report that will be put together for dissemination. Further, our team will come up with a short policy brief for the report that is country-specific for engagement with national stakeholders on SRHR, especially within the context of pandemics. The output of the research would also form the basis for advocacy to ensure SRHR is an integral component of universal health coverage and resilient health systems and a fully protected budgetary allocation for SRHR even amidst pandemics.

Specifically, the research will seek to find out:

  • The presence/absence of women and youth-friendly SRHR information, goods, and services such as contraceptives, safe abortion services, post-abortion care and how the pandemic has affected access to these services.
  • The presence/absence of comprehensive sexuality education during the covid-19 pandemic.
  • The legal, socio-cultural, and religious norms, values and practices determine (enable or constrain) access to reproductive health information, goods, and services amidst the pandemic.
  • The impact of the presence/absence of the above on the enjoyment of SRHR of women and girls in the country of focus before and during the pandemic,
  • The way forward in addressing these challenges at the national and regional level to enhance access to SRH information, goods and services to women and girls.

The multi-country research will basically outline the place of SRH Africa amidst the Covid-19 pandemic with a view to drawing lessons to ensure proper implementation in case of another wave or in case of another pandemic.