Sexual reproductive health and rights

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Sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR)

The Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) program is one of the core initiatives implemented by Anchors For Women Uganda (AWU) to address the pressing reproductive health challenges faced by adolescent girls and young women across Uganda.

This program is designed to empower girls with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, with the broader goal of reducing teenage pregnancies, combating harmful cultural norms, and promoting gender equality.

The Ugandan government acknowledges the importance of addressing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), especially among adolescents, through policies such as the National Strategy to End Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy, and the National Sexuality Education Framework. Authorities have affirmed adolescents’ right to access family planning services without third-party consent and support the re-admission of pregnant girls into school. However, implementation faces challenges including cultural and religious resistance, limited youth-friendly health services, and persistent stigma against adolescent mothers. While progress is evident, stronger enforcement and community engagement are needed to ensure these policies translate into real change for young people.

Problem Context

In Uganda, young girls continue to face numerous challenges that impact their sexual and reproductive health.

Among the leading factors are:

  • Peer pressure, which influences risky behavior and early sexual debut.
  • Inadequate sexual and reproductive health education, leaving girls ill-equipped to make informed decisions.
  • Cultural and religious norms, which often stigmatize open discussion about sexuality and menstruation.
  • Limited access to services and products, especially in underserved and rural communities.

    • As a result, many girls engage in unprotected or premarital sex, leading to high rates of teenage pregnancy, school dropouts, early marriages, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

Program Approach

To address these issues, AWU has developed a multi-faceted, girl-centered approach that includes:

Comprehensive Training Programs
  • These trainings provide accurate and age-appropriate information on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
  • Topics include puberty, consent, contraception, prevention of STIs, safe menstrual hygiene practices, and the consequences of early pregnancy.

    • Peer-to-Peer Sensitization Model
  • AWU trains peer educators—young leaders from within the communities—to disseminate SRHR information in a relatable and engaging manner.
  • This model ensures sustained impact through trusted social networks and encourages open dialogue among peers.

    • Tailored Awareness Sessions
  • Sessions are adapted to suit specific cultural contexts and the unique needs of various communities.
  • Community engagement, including working with parents, teachers, and local leaders, is emphasized to reduce stigma and foster supportive environments.

    • Program Approach

    To address these issues, AWU has developed a multi-faceted, girl-centered approach that includes:

    Menstrual Health Management: Recognizing that menstruation remains a major barrier to girls’ education, AWU promotes menstrual hygiene management by:
  • Distributing sanitary pads and other menstrual products.
  • Providing reusable pad-making training for sustainability.
  • Creating menstrual-friendly spaces in schools.
  • Educating girls on menstrual health and hygiene practices.
  • These efforts aim to reduce absenteeism and school dropouts caused by menstruation.

    • Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Recognizing that menstruation remains a major barrier to girls’ education, AWU promotes menstrual hygiene management by:
  • AWU advocates for policies and programs that support comprehensive sexuality education, youth-friendly health services, and increased funding for menstrual health initiatives.

    • Through this program, AWU has reached hundreds of adolescent girls and young women, particularly in marginalized communities.

    The SRHR program is a vital intervention that not only educates and empowers girls but also transforms communities by breaking the silence around reproductive health issues. By investing in girls’ health, AWU is laying the foundation for a more equitable, informed, and resilient generation of young women.

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