Highlights from the 2024 Symposium.; /PHOTO courtesy; MenEngage Africa SRHR Learning and Exchange Symposium
Civil society organisations, youth leaders, researchers and policymakers from across Africa will meet in Mombasa this week to examine how to protect sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) as funding pressures and resistance to rights-based approaches grow across the continent.
More than 300 participants are expected at the MenEngage Africa SRHR Learning and Exchange Symposium, PROGRESS 2026, running from August 12 to 14, 2026.
Themed “Reclaiming Autonomy: Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Justice in the Face of Resistance,” the symposium will focus on turning evidence and community experience into practical action on SRHR and gender justice.
The meeting brings together civil society and community-based organisations alongside government representatives, health providers, researchers, youth networks, faith and traditional leaders and development partners.
Organisers say the goal is to strengthen collective action on sexual and reproductive justice rather than limit discussions to policy dialogue.
“The PROGRESS 2026 symposium marks a pivotal milestone in our collective mission to transition regional discourse into a cohesive, actionable framework for protecting the rights of marginalised populations.”
A key feature of PROGRESS 2026 is its focus on moving knowledge into practice. Selected sessions are expected to produce practical outputs, including tools, datasets and other resources that can contribute to an open SRHR Action Toolkit.
Youth participation is also central to the programme, with organisers targeting at least 40 percent youth-led contributions and promoting greater participation of persons with disabilities.
The symposium will also address SRHR access and accountability, gender-based violence, youth leadership, disability inclusion, policy and financing, comprehensive sexuality education, digital rights and the links between SRHR and climate justice.
For African civil society groups, the gathering offers a platform to share approaches, build partnerships and develop collective responses to the challenges facing SRHR advocacy and service delivery.
