By Hameed Oyegbade: Tackling barriers to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Nigeria

…it is instructive that the Conference highlighted the need for joint efforts and strategic partnerships to overcome obstacles to the enjoyment of sexual and reproductive rights. This joint endeavour underscores the importance of joint action in advancing the SRHR agenda in Nigeria, thereby aiming for a future where the sexual and reproductive health and rights of every individual are respected and upheld. Therefore, the rights, freedoms and independence of citizens must not be denied.

Talking about sex and sexuality is often scandalous for some people for different reasons. While some believe that it is a sensitive topic that should not be discussed publicly, others avoid the subject due to their religious or cultural beliefs. But we cannot stay away from sex and sexuality as it is part of our lives and existence, especially when it comes to issues of reproductive health and, above all, rights in terms of freedom and independence.

It was arguably the first time in Nigeria that stakeholders met and discussed issues surrounding sexual and reproductive health and rights in the country. The first national SRHR conference revolved around the need to examine laws and how they affect access to health and rights for sexual minorities, key populations and other vulnerable groups. Members of these groups, stakeholders, civil society and human rights activists, as well as the media attended the conference organized by Lawyers Alert in Abuja, the country’s capital territory.

Themed “SRHR Culture and Social Norms within Communities,” the conference provided a platform for a coalition of small and medium-sized organizations dedicated to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), formed through the Amplify Change grant made possible by Lawyers Alert from 2018 to 2020, to collaboratively seek and ideate solutions to SRHR obstacles in Nigeria.

Discussions in the plenary and panel sessions addressed the multiple challenges hindering the progress of SRHR. Delegates included key SRHR advocates, SRHR civil organizations, the LGBTIQ+ community, FSW and donors. Some of the most pressing issues were safe medical abortion, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), female genital mutilation, LGBTQI+, HIV and the status of SRHR in Nigeria. There was also information sharing and networking. The conversation brought to the fore the expertise of global, regional, national and grassroots organizations as well as development workers, NGOs and community-based groups.

The conference concluded by highlighting the need to achieve widespread awareness on sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly at the community and district levels. Local champions should speak out against norms and culture that limit women’s choice. Through community platforms, individuals could lead campaigns against harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation, thereby supporting and promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

To achieve this, we must emphasize the human rights of key populations and sexual minorities in all advocacy and intervention strategies at all opportunities and interventions. The SRHR movement in Nigeria should be strengthened through organizational and advocacy capacities by strengthening and establishing more comprehensive and inclusive platforms to disseminate SRHR narratives and foster strong networking among stakeholders.

It is also imperative to encourage large and established CSOs and agencies to always strive to involve small and medium-sized SRHR grassroots organizations in their work and provide them with grants to enable them to acquire new knowledge and skills. It is also necessary to develop a comprehensive national SRHR advocacy plan to guide strategic advocacy efforts and effectively address SRHR challenges using the SRHR movement platform.

In the interests of justice, the Nigerian government must repeal laws and policies that undermine sexual and reproductive health rights and freedom of expression and assembly. The government should enact laws that recognize gender and sexual diversity. For example, the government should repeal Section 12 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and other ancillary laws that hinder the implementation and application of international treaties, conventions and protocols on sexual and reproductive health and human rights that Nigeria has signed and ratified.

Civil society should proactively and specifically engage with government agencies, such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, National Agency for AIDS Control (NACA) and the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), to ensure a high-quality response to SRHR issues. This would also improve the current inadequate support from the government.

In conclusion, it is instructive to note that the Conference highlighted the need for joint efforts and strategic partnerships to overcome obstacles to the enjoyment of sexual and reproductive rights. This joint endeavour underscores the importance of joint action in advancing the SRHR agenda in Nigeria and striving for a future where the sexual and reproductive health and rights of every individual are respected and upheld. Therefore, the rights, freedoms and independence of citizens must not be denied.

Hameed Oyegbadea journalist and public affairs analyst, writes from Osogbo.