BRIDGE Update: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and the post-2015 development framework

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The UK Gender and Development Network produced a briefing paper aiming to reflect on the

current debate on gender equality and the post-2015 framework, and to comment on the final

outcome document of the Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals. The

briefing paper outlines some key points and makes specific recommendations about the OWG’s

final outcome document, noting where different wording should be added to strengthen

commitment to women’s rights and gender equality.

New BRIDGE Policy Brief for Social Movement Leaders:

How can social movements become more gender-just? Many seemingly progressive social

movements do not consider gender equality fundamental to achieving social justice. They have

yet to make it a consistent priority in either their internal policies or their external change

strategies. In some cases there is strong ideological resistance; in most cases, experience shows that gender justice is recognised as important but hasn’t received the attention or priority it

deserves. This Policy Brief is intended to support leaders in deepening their efforts to bring

gender justice to their movements. The brief outlines political, cultural and learning strategies that can help movements to advance their gender awareness and proactive approach towards

promoting women’s full participation and leadership. By highlighting examples from Shack/Slum

Dwellers International, Amnesty International, et al, the brief illustrates that only by

integrating gender justice, movements are able to fully achieve social justice in such areas as

human rights, housing, the environment and secure livelihoods.

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and the post-2015 development framework –

resources and reflections:

About 800 women die every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.

Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are intrinsic human rights. They encompass

the right to sexual and reproductive health, respect for bodily integrity, the right to choose one’s

partner and the right to decide on sexual relations and having children, including contraception

and abortion. SRHR are directly related to girls’ education, future earnings and economic

participation; they are critical for the fulfilment of human rights related to sex, reproduction, family

life, and economic and social participation. When women and girls do not have full access to

SRHR, their ability to contribute economically, socially and politically to their communities is

severely constrained. SRHR should be prioritised and addressed comprehensively in all post-2015 development framework negotiations, and not be limited to access to family planning.

Accelerating progress beyond 2015 will require renewed commitment to investing in women’s

sexual and reproductive health and rights, with a focus on universal access to quality, integrated

sexual and reproductive health information, education and services throughout the life cycle.

This update focuses on why sexual and reproductive health and rights are crucial in the

development scenario and how they have been addressed and negotiated in the post-2015

development framework discussions. It also wants to explore how a wide range of organisations

and networks have campaigned around the issues and what policy recommendations they put

forward to ensure that SRHR are addressed comprehensively by policy-makers so that gender

justice can be attained.

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Publisher: Institute of Development Studies
Edition: 106
Year of Publication: September 2014
Download : 19537_bridge_update_sep2014.pdf