Center for Reproductive Rights Africa

For over 30 years, the Center for Reproductive Rights has used the power of law to advance reproductive rights as fundamental human rights around the world.

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Today, the High Court of Kenya delivered its judgment in Petition E490 of 2025, protecting adolescents engaged in consensual, non-coercive and non-exploitative peer sexual relationships from arrests and prosecutions.

The Court:
➡️Directed investigative, prosecutorial and enforcement agencies to distinguish consensual adolescent peer relationships from exploitative or abusive conduct.
➡️Stopped the criminal proceedings against minors charged with defilement for engaging in peer sexual relations.
➡️Ordered relevant agencies in health, education, and child protection to ensure adolescents can access sexual and reproductive health information and services without fear of criminalization.

This is a major win for adolescent rights in Kenya and we continue to advocate for their protection.

#AdolescentRights #ReproductiveJustice #Kenya #ASRHR

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

While the law must protect children from abuse and exploitation, it should not punish adolescents for normal peer relationships or push them away from care, information, and support.

#srhr

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Day 3 of the #RHNKPanAfricanConference2026 was buzzing with energy.

From engaging sessions and insightful conversations at the booth to meaningful exchanges with partners and advocates, the day was filled with opportunities to advance the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents across Africa.

As we head into the final day, we are excited to continue to champion and defend adolescents' reproductive health and rights.

@rhnkorg

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Sustained funding is essential to fully protect and safeguard adolescents.

#RHNKPanAfricanConference2026

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Anti-rights movements are evolving, but so must our actions. Today’s panel at the #RHNKPanAfricanConference2026 explored the laws, policies and actions needed to protect adolescents’ and young people’s access to reproductive health services.

A few key takeaways from the panelists👇🏾

[Reproductive Health Network Kenya @rhnkorg]

Vijana hoyeee!!!

From leading sessions to sharing evidence, facilitating dialogue, documenting key moments, and driving engagement on and offline, youth at #RHNKpanAfricanConferenve2026 are showing what meaningful participation looks like when space is intentionally created and respected.

[@Youthchaperonug @youthchaperonug]

It’s #Day3 of the #RHNKPanAfricanConference2026 and we continue reflecting on the shared commitment to advancing youth agency, strengthening sexual and reproductive health and rights, and creating inclusive spaces where young people can meaningfully shape Africa’s Future.

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Day 3 at the #RHNKPanAfricanConference2026.

Join us at the booth for lots of fun games, informative content and meaningful conversations, all happening in the space.

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Join us tomorrow for fun games, powerful discussions and more.

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Day 2 at #RHNKPanAfricanConference2026.

Our booth was a hub of connection today. Young people, healthcare providers, lawyers, SRHR advocates and government officials all coming together to discuss real issues.

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Key topics dominating the conversations:

➡️Hearing about the real barriers young people face when trying to access reproductive health services and information.

➡️Conversations around bridging gaps and engaging in partnerships with different stakeholders.

➡️The importance of advancing youth agency and legal frameworks that protect and support access to adolescent SRHR.

[Reproductive Health Network Kenya @rhnkorg]

⚖️ Law must never be a barrier to #SRHR — it must be an enabler.
Legal frameworks can protect minors and support adolescents’ access to SRHR with care and dignity. But laws alone aren’t enough.
Stigma, culture & denial still block access. We need holistic harmonisation across law, health systems & communities to truly advance youth agency. - Hon. Justice Prof. Redson Kapindu
#RHNKPanAfricanConference2026

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

As we navigate a rapidly shifting legal and policy environment for SRHR in Kenya, this side event brings together healthcare providers, legal experts, policymakers and advocates to unpack emerging challenges and identify practical pathways forward.

Join us for a timely conversation on the implications of recent legal developments, global policy shifts, and strategies to sustain access to quality SRHR services.

📅 4 June 2026
⏰ 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM EAT
📍 Johari Hall, Sarova Whitesands, Mombasa

#reproductiverights #adolescents #srhr4all

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Join us for a high-level conversation on Access to Reproductive Health Services for Adolescents and Youth: Laws, Policies and Responses to Anti-Rights Movements.

Bringing together leaders from the judiciary, government, civil society, and international organizations to explore the opportunities, challenges, and solutions shaping adolescent and youth SRHR across Africa.

📅 4 June 2026
🕚 11:10 AM – 12:10 PM EAT
📍 Johari Hall, Sarova Whitesands, Mombasa, Kenya

#reproductiverights #adolescents #srhr4all

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Join this important conversation on dismantling age-related barriers to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Eastern and Southern Africa, and advancing policies, systems, and partnerships that support youth agency, access, and meaningful participation.

📅 Wednesday, 3 June 2026
⏰ 16:30 – 18:00 EAT
📍 Hall 5, Tamanisha, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, Mombasa

#reproductiverights #adolescents #srhr4all

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Powerful words from @Salima_SN at the #RHNKPanAfricanConference2026 fireside chat session.

“ASRHR is not just a health issue, it is a justice and human rights issue.”

“We must act now to close the policy gaps, remove the legal barriers and ensure every adolescent gets the information and services they need.”

@rhnkorg

#reproductiverights #adolescents #srhr4all

[Reproductive Health Network Kenya @rhnkorg]

The fireside chat session at the #RHNKPanAfricanConference2026 was a timely reminder that silence is never neutral. When evidence exists and voices are available, choosing not to engage is still a decision.
Evidence-based platforms matter because they:
• Elevate research, lived experience, and data
• Counter misinformation and erasure
• Support accountable, informed decision-making

Whether in health, development, or policy spaces, progress depends on our willingness to centre evidence — even when it is inconvenient.
Grateful for spaces that continue to challenge us to choose visibility, rigour, and responsibility over silence.

#RHNKPanAfricanConference2026

[Reproductive Health Network Kenya @rhnkorg]

Africa's future will be shaped by how boldly we invest in its young people today.

Speaking at the 9th RHNK Pan-African Adolescent and Youth SRHR Scientific Conference, Dr. Claudia Shilumani, Regional Director, @IPPFAR, reflected on the powerful stories of young people that continue to drive the movement for sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Dr. Shilumani underscored that Africa's status as the world's youngest continent presents an unprecedented opportunity—one that can only be realized through sustained investment, courageous leadership, and transformative solutions that place young people at the centre.

She highlighted the persistent challenges facing adolescent girls and young women, including child marriage, female genital mutilation, and adolescent pregnancy, noting that these barriers continue to limit educational opportunities, economic participation, and the realization of rights.

Calling for urgent action, she emphasized that investing in adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health and rights is essential to Africa's development, prosperity, and ability to harness its demographic dividend.
Her message was clear: young people must not only be included in conversations about their future—they must be empowered to lead them.
#RHNKPanAfricanConference2026

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

The 9th @rhnkorg Pan-African Adolescent and Youth SRHR Scientific Conference has officially kicked off today.

Watch the opening ceremony here: https://t.co/Rwzfv6HtKU.

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Last week, the Center for Reproductive Rights, in partnership with the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association @KEWOPA , International Association of Women Judges–Kenya @IntlWomenJudges -Kenya, and the Tanzania Women Judges Association TWJA, convened a capacity-strengthening session for women parliamentarians and judges from Kenya and Tanzania.

The engagement focused on strengthening understanding of the legal and policy frameworks that protect and advance sexual, reproductive, and maternal health rights (SRMHR), while fostering dialogue on the critical role of legislators and judicial officers in advancing accountability and access to justice.

By investing in the capacity of decision-makers, we are helping build a stronger foundation for informed leadership and improved health and rights outcomes for adolescent girls and young women across the region.

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Earlier today on The Legal Insider on Capital FM, @timothy_thondu , Legal Advisor at the Center for Reproductive Rights, unpacked the recent ruling on decriminalizing consensual adolescent relationships and what it means for young people’s rights in Kenya.

[Center for Reproductive Rights Africa @ReproRightsAFR]

Mark the date and join our VP, @Salima_SN in this very important discussion at the conference.

[Reproductive Health Network Kenya @rhnkorg]

Some conversations are too important to happen on the sidelines, they deserve a seat at the table.

As part of the 9th RHNK Pan-African Adolescent & Youth SRHR Scientific Conference 2026, an exclusive Fire Side Chat with Co-Conveners & Sponsors will bring together influential leaders, advocates, policymakers and development partners shaping the future of adolescent and youth SRHR across Africa.

This high-level session will provide a space for candid conversations on partnership, leadership, sustainability and the collective responsibility of advancing youth agency and meaningful engagement within Africa’s evolving socio-political and economic landscape.

The discussion will feature Salima Namusobya, Vice President for Africa at @ReproRightsAFR; Serah Joy Malaba, Co-Chief Executive Officer at @tikoafrica; Dr. Janette Karimi, Head of the Reproductive & Maternal Health Section at the RMNCAH Division, @MOH_Kenya.

The session will be moderated by @Evelyne_Opondo, Executive Director of @ICRWAfrica.

📅 2nd June 2026
⏰ 4:05 PM – 4:35 PM
📍 Johari Hall, Sarova Whitesands, Mombasa, Kenya

#RHNKPanAfricanConference2026