Former First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos, delivered a call to action for advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for young people across East and Southern Africa during a regional dialogue held in Pretoria, South Africa.
The event, themed “Transforming Futures: Exploring Strategies for Accelerating Collective Regional Actions to Advance Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights,” took place at the residence of the Ambassador of Sweden, Namibia, and Lesotho to South Africa in Pretoria.
Hosted by Ambassador Håkan Juholt, the dialogue brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting SRHR in the region. Ambassador Juholt lauded the delegates for their dedication and stressed the importance of upholding human dignity, rights, and mutual respect.
Geingos, in her keynote address, highlighted her commitment to SRHR, shaped by her personal experiences. She noted the ongoing stigma surrounding discussions on SRHR and the challenges posed by the political landscape, which often discourages open dialogue. "If I wanted political office, I would not speak on issues of sexual reproductive health and rights because that is the quickest way to de-campaign yourself," she remarked.
She expressed concern about a decline in public awareness regarding SRHR issues, such as HIV, and advocated for more intimate, focused discussions instead of large conferences that often leave participants unsatisfied. The former First Lady also emphasised the importance of leveraging the strengths of both the private and public sectors to tackle complex health challenges.
She shared innovative approaches to engaging youth on SRHR issues, including conducting discussions in community spaces such as bars, hair salons, and shebeens. She also introduced the ‘Be Free Campus,’ a holistic centre in Windhoek's Katutura, designed to provide youth with essential services, including sexual and reproductive health resources, mental health support, and skills development.
“Building trust and credibility is crucial,” Geingos stated, citing successful partnerships with the Namibian government and UNFPA that have expanded the centre's reach and services. She also underscored the need for comprehensive sex education to empower the youth, despite potential controversies.
Eva Kadilli, the UNICEF Regional Director, also spoke at the event, highlighting the achievements of the 2gether 4 SRHR programme, a collaborative initiative launched in 2018 by UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, and the Swedish government. The programme aims to empower individuals in Eastern and Southern Africa to exercise their sexual and reproductive health rights. Kadilli noted that the programme had received significant financial support from Sweden, with a commitment of over USD 100 million until 2027.
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises, Kadilli reported progress in improving key SRHR indicators, such as declines in maternal mortality, new HIV infections, and adolescent birth rates. The 2gether 4 SRHR initiative has also enhanced over 60 laws and policies across the region, fostering inclusivity and reducing stigma.