Promoting a whole-system response to advance SRH-R for vulnerable and minority groups.

Namibian CSOs working with groups most vulnerable – LGBT persons, sex workers, women and youth – are committed to promoting, coordinating and operationalising a whole-system response to advance SRH&R. Recognizing the inequitable realisation of SRH&R for these groups as systemic, we are committed to advancing action on addressing systemic drivers, including patriarchy, harmful gender and cultural norms, inadequate prioritisation and funding for marginalised and vulnerable groups and legal systems that impede access to justice and services. Aligned to SDG goals 3, 10 and 16 by 2030, we are specifically committed to:

• The development of protective and enabling legal environment, through the repeal of the laws impacting bodily autonomy such as the criminalisation of abortion, anal sex and aspects of sex work;

• The expansion of domestic violence protections to same-sex couples in the Combatting of Domestic Violence Act 4 of 2003,

♣ Ensuring legal reform is reflected in policy and practice, at both national and community level;
♣ Fostering an environment of accountability within CSO to ensure responsiveness and integration of community voice and action in responses;

• Fostering youth-informed and led SRH&R responses;

♣ Working with government to ensure coordination and alignment of priorities;

♣ Developing differentiated and affirmative SRH&R services as informed by evidence on the needs and vulnerabilities of different groups;

♣ Ensure the visibility and prioritisation of groups left behind in the SRH&R response such as lesbian, bisexual and queer women, and, transgender men;

♣ Establishing linkages to SRH-R services to rural and peri-urban communities; and,

♣ Holding government accountable to international human rights instruments and commitments ratified in the advancement of the right to health.

Mode of engagement:

• Programmatic action
  Namibian CSOs working with groups most vulnerable – LGBT persons, sex workers, women and youth – are committed to promoting, coordinating and operationalising a whole-system response to advance SRH&R. Recognizing the inequitable realisation of SRH&R