Applying community-based action learning in the provision of gender transformative sexual and reproductive health services in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
19 November 2025Shaping the African research agenda for gender transformative approaches to sexual and reproductive health and rights: A scoping review taking stock to re-align and move forward
Given the imminent threats to gender equality, it is critical to take stock of what is documented in terms of gender transformative approaches supporting sexual and reproductive health and rights across the African continent. This scoping review found 52 articles published between 2012-2022 from PubMed and Scopus. We describe the geographic distribution, terms, the conceptual frameworks and social theories used, program areas, target populations and intervention approaches, as well as study designs and outcomes found. While a substantial body of evidence on gender and sexual and reproductive health and rights across Africa is building, it remains skewed geographically, programmatically, and analytically. More rigorous research is needed about the dynamics of shifting gender power relations undertaken in partnership with social movements and practitioners who can ensure more ownership and accountability for gender justice in sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa over the long term. community/client-related issues such as lack of male, parents/guardians, and community support; and (iii) negative perceptions regarding health seeking for SRHR services. Proposed strategies include reaching young men and boys with SRHR services outside Primary Health Care settings; facilitating dialogue to support female partners; and promoting community advocacy. AL has shown promise in understanding young people’s SRHR challenges and in developing strategies to advance gender-transformative youth-friendly SRHR services in Nigeria.

