We Lead to claim our sexual and reproductive health and rights

We Lead is an innovative and far-reaching program that aims to strengthen the influence and position of young women whose sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRH-R) are neglected the most. It targets young women and adolescent girls who: live with HIV; face vulnerability and discrimination; live with a disability; and/or are affected by displacement.

Why these rightsholders need to lead

Gender equality, diversity and inclusion (GEDI) are at the heart of Hivos’ vision and mission; they are prerequisites for the more just, fair, dignified and prosperous societies we aim for. Being able to decide about your own body and sexual life is a key element in our GEDI strategy. But this is still a pipe dream for the four rightsholder groups mentioned above. For them, fulfilment of SDG 3 (Ensure healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages) and SDG 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls) is still far away. The voices, ideas and needs of these four groups are absent from the spaces where decisions are made that affect their SRH-R. This is aggravated by the frequent intersection of these identities, such as young refugee women with a disability or with HIV.

To change this situation, Hivos has joined forces with five other civil society organizations: Positive Vibes, Restless Development, Fondo Centroamericano de Mujeres, FEMNET and Marsa. We work in partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reach our mutual aim: support young women to claim their SRH-R, saying, “Nothing about us without us!”

How We Lead gives them a voice

The program puts young women rightsholders in the driver’s seat, connecting them with each other in Communities of Action. In these spaces they share knowledge, experiences and ideas, and learn from one another, while they also develop joint strategies to improve their SRH-R. We accompany and coach them as they work towards achieving the legal and policy changes they have targeted. The program also empowers these young women to participate in movements and develop and lead campaigns to change the perceptions of policy makers and the public on rightsholders’ SRH-R. Finally, an innovative participatory grant-making mechanism provides financial support for them to realize their plans and build and strengthen their organizations. Throughout the program there is continuous attention for rightsholders’ safety and security, and for their psychosocial wellbeing.

Where

Nine countries in Africa, the Middle East and Central America

Selection of impact

  • The passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda had a profound impact on inclusive sexual health services, which were halted in many health facilities. AWAC-Uganda quickly put together a response consisting of one-stop centers offering SRHR and other health services, community engagement, and a toll-free hotline to reach hundreds of young people every month.
  • After years of struggle, the ban on emergency contraception, like the morning-after pill, was finally lifted in Honduras in March 2023. Our We Lead team contributed to this important victory. At the end of 2023, we decided to focus our campaigning on the urgent need for sexual education in Honduras.
  • The We Lead team in Jordan developed its “Behind the Mask” strategy to open frank conversations on sensitive topics. Participants wear masks that provide confidentiality, particularly to discuss issues of sexuality without fear of judgment or criticism.

Period and budget

2021 – 2025, €40.7 million.

Donor and consortium partners

The program is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the SRH-R Partnership Fund, which is part of the Strengthening Civil Society subsidy framework. Consortium partners are: Positive Vibes, Restless Development, Marsa, FEMNET, the Central American Women’s Fund, and Hivos as lead party. M&C Saatchi World Services is our technical partner.