Strengthening capacity for integration of gender transformative approaches in SRHR research and intervention in Africa: lessons from a multi-country collaborative initiative
1
School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
2
Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Humaine et en Démographie, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Humaine et en Démographie, Cotonou, Benin
3
Independent Researcher, Independent Researcher, Trivandrum, India
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A712
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges in achieving SDG 3 and SDG 5, in part due to renewed resistance to gender equality and to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Rigorous research and shared learning on the integration of a gender lens and its implications for SRHR remain wanting. Researchers and practitioners face systemic barriers that constrain their participation in the knowledge system. This study examines the process and outcome of a collaborative initiative among institutions across eight African countries (2022–2025) to strengthen capacity for gender-transformative research and programming in SRHR.
METHODS:
We adopted a qualitative approach, drawing on documentation of collaborative engagement across various online and offline spaces and forums (15 webinars, 35 steering committee meetings, two in-person consultation workshops, and five periodic assessment surveys). Data were analysed thematically, and the analysis and interpretation drew on capacity development and community of practice literature.
RESULTS:
The collaborative engagement was characterised by intentional efforts to nurture a community of practice, to develop a common purpose and shared values, and to cultivate a culture of dialogue and collective action. The evidence from surveys informed and validated the cohort’s work. Participatory structures and representative governance supported meaningful engagement and ownership. The cohort engagement laid a strong foundation for sustained collaboration, enhanced conceptual coherence, created opportunities for shared learning and adaptation, and fostered a collective commitment to advancing an equitable research ecosystem. Challenges included the significant time and effort required to sustain participatory approaches, navigating project cycles, and managing sensitive contextual and power dynamics, alongside ethical considerations.
CONCLUSIONS:
Our experience demonstrates the potential to strengthen capacity for gender-transformative, African-centred, and decolonial SRHR research and programming through nurturing a community of practice. It further underscores that such endeavours are both technical and relational processes, requiring strong communication practices and adequate resourcing to sustain them.
Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges in achieving SDG 3 and SDG 5, in part due to renewed resistance to gender equality and to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Rigorous research and shared learning on the integration of a gender lens and its implications for SRHR remain wanting. Researchers and practitioners face systemic barriers that constrain their participation in the knowledge system. This study examines the process and outcome of a collaborative initiative among institutions across eight African countries (2022–2025) to strengthen capacity for gender-transformative research and programming in SRHR.
METHODS:
We adopted a qualitative approach, drawing on documentation of collaborative engagement across various online and offline spaces and forums (15 webinars, 35 steering committee meetings, two in-person consultation workshops, and five periodic assessment surveys). Data were analysed thematically, and the analysis and interpretation drew on capacity development and community of practice literature.
RESULTS:
The collaborative engagement was characterised by intentional efforts to nurture a community of practice, to develop a common purpose and shared values, and to cultivate a culture of dialogue and collective action. The evidence from surveys informed and validated the cohort’s work. Participatory structures and representative governance supported meaningful engagement and ownership. The cohort engagement laid a strong foundation for sustained collaboration, enhanced conceptual coherence, created opportunities for shared learning and adaptation, and fostered a collective commitment to advancing an equitable research ecosystem. Challenges included the significant time and effort required to sustain participatory approaches, navigating project cycles, and managing sensitive contextual and power dynamics, alongside ethical considerations.
CONCLUSIONS:
Our experience demonstrates the potential to strengthen capacity for gender-transformative, African-centred, and decolonial SRHR research and programming through nurturing a community of practice. It further underscores that such endeavours are both technical and relational processes, requiring strong communication practices and adequate resourcing to sustain them.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
