Gender-transformative approaches to address unmet adolescent sexual and reproductive health needs in rural Nigeria

In Nigeria, there are persistent inequalities in adolescent sexual and reproductive health indicators, with the northern region having poorer access, particularly in rural areas. Context-specific gender-transformative approaches and interventions are needed to eliminate barriers to access adolescent sexual and reproductive health services and engage men and boys to transform gender norms that perpetuate inequalities.

This project will consider how to engage and empower adolescent boys and girls and women in rural communities to become agents of change in promoting gender equality and improved delivery and acceptance of adolescent sexual and reproductive health services. It will also examine how to engage and empower policymakers on gender-transformative approaches for improving programs on adolescent sexual and reproductive health services.

The project will study the determinants of use, quality and design of effective service delivery models. It will then produce a community-based and gender-transformative framework for promoting both improved access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in rural areas that can be scaled, as well as enhanced power dynamics within the communities. Evidence generated will inform decision-makers’ action for innovations and approaches to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services.

This project is supported by the Addressing Neglected Areas of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Sub-Saharan Africa initiative funded by IDRC, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Global Affairs Canada. Its primary objective is to support greater realization of critical sexual and reproductive health and rights by underserved populations in Africa.