Policy Brief – Gaps in SRHR in the Face of Climate Change in the West Nile Region

Issue Background The West Nile SRHR Convention 2025, held on March 3-4 in Arua, was organized by Feminature Uganda under the Women’s Voice and Leadership project, with support from development partners. The event brought together 75 stakeholders from government, NGOs, international bodies, the private sector, cultural and religious groups, and youth- and refugee-led organizations to discuss the intersection of SRHR (Sexual, Reproductive Health and Rights), gender equality, and climate change in West Nile. The symposium aimed to integrate SRHR into climate policies, address climate-related barriers to healthcare, and develop localized action plans. It also showcased innovative solutions for gender-responsive climate resilience. This policy brief outlines key priorities proposed by stakeholders, including integrating gender and SRHR into climate policies and funding, improving access to reproductive health services, strengthening collaborations between Feminature Uganda and relevant institutions, and increasing long-term national and international investments in gender-climate-SRHR initiatives. These efforts aim to ensure sustainable, inclusive policies and improved healthcare access in West Nile. The West Nile sub-region, comprising 13 districts, faces significant sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) challenges, worsened by gender inequality, early marriages, and high teenage pregnancy rates (24-25%). The refugee crisis has further strained healthcare resources, with unmet family planning needs particularly high among refugee women (43%). Stigma, restrictive cultural norms, and poor infrastructure hinder access to SRHR services. Climate change has exacerbated these issues, with extreme weather events disrupting healthcare access, increasing food insecurity, and forcing families into child marriages for survival. Maternal and infant health outcomes have worsened, with Uganda’s maternal mortality rate at 189 per 100,000 live births. Climate-induced poverty limits access to contraception and healthcare, while poor road networks and damaged infrastructure further isolate communities.   Resulting from the symposium were policy gaps identified by the stakeholders, requiring concerted efforts of several stakeholders and the West Nile community, including development partners in Uganda. Find the abridged policy brief here.  Nice read!