1. Conducted a comprehensive review of the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) policy and programme landscape at the sub-national level to assess existing gaps and identify opportunities for strengthening access to SRHR information and services in India. As part of this initiative, we organized a series of three regional consultations in the cities of Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), Patna (Bihar), and Udaipur (Rajasthan), engaging a total of 72 participants from various civil society organizations and members of the Advocating Reproductive Choices (ARC) Coalition. These consultations served as a collaborative platform to gather insights from grassroots practitioners and SRHR advocates who are directly engaged with communities. The discussions focused on improving the quality, availability, and equity of contraceptive choices within the existing service delivery frameworks, with an emphasis on promoting rights-based, gender-responsive, and youth-inclusive approaches to reproductive health. Participants highlighted barriers such as supply chain gaps, lack of trained providers, and stigma surrounding contraceptive use. Based on these in-depth discussions, we collated a set of actionable recommendations aimed at influencing policy dialogues and enhancing state-level responses to the evolving family planning and reproductive health needs of the population. These recommendations are being utilized to advocate for more responsive, inclusive, and equitable SRHR policies and programmes.
2. Organized a two-day national consultation on 13–14th August 2024 in collaboration with the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH) and the FP2030 Asia Pacific Hub, bringing together civil society members to engage in strategic discussions on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the Indian context. The consultation served as a dynamic platform for cross-state learning and collective action, witnessing active participation from 107 civil society organizations (CSOs) representing seven diverse states across the country. Participants included members of the Advocating Reproductive Choices (ARC) coalition, youth-led organizations, and grassroots health networks. The discussions centered around strengthening SRHR and family planning systems, with particular attention to the specific needs and realities of adolescents and young people. Emphasis was placed on the need for a rights-based, inclusive, and intersectional approach to contraceptive access—particularly for young people from historically marginalized communities, including those from rural areas, Dalit, Adivasi, LGBTQIA+ populations, and persons with disabilities. The consultation explored systemic gaps, challenges in service delivery, and opportunities to integrate youth voices into decision-making spaces. Key outcomes and recommendations from this dialogue were documented to inform national and regional efforts and to build a more equitable and responsive SRHR ecosystem in India.
3.Conducted a series of capacity building workshops with ARC members across the states of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Rajasthan, focusing on gender, masculinities, and rethinking approaches to SRHR through a gender-inclusive lens, considering both within and beyond binaries. These sessions addressed the often one-dimensional view of SRHR access, exploring the intersections of identities, socio-cultural locations, and the barriers to accessing SRHR services. The discussions highlighted the importance of adopting an intersectional approach to create an inclusive health infrastructure. This inclusive approach ensures that all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, have equitable access to SRHR services. Moreover, the role of masculinity was examined, emphasizing how different perceptions of masculinity can influence access to and utilization of SRHR services. The sessions also explored how various ministries, including Departments of Health, Women & Child Development, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Education etc. can collaboratively strengthen access to SRHR services by developing tailored policies and programs that address the specific needs of adolescents and youth. Additionally, trust-building exercises were incorporated to foster a deeper sense of connection and understanding among the members of the ARC coalition. The series of sessions included the active participation of 22 individuals from Uttar Pradesh, 14 from Jharkhand, and 24 from Bihar.
