by Evelyne Opondo, Jade Maina, Nelly Munyasia
Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 30 September 2024
https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2024.2409548 ; PHOTO: Shutterstock
Introduction
In a world where the global anti-rights movement is gaining alarming influence, the relentless assault on the rights of women and girls, gender equality, and the LGBTIQ+ community has reached a critical juncture. Anti-rights actors have used and continue to use underhand tactics and backdoor advocacy to access and dominate policy and decision-making spaces, significantly impacting the policy landscape and provision of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and services. Such tactics create an environment that emboldens policymakers to go against rights established in national laws, global and regional human rights instruments, and existing evidence. The tactics range from pressure from foreign governments with threats of de-funding development initiatives and interference of religious groups in formulation of policies, to infiltration of policymaking bodies. As these tactics are playing out in Kenya and in several countries across Africa and the attacks escalate, it is imperative that we stand united to defend the fundamental principles of human rights, social justice, and equality for all.