Gender and Sexuality Studies

Abstract

Two qualitative gender equality and inclusion studies conducted in Sokoto and Bauchi states in Nigeria and Cox’s Bazaar in Bangladesh provide a striking image of similarity in the lives of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in the otherwise distinct cultural and political contexts. Experiences of child, early and forced marriage, early and forced pregnancy, intimate partner violence, absence of sexual consent, poor decision-making power and restrictions on physical mobility are some among the many examples of denial of rights and fundamental freedoms experienced by AGYW in both countries. The study explores how these and other social and gender barriers impacts realization of health rights and access to services. In-depth evidence collected directly from AGYW confirms that prevailing gender inequalities and gender-related barriers at the household, community and health facility and school levels are key determinants of poor sexual and reproductive health and rights and protection outcomes. The findings underscore the need for adopting gender transformative elements into health programming, with a clear focus on positioning AGYW as leaders of change, engaging men/boys as partners of change and supporting duty-bearers to become responsive to the sexual and reproductive health and rights of AGYW. Recommendations from the studies provide direction to local programming to systemically address the roots causes of gender barriers and achieve transformative and sustainable realization of health rights for all AGYW, especially those at most risk of poor health outcomes due to their unique intersectional identities.

Biography

Ajita Vidyarthi, currently Senior Advisor, Gender Equality and Inclusion at Plan International, Canada, has worked towards the protection and promotion of human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls since 2009 through research, advocacy and technical support to gender transformative, rights-based programs, implemented by Canadian and India-based non-profit, government and UN agencies, and partners in Africa (Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Tanzania) and South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka). Her experience includes thematic focus on the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescent girls and young women, the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, women’s economic rights and migration. She has a double Masters in rural management and social anthropology of development.