From 15th to 18th June 2026, Voices for Health and Development joined hundreds of advocates, healthcare providers, researchers, lawyers, artists, funders, young people, and movement leaders from across the globe at the Abortion and Reproductive Justice Conference (ARJC) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Held under the theme “We Are the Revolution,” the conference brought together activists, researchers, healthcare providers, artists, donors, movement leaders, and community advocates from across the world to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore practical approaches to advancing abortion rights and reproductive justice.
Across plenary sessions, breakout discussions, and networking spaces, participants explored the evolving landscape of abortion rights and reproductive justice globally. Discussions covered community strategies for expanding access to abortion care, strengthening health systems, influencing policy, digital advocacy, sustaining SRHR programmes amid shrinking civic spaces and donor funding, regional and international frameworks such as the Maputo Protocol, innovations in sexual and reproductive health, monitoring and evaluation, and advancing inclusion and equity in reproductive healthcare.
What stood out throughout the conference was the recognition that advancing reproductive justice requires far more than quality clinical care. It demands strong health systems, enabling laws and policies, informed communities, strategic communication, sustainable financing, youth leadership, and collective action across sectors and movements. These conversations reinforced the importance of working across disciplines and borders to address the complex realities that continue to shape access to abortion care and broader sexual and reproductive health and rights.
For Voices, one of the strongest messages from ARJC was that advancing reproductive justice requires more than strong health systems, evidence and quality services. It also requires informed communities, strategic communication, meaningful partnerships, and movements that work together towards a shared vision. Discussions on storytelling, digital advocacy, and movement building particularly resonated with our work, demonstrating how organisations around the world are using art, digital platforms, and lived experiences to engage communities, address stigma, and make conversations around abortion and reproductive justice more accessible.
Another key takeaway was the central role of young people in shaping the future of reproductive justice. Throughout the conference, young advocates shared how they are mobilising communities, influencing policy discussions, leading digital campaigns, and driving innovative solutions within their own contexts. Their experiences reaffirmed Voices’ belief that young people are not simply beneficiaries of programmes, but leaders and changemakers. This continues to inspire our work through the My Choice Campaign, where university students are leading conversations, challenging myths, supporting their peers, and connecting them to accurate information and youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services.
Beyond the conference sessions, some of the most valuable learning came from the conversations in between. Networking with advocates from different regions, exchanging experiences, and building new relationships reminded us that movements grow stronger when people learn from one another and work collectively. We return from Nairobi with renewed energy, stronger partnerships, and fresh ideas that will continue to shape our advocacy, strategic communication, and youth engagement. We extend our appreciation to the ARJC organising committee, the speakers, facilitators, and every participant who contributed to creating such a meaningful space for learning, collaboration, and solidarity. We look forward to translating these lessons into action as we continue advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in Uganda.
