About RHNK conference

Strengthening Adolescent and Youth Rights at the Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK) Pan-African Conference

About the conference

Advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for adolescents and youth requires sustained collaboration between governments, researchers, healthcare providers, civil society, and young people. In June 2026, the Center for Reproductive Rights co-convened the 9th Annual RHNK Pan-African Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Scientific Conference in Mombasa, Kenya. Regional leaders gathered to discuss the protection and expansion of reproductive rights in an increasingly complex legal and political landscape.

The conference brought together diverse voices examining opportunities and challenges affecting adolescent and youth SRHR across Africa. Through a high-level panel focused on access to reproductive health services, the Center engaged representatives from judiciaries, governments, United Nations agencies, civil society, and regional advocacy organizations. Panelists explained the restrictive laws, policy gaps, and organized anti-rights movements continuing to undermine access to healthcare. Discussions highlighted the importance of strategic litigation, evidence-informed policymaking, youth leadership, and cross-sector collaboration to protect reproductive rights.

The Center as RHNK co-host

The Center as a co-host

The Center co-hosted a side event with long-time partner Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK) addressing legal developments for healthcare providers in Kenya. The dialogue provided practical guidance on legal compliance, provider protection, and institutional risk management. This information equipped healthcare professionals with strategies for providing quality, rights-based care while navigating shifting legal and policy contexts.

Acting as a co-convener throughout the conference, the Center engaged in scientific dialogue, strengthened partnerships, showcased its legal and advocacy work through an interactive exhibition, and collaborated with regional stakeholders committed to advancing adolescent and youth SRHR. Throughout the event, the Center reinforced the importance of collective action in building resilient health systems, and evidence-based policies that respond to realities young people face across Africa.

Key takeaways from RHNK

Key takeaways

As Africa continues to navigate changing political and legal landscapes, regional platforms such as the RHNK Scientific Conference remain essential for strengthening partnerships and advancing practical solutions. Through its leadership and collaboration, the Center continues to shape a future where adolescents and young people can fully exercise their sexual and reproductive rights.

About ARJC

Building Unity at Reproductive Justice Conference

About ARJC 2026

Over four days in Nairobi, Kenya, advocates, lawyers, healthcare providers, researchers and movement leaders came together with a shared purpose: advancing reproductive justice in an increasingly challenging global landscape. The conference’s guiding theme was Trailblazing Care: Innovations in Abortion Access. Against the backdrop of coordinated attacks on bodily autonomy, abortion access and civic space, the 5th Global Abortion and Reproductive Justice Conference (ARJC 2026) offered more than a platform for discussion. It provided a space for solidarity and exchange of strategy countering barriers to reproductive healthcare.

The Center as ARJC sponsor

The Center as a sponsor

As a conference sponsor, the Center for Reproductive Rights played an active role in shaping conversations, contributing legal expertise, and strengthening partnerships with organizations around the world.

The Center conducted a skills lab on strategic litigation and legal reform. Drawing on experiences from Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Nigeria, and Tanzania, participants explored how litigation has challenged restrictive laws, expanded constitutional protections, and advanced accountability for violations of reproductive rights. The conversation extended beyond courtroom victories. It examined what it takes to turn legal decisions into meaningful change through strategic communications, community engagement, policy advocacy and sustained movement momentum.

Throughout the conference, the Center engaged with partners, advocates and emerging leaders through its exhibition space, technical discussions, and networking opportunities. These engagement moments allowed for sharing experiences and strengthening collaboration across the reproductive justice movement.

ARJC against anti-rights actors

Countering anti-rights actors

Conference discussions also confronted one of the movement’s greatest challenges: the growing influence of coordinated anti-rights actors. Participants reflected on the impact of misinformation, restrictive policies, and shrinking civic space as threats to reproductive rights across the globe. These conversations emphasized the need for stronger partnerships and collective action to counter the anti-rights agenda.

Key takeaways from ARJC

Key takeaways

As ARJC 2026 concluded, one message permeated every conversation: protecting reproductive rights requires more than legal reform. It demands resilient movements, sustained advocacy, and global, interdisciplinary partnerships. The relationships reinforced and ideas exchanged in Nairobi will continue to shape the Center’s partnerships and work towards ensuring everyone can exercise their reproductive rights with dignity.

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