Climate-Proofing SRHR A Policy Analysis of EAC and SADC Regions

Climate change presents distinct challenges to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), exacerbating vulnerabilities, particularly in regions with considerable socioeconomic inequalities. The East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are two regions where the intersection between climate change and SRHR vulnerabilities is particularly pronounced. This is compounded by historical injustices such as colonialism, resource exploitation, and global power imbalances. This paper examines the extent to which climate change policies and frameworks integrate SRHR considerations in the EAC and SADC regions. It identifies significant gaps, overlaps, and inconsistencies in the explicit inclusion of SRHR in climate change policies using a qualitative analysis of regional policy papers, treaties, strategies, and action plans, complemented by a collaborative writing workshop among researchers. Despite some references to health in the broader context of climate policy, there is a conspicuous absence of comprehensive SRHR integration, highlighting a missed opportunity for holistic climate adaptation and mitigation policies. This paper recommends a more integrated strategy, emphasizing the significance of explicitly integrating SRHR in climate change policies to promote resilient and equitable policies. Drawing on Africentrism, Regionalism, and Feminist Theories, this paper underscores the importance of culturally relevant, regionally coordinated, and gender-sensitive policies to effectively address the intersection between climate change and SRHR. It advocates for policy actions that recognize and bridge these critical intersections.