The Reproductive Justice Litigation Baraza
Introduction
Launched in August 2023 by Afya na Haki (Ahaki), the Baraza initiative is a platform designed to advance reproductive justice across Africa through strategic litigation. It brings together legal professionals, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, and academics to confront the legal and systemic barriers that deny vulnerable and marginalized communities including women and girls reproductive justice. The Baraza offers a space for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategy development, focused on dismantling discriminatory laws, harmful cultural practices, and legal frameworks that perpetuate inequality. It works to enforce existing legal protections where they exist and confront restrictive, punitive systems by making them adaptable to the realities of affected communities and the broader African context.
Born out of the urgent need to address structural issues undermining reproductive justice, the Baraza equips stakeholders with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to drive systemic change. Recognizing that legal protections often remain under-enforced; the initiative aims to bridge this gap by creating a unified litigation agenda for reproductive justice. Drawing on successful legal strategies from the Global South, the Baraza adapts these approaches to the African context, empowering advocates to challenge systemic inequalities and reshape legal frameworks. Through this platform, Ahaki is building a robust network of committed advocates, working collectively to ensure reproductive justice becomes a lived reality for all.
- To bring together reproductive justice actors across Africa to develop litigation strategies.
- To strengthen the capacity of stakeholders to engage in strategic litigation that promotes reproductive justice.
- To share knowledge and best practices in reproductive justice litigation.
- To build a network of legal advocates committed to advancing reproductive justice through legal action.
The Baraza initiative plays an important role in advancing reproductive justice across Africa. By providing a platform for sharing knowledge and building the capacity of legal professionals, the initiative strengthens the ability of stakeholders to challenge harmful legal frameworks and practices. It creates opportunities for those engaged in reproductive justice advocacy to work together in a coordinated way to address issues such as unsafe healthcare, restrictive laws, and discriminatory practices that undermine access to reproductive care. The Baraza is helping to shape a more effective and strategic approach to reproductive justice through litigation across the continent.
Event Implementation Approach_
- Workshops on developing litigation strategies and understanding the legal frameworks around reproductive justice.
- Strategic planning sessions focused on identifying priority areas for legal action and advocacy.
- Networking opportunities to strengthen partnerships between legal practitioners, civil society organizations, and healthcare stakeholders.
- Resource pooling to support strategic litigation efforts and ensure their long-term impact.
We encourage all SRHR stakeholders in Africa and beyond to join us at the 3rd Reproductive Justice Litigation Baraza in August 2025 in Uganda. Stay tuned for details on how to participate and contribute to this important effort.
