Gender Equality and Health Equity: A Non-Negotiable Commitment
As South Africa marks Reproductive Health Month this February, Soul City Institute for Social Justice is using the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to reproductive justice, gender equality, and health equity. The organization, now celebrating three decades of transformative advocacy, continues to challenge systemic barriers that hinder access to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), particularly for young women and marginalized communities.
A Legacy of Feminist Advocacy and Change
Since its inception at the height of the HIV epidemic, Soul City Institute has been at the forefront of social change, leveraging advocacy, policy development, and community-driven initiatives to dismantle patriarchal structures and amplify the voices of young women. CEO Phinah Kodisang highlights the Institute’s long-standing mission: “While we haven’t always called our work ‘feminist,’ at its core, it has always been about challenging power imbalances and ensuring that every person has the right to make decisions about their own bodies, free from coercion and discrimination.”
Despite progress in South Africa, young women still face significant challenges in accessing reproductive healthcare. Sub-Saharan Africa records the highest adolescent birth rate in the world, at 99 births per 1,000 young women aged 15-19—more than twice the global average. Early pregnancies increase health risks and limit economic opportunities for young women. Furthermore, 17% of all women in the region and 23% of those in marriages or unions have unmet family planning needs. While modern contraceptive use has risen, only 52% of women seeking to prevent pregnancy have access to the necessary resources.
Addressing Systemic Barriers to Reproductive Rights
The fight for reproductive justice extends beyond contraception and maternal healthcare. Unsafe abortions contribute significantly to maternal mortality, with estimates suggesting that between 5.2% and 17.2% of maternal deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa result from unsafe procedures. Despite South Africa’s progressive abortion laws, stigma, inadequate healthcare facilities, and socio-economic challenges continue to hinder access to safe abortion services, particularly in rural areas. This reality highlights the urgent need for improved reproductive healthcare infrastructure and education.
Soul City Institute has consistently challenged harmful gender norms, advocated for policies protecting SRHR, and positioned gender-based violence as a critical public health issue. Through a combination of media advocacy, policy engagement, and community outreach, the organization has played a vital role in shaping public discourse and policy reforms. Its initiatives, such as the Feminist Leadership and Activism Centre (FLAC), empower young feminists to take leadership roles in driving systemic change.
The Road Ahead: A Call to Action
Looking ahead, Soul City Institute is intensifying its efforts at both regional and global levels, expanding digital activism, and ensuring that young feminists have the tools and platforms to shape the future of reproductive justice. Kodisang emphasizes the ongoing nature of this struggle: “Reproductive Health Month reminds us that the fight for bodily autonomy is far from over. We will not stop until every person has full control over their reproductive choices.”
As South Africa reflects on the gains and challenges in reproductive health, organizations like Soul City Institute serve as a beacon of hope and a force for change. Ensuring universal access to reproductive healthcare is not just a policy matter—it is a fundamental human right that must be protected and advanced every day.