International Development Committee open call for potential topics of inquiry in the area of international relief and development.

Sarah Neal

Professor of Global Health, Department of Social Statistics and Demography, University of Southampton.

Topic:  The sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescent girls and young women

Why should the International Development Committee examine this area?

Adolescence is a critical stage in life when access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and education empowers girls to make informed decisions, protect their rights, and shape their futures. However, addressing adolescent sexual health and rights (ASHR) is not only essential for ensuring a healthy and successful transition to adulthood for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), but it is also a key factor in promoting equitable global development.

Why would this area benefit from parliamentary scrutiny (that is, the close investigation of Government policies, actions and spending)?

Poor ASRH outcomes, such as unplanned pregnancy, early marriage, gender-based violence, and sexually transmitted infections (including HIV), can have profound and long-lasting physical, emotional, social, and economic impacts. For example, adolescent pregnancy is linked to high maternal morbidity and mortality rates, school dropout, and limited opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of economic vulnerability. Improvements in ASRH are critical to attaining the benefits of the demographic dividend, and its wide-reaching impacts mean investments can drive progress towards a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including:

• SDG 3:  Health and wellbeing
• SDG 4:  Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality Empowering Girls and Women
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Why does the Government need to act in this area?

While  gains have been made globally in ASRH, evidence of poor outcomes for AGYW persists. For example, adolescent pregnancy rates remain high in sub-Saharan Africa, with progress stagnating in numerous countries. Even where progress has been made, it is often inequitable, with the poorest, rural populations, and, in some cases, younger adolescents experiencing the least improvement. Additionally, AGYW accounted for 63% of all new HIV infections in 2022 and the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) amongst this group remains alarmingly high in many communities.

AGYW requires access to comprehensive sexuality education (CSE)[1] and youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, alongside intersectoral interventions that enhance their access to education and opportunities in the workforce. These efforts must be supported by a robust legislative framework that upholds the rights of adolescent girls and young women to bodily autonomy and recognises their evolving capacities.  This will include providing effective protection against early, child, and forced marriage, as well as other harmful practices and SGBV.

Why is it the right time for the Committee to examine the area?

Currently, women’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and rights are being eroded globally, driven in part by political and religious conservatism. This has led to the introduction of restrictive laws, as well as widespread opposition to CSE and accessible SRH services for adolescents. Funding shortfalls, the proliferation of armed conflict, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic present further challenges for ASRH. 

How could Government policy in this area be developed or improved? 

There is an urgent need for strong international leadership in this area, made more crucial by the likely reinstatement of the Mexico City Policy in the US which will cut funding more broadly to SRHR advocacy and programmes and has been shown to negatively impact or reverse progress in this area. The UK Government should urgently leverage its voice, resources, and influence to champion ASRH on the global development agenda to ensure hard-won progress is not reversed, as well as focusing on  and integrating ASHR within new and existing projects.

Have you ever engaged with Parliament before (e.g., made a submission to a select committee)?

Yes – Call for evidence by the International Development Committee on FCDO’s approach to sexual and reproductive health 20 April 2023

Do you have personal or field experience related to international development issues?

Yes – experience in delivering and managing health programmes with humanitarian aid organisations, as an advisor for DFiD and in Global Health within academia.

If you are invited to pitch your idea to the Committee, would you be able to travel to London and back within the same day?

Yes