Advanced Short Course on Advocacy for Reproductive Justice in Africa (Cohort 9) Applications are now open for the Advanced Short Course on Advocacy for Reproductive Justice in Africa, a specialized training programme focused on strengthening advocacy and litigation strategies addressing age of consent barriers to adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) across the continent. Under the 2026 theme, “Litigating Age of Consent Barriers to Adolescents’ SRHR Access in Africa,” this course equips participants with practical legal, policy, and advocacy tools to challenge structural inequalities that restrict young people’s access to essential health services. The application deadline is 16 March 2026. Course Focus and Theme Age of consent laws across many African countries continue to create significant barriers to adolescents’ access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights services. These legal frameworks often: Restrict adolescents’ access to contraception and HIV services Limit access to safe abortion and post-abortion care Require parental or guardian consent Criminalize consensual adolescent sexual activity Reinforce stigma and discrimination This advanced short course examines how these barriers can be addressed through strategic litigation, constitutional interpretation, regional human rights mechanisms, policy reform, and grassroots advocacy. Participants will explore how legal strategies can be integrated with community mobilization and evidence-based advocacy to advance reproductive justice in diverse African contexts. Course Objectives The programme is designed to: Strengthen participants’ understanding of age of consent laws and their impact on adolescent SRHR Build capacity in strategic litigation and public interest law Develop advocacy strategies grounded in human rights frameworks Promote regional collaboration among reproductive justice advocates Equip participants with tools to influence law reform and policy change The course goes beyond theory by focusing on practical application, case analysis, and real-world advocacy planning. Who Should Apply? This course is ideal for professionals and activists committed to advancing reproductive justice in Africa. Suitable applicants include: Human rights lawyers and public interest litigators Policy advocates and legal researchers Civil society practitioners working in SRHR Feminist and youth rights activists Public health professionals engaged in legal reform Academics researching gender justice and human rights Applicants should demonstrate: A strong commitment to reproductive justice Experience in advocacy, legal practice, or policy reform Interest in challenging structural barriers affecting adolescents The programme particularly encourages participation from individuals working directly with marginalized communities. Key Learning Areas Participants will engage with a range of critical topics, including: Legal frameworks governing age of consent in African jurisdictions Regional and international human rights standards Constitutional litigation strategies Evidence-based advocacy and policy reform Community-centered approaches to legal change Ethical considerations in adolescent SRHR advocacy The course emphasizes the intersection between law, gender equality, youth rights, and social justice. Why This Course Matters Adolescents in many African countries face legal and structural barriers that undermine their autonomy and health outcomes. Restrictive age of consent laws often conflict with broader commitments to: The right to health The right to dignity The right to information The right to bodily autonomy Gender equality Strategic litigation has increasingly become a powerful tool in dismantling discriminatory frameworks. However, litigation alone is not enough. Sustainable change requires coordination between: Legal professionals Community-based organizations Youth-led movements Policymakers Regional human rights bodies This course provides participants with the integrated approach necessary to drive long-term reform. Programme Approach The Advanced Short Course uses an interactive and participatory learning model, combining: Expert-led lectures Case study analysis Practical litigation exercises Group strategy development sessions Peer learning and regional exchange Participants join a growing network of alumni across Africa who are actively engaged in advancing reproductive justice through law and advocacy. Impact and Long-Term Benefits By completing the course, participants will: Strengthen their litigation and advocacy skills Expand professional networks across Africa Gain deeper insight into adolescent SRHR barriers Develop concrete advocacy or litigation plans Enhance their ability to influence national and regional reform processes The course contributes to building a continent-wide community of practice focused on dismantling harmful legal barriers and promoting adolescent health rights. Application Deadline Interested applicants must submit their applications by: 16 March 2026 Prospective participants are encouraged to apply early and ensure all required documentation is submitted before the deadline. Conclusion The Advanced Short Course on Advocacy for Reproductive Justice in Africa (Cohort 9) offers a unique opportunity for legal practitioners, advocates, and changemakers to strengthen their capacity to challenge age of consent barriers affecting adolescents’ access to SRHR. For those committed to advancing reproductive justice through law, policy reform, and community action, this course represents a powerful step toward meaningful, systemic change across Africa. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.