Building Evidence for Stronger Policy

Supported by Sweden, the workshop brings together Directors of Research and senior parliamentary researchers from 11 SADC Member Parliaments under the Forum’s SRHR, HIV and AIDS, and Governance Programme.

Opening the workshop, SADC PF Secretary General, Ms. Boemo Sekgoma, thanked Sweden and partners such as UNFPA and the academic community for their support. She emphasized the importance of equipping parliaments with robust evidence to shape policies that advance SRHR and climate justice.

“Effective legislatures are the key to representative democracy. Climate action must be participatory, bottom-up, and context-specific. To achieve climate justice, we must also achieve SRHR justice,” said Ms. Sekgoma.

 

Linking Climate Change and SRHR

Ms. Sekgoma urged participants to document how climate change worsens SRHR outcomes, from school dropouts and early marriages to barriers in accessing safe abortion, contraception, and information. She highlighted the need for gender-sensitive evidence that can inform parliamentary resolutions, debates, and budgets.

She stressed:

• “Without a robust SRHR framework, there can be no sustainable socio-economic development.”

• “Parliamentary champions, backed by data and a rights-based approach, can be game-changers in countering climate injustice.”

Workshop Objectives

According to Dr. Jacob Segale, M&E Manager under the SRHR, HIV and AIDS Governance Project at SADC PF, the workshop aims to:

• Train participants in advanced M&E methodologies for results and impact reporting.

• Equip them with tools to develop case studies and stories of significant change.

• Harmonise reporting templates and data collection frameworks across 11 countries.

• Align evidence generation with Sweden’s SRHR priorities – gender equality, accountability, and rights-based access to services.

Over the two days, participants engage in:

• Orientation on the SADC PF M&E system.

• Guidance on performance indicators and data gathering.

• Hands-on training on crafting impact stories.

• Peer learning sessions to share innovations in SRHR advocacy and accountability.

Expected Outcomes

By the close of the workshop, SADC PF expects:

• A consolidated portfolio of outcome-oriented case studies.

• Harmonised regional M&E frameworks.

• Strengthened readiness for programme reporting and evaluation.

These outputs will enhance the Forum’s ability to:
✅ Mobilise resources.
✅ Advocate for rights-based SRHR policies.
✅ Drive inclusive climate and health responses across the region.