RESPECT (Research, Education on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Advocacy on Equality)
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso face complex societal, security, and health challenges. The consequences of which are most visible among women and girls, who have a higher risk of violence and greater difficulties in accessing health care, education and employment. Given the difficulties in accessing quality sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services, contraceptive use remains limited, rates of early marriage and pregnancy are high, and female genital mutilation and unsafe abortions risk the health of women and girls by jeopardizing their rights.

Educational institutions, including youth NGOs, have been identified as key actors in changing SRHR issues, particularly among young people.
The Objective
The objective of the project is to build capacity in technical and vocational secondary education and higher education to develop a sub-regional approach to building community resilience and SRHR.
The project aims to achieve the following long-term effects:
The Approach
The RESPECT project, with its regional approach, will focus on several levels:
The Partnership
The RESPECT Project is a transformative regional collaboration between educational institutions and NGOs to adapt and extend the lessons of SRHR through the generation and use of evidence. The partnership aims to further anchor higher education institutions in the complex and changing contexts of the Sahel and facilitate their contribution to strengthening community resilience in the area of youth SRHR.
Partner Organisations
Educational Institutions:
NGOs: