People with disabilities have the same sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs as everyone else. However, mainstream discussions often neglect their needs, leaving them underserved and overlooked. To address this, Share-Net International (SNI) and its hubs in Jordan, Burkina Faso, and Burundi have developed knowledge products (KPs), which are resources designed to generate actionable insights and respond effectively to the SRHR needs of persons with disabilites. These KPs include policy briefs, infographics, articles, videos, podcasts, and more. Despite their potential, these resources are not widely shared between hubs, limiting opportunities for cross-learning and collaborative growth.

The SNI Youth and Adolescents International Community of Practice (iCoP) created a consolidated KP – in the form of infographics – to bridge this gap. Drawing insights from all three hubs (including discussions held by the iCoP with young people with disabilities to better understand their specific SRHR needs), these infographics synthesise the key findings and actionable recommendations from the KPs developed in Jordan, Burkina Faso, and Burundi, highlighting shared challenges and localised solutions.

Knowledge from each Share-Net Hub

Jordan: Status Quo of Reproductive Health Programs for Persons with Disabilities

In Jordan, a study conducted by PKF ProGroup and the Higher Council for Affairs of Persons with Disabilities evaluated the availability, accessibility, and adequacy of reproductive health services for persons with disabilities. Surveys across 100 reproductive health centres and 250 persons with disabilities or their caregivers revealed significant service gaps. The findings aim to:

• Raise awareness on reproductive health among persons with disabilitiess.
• Inform policymakers and service providers of SRH needs of persons with disabilities and current gaps
• encourage policy makers and shape inclusive policies that are aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Burkina Faso: Identifying SRHR Needs for Women with Disabilities

Despite existing laws supporting SRHR and disability inclusion, enforcement remains challenging in Burkina Faso. To address this, SOS Jeunesse et Défis (SOSJD), with support from the White Ribbon Alliance, conducted a survey to identify the specific needs of women, particularly those with disabilities. Key outcomes include:

• A database of women’s SRHR needs.
• 94,651 testimonies were collected through mobile data from adolescent girls, women, and women with disabilities over two months.
• Advocacy efforts to improve access to quality, integrated health services tailored to women’s unique needs.

Workshops involving stakeholders validated the findings and shaped strategies for better access to SRHR services.

Burundi: Overcoming Obstacles to Disability Inclusion

Burundi’s KP analysed the inclusion of persons with disabilities in policies and strategies around SRHR, identifying barriers and proposing alternatives to enhance their effectiveness. This report supports advocacy efforts by providing evidence-based recommendations to:

• Strengthen policy implementation.
• Improve persons with disabilities access to essential services.
• Promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes.

The analysis was based on interviews and data collection from persons with disabilities, disability associations, and centres, integrating qualitative and quantitative insights to identify best practices and lessons learned.

SRHR Needs of Persons with Disabilities Across the Three Hubs

Persons with disabilities face similar challenges in accessing SRHR services in Jordan, Burkina Faso, and Burundi. 

Common barriers include:

• Inaccessible information: Lack of adapted formats such as braille, sign language, or videos.
• Stigma and discrimination: From healthcare providers, families, and society.
• Inadequate infrastructure: Physical inaccessibility and untrained service providers.
• Limited access to comprehensive sexuality education: Excluding persons with disabilities from vital information and skills.

Country-specific priorities include:

• Jordan: Training healthcare providers and tailoring reproductive health services.
• Burkina Faso: Enhancing infrastructure and creating adaptive tools for family planning.
• Burundi: Increasing persons with disabilities inclusion in policy-making and essential services.

Recommendations

For Young People with Disabilities:

• Advocate for SRHR inclusion and share experiences to foster awareness and change.
• Engage in policy discussions and leverage available platforms to amplify voices.

For Policymakers:

• Strengthen enforcement of disability-inclusive SRHR access related policies.
• Promote education, stigma reduction, and accessibility through resource allocation.
• Launch public campaigns to foster understanding and inclusion.

For Researchers:

• Gather data on persons with disabilities SRHR challenges and evaluate existing programs.
• Develop innovative, inclusive solutions to enhance accessibility and rights.

For Health Sectors:

• Provide disability-inclusive care training.
• Improve facility accessibility and develop SRHR materials in braille, sign language, and audio formats.

By working together, stakeholders can create inclusive systems that uphold the SRHR of people with disabilities, fostering equity and empowerment.