On October 4, 2016, France published its strategy report entitled "France's external action on population, sexual and reproductive health and rights issues 2016-2020." The first reference document on the subject, it endorses a large number of issues that Equipop has long championed, such as access to contraception and the inclusion of adolescent girls in programs. A new era is now beginning, one of implementation.
On October 4, 2016, André Vallini, Secretary of State for Development and Francophonie, officially unveiled the strategy report entitled " France's external action on population, sexual and reproductive health and rights issues 2016-2020." The French government, wishing to demonstrate its full commitment to this issue, had another of its members, Laurence Rossignol, Minister for Families, Children, and Women's Rights, conclude the launch event.
Three priorities to implement
The French strategy is based on three priorities:
- improve international, regional, and national normative frameworks on sexual and reproductive rights;
- increase access to modern methods of contraception through an integrated approach;
- facilitate access to sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents and young people and reduce harmful practices.
These approaches resonate with the work carried out by Equipop in collaboration with civil society in West Africa over several years. The fact that adolescent girls are the focus of specific attention is a particular source of satisfaction for Equipop, which has contributed significantly to the emergence of an approach that did not exist five years ago in French development policy.
It was also essential that the strategy document build bridges between a number of issues that are sometimes, wrongly, treated in isolation. In this regard, the inclusion of the fight against harmful practices is, according to Equipop, which promotes the abandonment of female genital mutilation, another interesting element of the strategy.
More broadly, it is the emphasis onthe"rights-based approach" that is being praised. Indeed, only the comprehensive concept of "sexual and reproductive health and rights" can provide a coherent response to issues as diverse as unwanted pregnancies, early marriage, female genital mutilation, and maternal and infant mortality.
Finally, with this document, France confirms the relevance of its role as a defender of SRHR at the diplomatic level. The clear mention of the need to support comprehensive sexuality education is a strong signal, since the use of this expression is one of the reasons why conservative countries block negotiations in UN forums.
New beginning
France's strategic priorities are therefore set for at least four years. While the strategic thinking and ownership that led to this document should not be underestimated, it is now time to move decisively towards the implementation phase.
The actions of Equipop and its partners will contribute to the collective effort, including the monitoring of these commitments. The next step is already on the horizon with the vote on the official development assistance budget in Parliament this fall.
