Report On Integration Of Sexual And Reproductive Health Into Climate Justice Movements From The Perspectives Of Young People With Disabilities In Jinja District
Integrating sexual and reproductive health (SRH) into climate justice movements is essential to addressing the overlapping vulnerabilities faced by young people with disabilities in Jinja District, Uganda. Despite existing commitments to SRH and climate justice, these areas remain largely siloed, resulting in fragmented responses that fail to meet the needs of this marginalised group. To address this gap, Restless Development Uganda commissioned a study to explore how SRH is integrated into climate justice efforts from the perspectives of young people with disabilities.
The study found that deep-rooted myths, stigma, and negative community attitudes towards young people with disabilities limit their access to SRH information and services and hinder their meaningful participation in climate justice movements. These challenges disproportionately affect young women and are often reinforced within families by caregivers with limited capacity to respond to specific SRH needs. Poverty and deprivation further shape priorities, with many young people placing greater emphasis on income-generating activities over SRH concerns.
The integration of SRH into climate justice movements remains limited but holds significant potential if community-based organisations and movements actively connect climate and SRH issues. Addressing stigma and misconceptions is critical to strengthening participation and impact.
Programmes should prioritise inclusive education, awareness, and advocacy while ensuring young people with disabilities lead and shape initiatives throughout the programme cycle. Tailored, accessible platforms and youth leadership are key to building sustainable, inclusive climate and SRH interventions.
