Transforming laws and norms to achieve universal sexual and reproductive health and rights

Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are fundamental to achieving gender equality, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable development. But despite global progress, discriminatory laws and norms disproportionately restrict women’s and adolescent girls’ SRHR. For instance, over 50% of women face limitations towards their reproductive rights with severe consequences for their health and well-being. This policy paper presents essential levers for accelerating progress towards universal SRHR. Drawing on the OECD Development Centre's Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI), the paper analyses how social norms and legal frameworks can either limit or enhance access to SRHR worldwide. It further highlights the need for innovative and comprehensive measures to understand people’s needs and effectively enhance their rights and access to quality services. To this end, the paper proposes concrete policy actions which are supported by good practices from around the world showing that change and progress are possible.