From Theory to Practice and Back: Anthropological Contributions to the Future(s) of SRHR -

Anthropological Contributions to SRHR Futures

From Theory to Practice and Back

July 3-5, 2024

A Transdisciplinary Conference

We are at a critical juncture in time. Whilst sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are increasingly threatened by conservative right-wing politics, multiple crises (humanitarian, economic, environmental), and persistent race, gender and class-based inequities, rapid technological advances are creating new opportunities for achieving sexual and reproductive health and justice. Now more than ever, anthropology can play a critical role in strengthening sexual and reproductive well-being in the Global South and North by interrogating these threats, crises, injustices, and technological developments. Anthropologists can help formulate more meaningful SRHR policies, programmes, and interventions by paying attention to social rather than individual bodies, examining the moralities at stake and imposed, and exploring the social lives of technologies. We contend, however, that anthropology’s potential is not fully realized, because anthropological findings get lost in translation when transitioning into policies and practices, and because of certain blind spots amongst anthropologists, public health experts, SRHR practitioners, NGO representatives, policymakers and funders alike. How can anthropologists collaborate more effectively with other stakeholders in SRHR? This conference seeks to offer a platform to engage in productive transdisciplinary conversations to enhance anthropological contributions to SRHR future(s).