The Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria is inviting applications for an intensive regional training programme focused on strengthening the ability of legal professionals and human rights advocates to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) through strategic litigation.

The Training on Litigation of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Before National and Regional Mechanisms in Africa is designed to equip participants with practical skills needed to use legal systems, courts, and human rights mechanisms to promote justice, accountability, and protection of rights across Africa.

The two-day residential training will bring together legal practitioners, human rights defenders, researchers, civil society actors, and adjudicators working in the field of SRHR.

Successful applicants will receive full support covering participation-related expenses, including travel, accommodation, meals, and other approved costs.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, 1 July 2026

Training Dates: 3–4 September 2026

About the Training Programme

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria, is organising this capacity-building programme as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening:

Sexual and reproductive health and rights advocacy
Human rights accountability
Strategic litigation
Access to justice
Legal protection for vulnerable communities

The training responds to the continuing gap between awareness of SRHR standards and the practical ability to use litigation and legal mechanisms to secure meaningful change.

Although important progress has been made in recognising SRHR protections, many individuals and communities continue to face barriers in accessing justice and enforcing their rights.

Training Location and Schedule

Training Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Dates:

Arrival: 2 September 2026
Training sessions: 3–4 September 2026
Departure: 5 September 2026

The programme will be delivered as a residential training, allowing participants to engage deeply with facilitators, experts, and fellow advocates.

Funding and Support for Selected Participants

The Centre for Human Rights will cover participation costs for successful applicants.

Support includes:

Economy-class travel ticket
Accommodation
Visa-related costs
Meals during the training period
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Other approved participation-related expenses

Participants will therefore be able to attend without covering the major costs associated with participation.

Purpose of the Training

The programme is designed to move beyond general awareness and provide practical litigation skills that participants can apply in their professional work.

The training aims to strengthen participants’ ability to:

Identify strategic SRHR cases
Develop effective litigation strategies
Use national and regional human rights mechanisms
Engage with courts and accountability institutions
Advocate for implementation of legal decisions and remedies

Key Areas Covered During the Training

Participants will explore practical approaches to SRHR litigation, including:

1. Strategic Case Identification

Participants will learn how to:

Identify cases with potential legal and social impact
Assess opportunities for strategic litigation
Build stronger legal arguments around SRHR violations

2. Litigation Strategy Development

The training will strengthen skills in:

Preparing litigation approaches
Developing advocacy strategies
Using evidence effectively
Connecting legal arguments with human rights frameworks

3. National and Regional Human Rights Mechanisms

Participants will gain knowledge on:

Domestic legal systems
Regional African human rights mechanisms
Accountability pathways
Using legal institutions to advance SRHR protections

4. Supporting Justice Outcomes

The programme will also focus on:

Monitoring implementation of decisions
Strengthening advocacy after court judgments
Ensuring legal victories translate into practical improvements

Why This Training Is Important

Across Africa, many communities continue to experience challenges accessing sexual and reproductive health rights protections.

The training recognises the need to strengthen legal action for groups facing discrimination and exclusion, including:

Women and girls
Adolescents and young people
Persons with disabilities
LGBTIQ+ persons
Sex workers
People living in rural and underserved communities
Other groups experiencing intersecting forms of discrimination

By improving litigation capacity, participants can contribute to stronger human rights protections and more effective accountability systems.

Who Should Apply?

Applications are encouraged from professionals and advocates who are actively engaged in SRHR-related work.

Eligible participants include:

Lawyers
Human rights litigators
Civil society organisations
Community advocates
Researchers
Legal support professionals
Judges or adjudicators involved in SRHR matters

Applicants should demonstrate how the training will:

Strengthen their professional capacity
Improve their organisation’s work
Benefit communities they serve
Support stronger SRHR advocacy outcomes

Application Requirements

Applicants must show:

Current involvement in SRHR-related litigation or advocacy
Relevant professional experience
Interest in strengthening legal accountability
Potential impact of applying the training within their organisation or community

Because spaces are limited, applicants are encouraged to submit strong applications explaining their motivation and expected impact.

Selection Timeline

Important dates:

Application Deadline: 1 July 2026
Selection Notification: 17 July 2026
Training Dates: 3–4 September 2026

How to Apply

Click here for more and to apply

Interested applicants should complete the application form through the official programme application portal before the deadline.

This training provides a valuable opportunity for African legal professionals and human rights advocates to strengthen their ability to use law as a tool for justice, equality, and social change.

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