| In this article published in 2015 in Global Public Health, An International Journal for Research, Policy and Practice (Volume 10, Issue 2: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for the Next Decades: What’s Been Achieved? What Lies Ahead?), Gita Sen and Veloshnee Govender explore the critical yet often problematic place of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) within the context of global health system reforms and the drive towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It argues that persistent deficits in the quality, equity and accountability of SRHR services stem from health system structures that fail to address deeply embedded gender inequalities. While UHC presents a powerful framework for progress, the analysis contends that its principle of universality does not automatically guarantee gender equity. The article proposes a strategic approach of “progressive universalism”, which combines systemic health system improvements with targeted interventions to address the specific needs of women and adolescents. It concludes that the success of UHC itself depends on the explicit and early integration of a comprehensive SRHR agenda, positioning respect for individual bodily autonomy and rights as a core normative impetus for building stronger, more equitable and accountable health systems for all. |
