Creative Resistance and Community Power: Advancing Abortion Access in Francophone Africa

In Francophone Africa, structural inequities, restrictive laws and deep social stigma continue to limit access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, especially safe abortion. Faced with these challenges, the Centre ODAS and its partners have developed a multidimensional strategy that blends advocacy, feminist organising, youth leadership and creative communication to expand access and build a more just abortion ecosystem.
This oral presentation explores how ODAS has helped anchor a regional pro-choice movement through an intersectional approach that welcomes non-traditional allies, including youth-led organisations, journalists, influencers and health professionals. At the heart of this strategy is the CASA campaign, the Campaign for Access to Safe Abortion in Francophone Africa. CASA uses storytelling, creative digital tools and the voices of regional champions to present abortion as both a public health issue and a human right.
The initiative shows how culturally meaningful narratives, digital mobilisation and regional solidarity can disrupt stigma, influence social norms and support policy advocacy. The presentation highlights lessons from co-designing messages with communities, promoting youth leadership and using digital and community-based approaches to sustain engagement. It also reflects on the power of creativity and collective action to open pathways toward meaningful access to SRHR and safe abortion in Francophone Africa.