Extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves disproportionately affect those who already face structural barriers to health, safety, and autonomy. Climate change negatively impacts maternal and neonatal health, disrupts access to contraception and essential SRHR services, and places additional strain on fragile health systems, in particularly in humanitarian and crisis settings. At the same time, climate stressors are linked to rising levels of gender-based violence and harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.
Vulnerability to climate change is shaped by gender, sexuality, age, wealth, indigeneity, and race. There is a significant overlap between populations most affected by climate change and those facing persistent socioeconomic, cultural, and political barriers to the realization of their SRHR. Ignoring these intersections risks reinforcing cycles of inequality and exclusion.
Investments in SRHR are therefore not only a health priority, but a critical climate adaptation and resilience strategy. Strengthening health systems, ensuring continuity of SRHR services during and after climate-related disasters, and addressing menstrual hygiene management enhance resilience, adaptive capacity, and meaningful participation of girls and women in climate action.
The MMS SRHR Conference 2026 brings together policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and advocates to advance gender-responsive climate action through a rights-based SRHR lens. The conference aims to foster cross-sectoral dialogue, share evidence and good practices, and strengthen linkages between SRHR and global climate frameworks, ensuring that climate solutions are inclusive, just, and rights-affirming.
The MMS SRHR Conference 2026 will serve as a pivotal space to reflect on where we stand today and to envision the future of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the context of climate change. As climate impacts intensify and inequalities deepen, forward-looking, gender-responsive, and rights-based approaches are more urgent than ever.
- Where do we stand in 5 years?
- What are the key potentials and opportunities?
- What challenges and threats lie ahead?
Date and Time
29 April 2026, 9:30am-4.00pm
Venue
Hotel Kreuz, Bern
Zeughausgasse 41
CH-3011 Bern
Language
English
Further Information
Carine Weiss, Network Medicus Mundi Switzerland
Tel: +41 (0) 61 383 18 12
E-Mail
Registration:
Fees
- Standard Fee: CHF 150
- MMS Members: CHF 70
- Students: CHF 50
