In this journal article, the Academic Network for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy (ANSER) conducted a case study and discussion-based workshop with researchers across 16 countries. They formulated recommendations both at the researcher-stakeholder level and researcher-researcher level, to strengthen SRHR policies and improve research uptake.
Strategically engaging stakeholders can provide opportunities to drive greater research uptake when it comes to policy and aligning research to political priorities. This paper describes strategies that can be applied to research approaches globally, to improve research findings and policy development.
This was found to be key, particularly at the researcher-stakeholder level. These partnerships can be used to collaboratively set SRHR research agendas in alignment with political priorities. Furthermore, strong partnerships with other stakeholders and the media can assist with the broad dissemination of results.
Researchers should become familiar with the rhetoric of policymakers in order to convey research results clearly and in a way that mobilises political engagement and action. What’s more, researchers should consider how to strategically address political priorities through their work, in order to drive greater policy uptake.
At the researcher-researcher level, professionals can diversify their teams and synthesise existing SRHR evidence for greater impact. This can be achieved through diverse collaborations between experts in various fields, and should be encouraged at all levels.
The amalgamation of different research perspectives and evidence across different contexts will create stronger arguments to guide SRHR policy, particularly those focused on best practice, including what has worked and what has not worked.
