Barriers to the Enjoyment of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for Lesbian and Bisexual Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Mozambique

Carlos Arnaldo, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane
Boaventura Cau, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane
Monica Frederico, Unicersidade Eduardo Mondlane
Melissa Stillman, Guttmacher Institute
Estevão Manhice, Centro de Pesquisa em População e Saúde
Ann M. Moore, Guttmacher Institute

Enjoyment of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) is generally a challenge, but for those who identify as lesbian or bisexual, the obstacles can be much greater. This marginalized group often face a hostile and uncomfortable environment unconducive to expressing their sexuality and seeking sexual and reproductive health services. Based on qualitative in-depth interviews with AGYW aged 18-24 who identified themselves as lesbian or bisexual collected between July and August 2023 in two districts of Nampula province, Mozambique, this paper explores the individual, societal and institutional obstacles they face to enjoying their sexual and reproductive health and rights. Understanding the specific sexual and reproductive health needs of this group, from their own perspectives, is an important step needed to inform the development of programs and policies to improve access to information and services.