Gender Based Violence and Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Research Consultant

Terms Of Reference:

A research study on the relationship between Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) of women and adolescent girls.

1. Aga Khan Foundation

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private not-for profit, non-denominational international development agencies, institutions and programmes that work primarily in the poorest parts of Africa and Asia to improve the quality of life of communities in remote and resource poor areas. In East Africa, AKF works with partners to improve the quality of life by promoting and developing innovative solutions to challenges of development in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Reflecting the complex and multi-faceted nature of development, AKF programmes in Uganda encompasses education, Gender Equality Women’s Empowerment, health, Early Childhood Development, Climate justice, and Civil Society Strengthening.

Promoting high-quality, gender-responsive programming is a core priority for AKF. As such, AKF is deeply committed to addressing the complex, interconnected, and context-specific barriers that contribute to gender inequity across all its programs. These barriers continue to limit the ability of women and girls to realize their full potential. For this particular assignment, AKF is focusing on key challenges in Uganda specifically, the rising incidence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and teenage pregnancy both of which significantly undermine the health, rights, and overall wellbeing of women, girls, and communities across the country.

2. Background to the Study

GBV and the violation of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) are deeply interconnected public health and human rights issues that disproportionately affect women and adolescent girls in Uganda. These challenges undermine not only individual wellbeing but also broader social and economic development efforts. Despite Uganda’s commitment to gender equality and reproductive rights through national policies and international frameworks, implementation gaps persist particularly in rural and underserved regions such as Arua and Yumbe.

In these communities, structural inequalities driven by patriarchal norms, poverty, limited education, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure contribute to high rates of GBV, including intimate partner violence, child marriage, and sexual exploitation. These forms of violence severely limit the ability of women and girls to exercise autonomy over their bodies and reproductive choices, thereby violating their SRHR.

There is growing recognition that addressing GBV and strengthening SRHR cannot be pursued in isolation. However, data and evidence on the interrelationship between these two areas remain insufficient, particularly in fragile and marginalized settings. A deeper understanding of how GBV impacts the SRHR of women and adolescent girls is essential for informing integrated and gender-responsive policy, advocacy, and program interventions.

3. Purpose of the Study

This research study seeks to explore and analyze the linkages between GBV and SRHR among women and adolescent girls in Arua and Yumbe districts. It aims to generate evidence that can guide AKF and its partners in designing more effective, contextually relevant interventions that protect rights, promote health and wellbeing, and advance gender equality in Uganda.

3. Objectives

The study is based on the following specific objectives:

1. To identify and document the prevalent types of GBV experienced by women and adolescent girls in Arua and Yumbe districts.
2. To assess the accessibility, availability, and utilization of SRHR services among GBV survivors in the target communities by the end of the study.
3. Examine the perceived and actual impact of GBV on the ability of women and adolescent girls to exercise their SRHR in Arua and Yumbe within the scope of the research timeline.
4. To generate actionable recommendations for integrated GBV and SRHR programming based on study findings and present them to AKF and key stakeholders in a comprehensive report within one month after data analysis is completed.

4. Scope of Work

The consultant will:

• Develop detailed research methodology and tools (including ethical protocols).
• Conduct a Desk Review of relevant literature, policies, and existing data on GBV and SRHR in Uganda, with a focus on Arua and Yumbe districts. The review will provide context, identify gaps, and inform the design of data collection tools and analysis.
• Undertake fieldwork in Arua, and Yumbe, including qualitative and quantitative data collection (interviews, FGDs, surveys).
• Analyze findings and produce a comprehensive research report.
• Present findings to stakeholders through a validation workshop.
• Incorporate feedback and finalize the report with policy and programmatic recommendations.

5. Deliverables

1. Inception Report with detailed methodology, tools, and work plan
2. Draft Research Report (including executive summary, analysis, and recommendations)
3. Stakeholder Validation Workshop Report
4. High quality final research report
5. PowerPoint Presentation summarizing key findings and recommendations.
6. Raw data sets in the form of cleaned and anonymized raw data sets (quantitative and qualitative)

6. Duration and Timeline

The consultancy will be for a period of 40 working days, starting from the signing of the contract. A detailed work plan with milestones will be agreed upon during the inception phase.

7. Required Qualifications and Experience

The consultant or consultancy firm should have:

• Advanced degree in gender studies, public health, development studies, or related field
• At least 7 years’ experience in conducting gender and SRHR-related research.
• Proven experience conducting studies on GBV and adolescent health in Uganda or similar contexts.
• Availability and willingness to travel to different villages in the study locations.
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills
• Excellent writing, communication, and facilitation skills
• Knowledge of the West Nile context is an asset.

8. Ethical Considerations and Safeguarding

The consultant is expected to adhere to ethical research standards, including:

• Informed consent and assent for minors
• Confidentiality and anonymity
• Do-no-harm principles, especially when engaging survivors or minors.
• Approval from relevant ethical review boards (if required)

The Consultant must conscientiously abide by AKF’s Safeguarding Manual, and all members of the Consultant team must sign AKF’s Safeguarding Statement of Commitment upon contracting.

9. Reporting and Oversight

The consultant will report to the Gender Lead of AKF Uganda.