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Our Work

Strengthening Research
Amplifying Communication
Supporting Institutions

The Africa Coalition for Research and Communication on Abortion (ACORCA-COARCA) is the first African-led coalition focused exclusively on improving the production, communication, and use of abortion evidence to inform transformative policy and practice change.

We Respond to Five Interconnected Challenges

Low Prioritization

Low prioritization of abortion research across Africa due to stigma and limited funding.

Weak Leadership

Weak African leadership in abortion research generation and agenda-setting.

Insufficient Training

Insufficient training opportunities for researchers to design and conduct high-quality studies.

Communication Gaps

Gaps in evidence communication, limiting impact on public discourse and policy.

Limited Collaboration

Limited collaboration between researchers and evidence users—such as policymakers, journalists, community advocates, and health professionals.

What We Do

1

We Support and Empower African Abortion Researchers

We build a nurturing ecosystem where researchers can thrive and collaborate. Through our pan-African network and communities of practice, we:

  • - Facilitate knowledge exchange via webinars, researcher cafés, and partnership forums
  • - Promote inclusivity by supporting young, female, and underrepresented researchers
  • - Provide access to bilingual research resources, tools, and ethics guidance
  • - Help members prioritize their national research agendas and identify knowledge gaps
2

We Strengthen Research Capacity Across the Continent

ACORCA builds a critical mass of skilled abortion researchers through:

  • - Modular training programmes in research design, ethics, and policy communication
  • - A mentorship initiative connecting early-career scholars with senior experts
  • - A competitive Small Grants Programme supporting PhD candidates and early-career scholars with funding and advisor support
  • - Multi-country research partnerships and collaboration with African universities to expand abortion research tracks in postgraduate education
3

We Translate Research into Action and Advocacy

We amplify evidence to shift public perception and influence policy. Our work includes:

  • - Training researchers and advocates in strategic communication and storytelling
  • - Supporting member organizations to engage policymakers, health professionals, religious leaders, and communities with abortion data
  • - Partnering with media to counter misinformation and raise the visibility of abortion rights
  • - Documenting and disseminating case studies of evidence-based reform (e.g., Benin's legal reform success)
4

We Build Strategic Partnerships and Mobilize Resources

ACORCA works to ensure that African abortion research and advocacy are sustainably financed and institutionally supported. We:

  • - Engage with donors, science granting councils, and philanthropic actors
  • - Train coalition members in resource mobilization, grant writing, and donor engagement
  • - Share tools, pitch decks, and fundraising strategies across the network
  • - Advocate for national and regional investment in evidence-based reproductive health policy

Our Impact Goals

Increase the quantity and quality of abortion research led by African institutions

Strengthen regional collaboration and abortion researcher networks

Promote policies and practices informed by evidence

Shift public narratives on abortion through research-informed advocacy

Reduce unsafe abortion and related maternal mortality across the continent

How We Work: Our Three Technical Working Groups

The work of ACORCA-COARCA is powered by three technical Working Groups, which serve as the coalition's core implementation arms. These groups bring together African experts in research, advocacy, and partnerships to drive our collective goals across the continent.

Support and Empowerment of Abortion Researchers

This group builds an enabling environment for researchers by:

  • - Fostering communities of practice and peer support across regions
  • - Curating and sharing high-quality research resources and ethics tools
  • - Promoting inclusive participation of young, female, and underrepresented researchers
  • - Supporting members to identify research gaps and define national research priorities

Strengthening Abortion Research Capabilities

This group cultivates a skilled and empowered research community by:

  • - Designing and delivering modular training in research methods, analysis, and communication
  • - Establishing mentorship systems between emerging and senior researchers
  • - Overseeing ACORCA's Small Grants Programme for early-career researchers
  • - Promoting collaboration through multi-country studies and academic partnerships

Communication, Advocacy, and Partnership Development

This group bridges the gap between research and policy change by:

  • - Training researchers and advocates in storytelling, media engagement, and public communication
  • - Supporting evidence-based advocacy with policymakers, religious leaders, and communities
  • - Partnering with journalists and media outlets to amplify abortion rights messaging
  • - Mobilizing resources and building strategic alliances with funders and technical partners

Join Us

Whether you're a researcher, advocate, funder, or policymaker—there's a role for you in advancing abortion justice through research.

Become a Member Partner with Us Small Grants Programme

For all inquiries, contact acorca-coarca@hdirwanda.org