New continental survey findings released by non-partisan research network Afrobarometer reveal that majorities across West, Central, East, and Southern Africa strongly support women’s marital and reproductive autonomy, comprehensive school-based sexuality education, and the right of pregnant girls to continue their education, though public opinion remains sharply divided on abortion and unrestricted access to contraceptives.

The series of regional dispatches, drawing from public opinion data collected across 35 African nations between January 2024 and September 2025, indicates broad public backing for fundamental female decision-making rights. On average, 80% of East Africans, 79% of Southern Africans, and 72% of West and Central Africans agree that girls and women should be allowed to decide for themselves whether and when to marry.

According to the data, support for teaching sexuality education in schools exceeds 78% across all surveyed sub-regions, while over 79% of respondents in East, West, Central, and Southern Africa maintain that girls who fall pregnant should be permitted to remain in school.

However, continental consensus weakens regarding reproductive healthcare access. While 73% of citizens in Southern Africa support providing contraceptives to anyone who is sexually active regardless of marital status, support drops to 58% in East Africa and remains highly contested across West and Central Africa.

On the issue of abortion, majorities across all three regions agree that pregnancy termination can be justified if a woman’s life or health is at risk, reaching 67% in East Africa, 63% in West and Central Africa, and 58% in Southern Africa,but overwhelming majorities reject abortion on economic grounds or personal preference.

–ChannelAfrica/Afrobarometer–