Call for Abstracts
Regional Conference on Child Marriage & Sexual Violence Against Adolescents in West and Central Africa
Dakar, Senegal
9 – 11 February 2026
Hybrid (In-person and Virtual)
The Population and Health Research Institute (PHERI), the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC), and the Union for African Population Studies (UAPS) invite extended abstracts from junior and early-career researchers for a high-impact technical workshop and conference that will feed into a Special Issue of the Journal of African Population Studies (JAPS).
West and Central Africa continues to face some of the world’s highest rates of child marriage and sexual violence against adolescents, driven by poverty, conflict, and limited access to services.
This conference will generate actionable, policy-relevant evidence to inform near-term country responses.
Who Should Apply?
Early-career researchers (5 years post-degree or current PhD candidates) working in or on West & Central Africa.
Co-authorship with youth groups, implementers, or service providers is encouraged.
Themes Include:
- Epidemiology & evidence on CM/SVAA
- Prevention & response strategies
- Data, research & innovation
- Policy, governance & accountability
- Youth engagement & empowerment
- Humanitarian and emergency contexts
Submission Requirements
An extended abstract of 500-800 words must include:
- Title: Clear and concise
- Background: Context and rationale for the study/intervention
- Objectives: Specific aims of the research or programme
- Methodology: Research design, data sources, analytical approach, or programme implementation strategy
- Key Findings/Results: Main outcomes or lessons learnt
- Conclusions and Implications: Significance for policy, programming, or further research
- Keywords: 4-6 relevant keywords
Important Dates
Call Opens: 1 December 2025
Submission Deadline: 20 December 2025
Notification of acceptance: 12 January 2026
Conference: 9–11 February 2026
How to Submit
Email your abstract to conferences@uaps-uepa.org
Subject: Abstract Submission – WCAC – [Your Last Name]
Queries: uaps@uaps-uepa.org
Why Submit?
Accepted authors will receive:
✔ Mentorship through Author Clinics
✔ Opportunities to shape actionable country-level recommendations
✔ Participation in producing the Dakar Technical Action Note
✔ A publication opportunity in the JAPS Special Issue (July 2026)
This conference supports continental efforts including the AU Campaign to End Child Marriage, the Ouagadougou Partnership, and the SDGs.
We look forward to welcoming you in Dakar!
Click on the links below to read more about the call.
Click Here for English Version
Cliquez ici pour la version française
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