In September 2024, the Future Africa campus at the University of Pretoria became a crucible of critical thought and innovative dialogue during the “Re-Worlding Reproduction” conference. This gathering was far more than a typical academic event—it was a powerful reimagining of reproductive health, rights, and justice, with a distinctive focus on perspectives from the Global South.

Drawing inspiration from Sabelo J. Ndlovu-Gatsheni’s concept of “re-worlding,” the conference brought together an exceptional interdisciplinary group of scholars, professionals, and advocates from anthropology, sociology, public health, bioethics, law, and gender studies. The core mission was ambitious yet clear: to challenge dominant narratives in biomedicine, health policy, and reproductive practices while centring approaches prioritising justice, equity, and local knowledge systems.

The conference’s intellectual landscape was shaped by remarkable keynote speakers who set the tone for each day’s proceedings. Luminaries like Prof. Dana-Ain Davis, Prof. Trudie Gerrits, Dr. Angela Akol, and Dr. Wisal Ahmed delivered profound insights into complex issues. Their talks traversed a wide terrain—from the intersections of race and reproduction to the challenges of obstetric violence, from the intricacies of assisted reproductive technologies to strategies for eliminating female genital mutilation across Africa.

Parallel sessions became dynamic spaces of exploration and critique. Themes such as rights, justice, and ethics; infertile environments; kinship and care; reproductive knowledge; globalization; and race and governance sparked rigorous discussions. Presenters delved deep into the ethical and legal dimensions of reproductive justice, particularly examining marginalized communities’ access to care and reproductive autonomy.

A particularly compelling thread was the “infertile environments” theme, which unpacked how environmental, social, and political factors profoundly influence fertility and reproduction. These presentations challenged mainstream assumptions about fertility control, offering nuanced perspectives that highlight the complex realities of reproductive experiences.

Recognizing the importance of nurturing emerging talent, the conference also hosted a targeted workshop for early career researchers. This session provided practical guidance on academic writing, grant acquisition, research funding, and navigating the peer review process—essential skills for professional development in academic research.

Beyond the formal presentations, the conference created rich networking opportunities. Book launches, film screenings, a cocktail party, and a conference dinner facilitated connections across disciplines and geographies. These informal interactions were crucial in fostering a collaborative spirit and cross-pollination of ideas.

By creating a platform that reshapes and reimagines global approaches to reproductive rights and health, the Re-Worlding Reproduction conference did more than discuss—it actively challenged existing paradigms. Grounded in the experiences of the Global South yet drawing insights from global perspectives, the event embodied a truly transformative approach to understanding reproduction in its most holistic sense.

This conference was not just an academic gathering; it was a testament to the power of interdisciplinary dialogue, critical thinking, and the ongoing global effort to centre justice, equity, and local knowledge in reproductive health discourse.