Empowering Youth for Better SRHR in Malawi: The SET Project Dialogue in Mchinji

Adolescent girls and young women in rural communities face significant barriers when accessing essential Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services and information. The SET project is working to change that. In Mchinji, Malawi, we’re hosting a crucial dialogue to address these challenges and empower youth organizations to advocate for lasting change.

Despite national policies and strategies, access to youth-friendly SRHR services, including Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), remains limited in Malawi. Negative provider attitudes, long distances to health facilities, and a lack of confidentiality are just some of the hurdles young people face. This has led to low SRHR knowledge, high rates of teenage pregnancy, and unmet needs for contraception.

The SET project is built on four pillars: capacity building, advocacy, linking, and learning. We’re strengthening the ability of community-based youth organizations to conduct evidence-based SRHR advocacy. We’re also working to increase the visibility of SRHR messages and counter opposition to CSE.

The Mchinji Dialogue

This dialogue brings together key stakeholders to:

• Assess the challenges in implementing the National Youth Friendly Health Services Strategy and SRHR policy.
• Build the capacity of youth to conduct SRHR research and become SRHR champions.
• Analyze the prevalence of STIs and determine knowledge gaps related to contraception.
• Identify service delivery gaps in youth-friendly health services.
• Advocate for the proper implementation of national SRHR policies.
• Develop recommendations for improving SRHR outcomes in universities and colleges.

The SET project recognizes CSE as a critical entry point for empowering adolescent girls and young women. By providing accurate information and access to services, CSE can help prevent unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, sexual violence, and discrimination.

The Mchinji dialogue is a crucial step towards ensuring that all young people in Malawi have access to the SRHR information and services they need to thrive. We believe that by empowering youth organizations and fostering collaboration, we can create a healthier and more equitable future for all.

Call to Action: Join us in empowering youth and transforming communities! #SRHR #YouthEmpowerment #Malawi #CSE #SETProject