HeRLiberty & Girls Activist Youth Organisation (GAYO) Presenting at the DEC Meeting Enhancing Reproductive Health Outcomes for Women and Girls Project in Zomba District.

HeR Liberty & Girls Activist Youth Organisation (GAYO) are happy to announce that we are presenting our latest initiative today at the District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting in Zomba. The project, Enhancing Reproductive Health Outcomes for Women and Girls in TA Malemia, is aimed at improving reproductive health and creating safe spaces for women and girls in Zomba.

In partnership with HeR Liberty, HerLiberty will be the driving force for this project funded by Amplify Change. The project addresses critical issues in sexual and reproductive health (SRHR), with a specific focus on reducing unsafe abortion practices in Zomba. Zomba District Health Office reports alarming statistics, with 300-500 cases of unsafe abortions each quarter, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

The project’s overarching aim is to cultivate a safer and healthier Zomba community by promoting positive shifts in reproductive health behaviors. To achieve this, the project will undertake a multi-faceted approach. First, it will illuminate the grave consequences of unsafe abortion and emphasize the paramount importance of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) through comprehensive community education. Secondly, it will ensure that young people have unhindered access to critical SRHR information, services, and resources. Thirdly, the project will establish platforms for open and honest discussions about SRHR, thereby dismantling deeply ingrained cultural taboos and stigmas. Finally, it will empower local leaders, healthcare providers, and youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to champion safe and responsible reproductive health practices. By implementing these strategies, the project seeks to create a more informed, empowered, and resilient community.

HeR Liberty & GAYO have devised a comprehensive strategy to accomplish their objectives. Key components include district and community entry meetings to foster collaboration with local stakeholders; capacity-building workshops for Youth-Friendly Health Services providers to improve SRHR training delivery; media training and programming to enhance SRHR reporting and public discourse; and community-based outreach initiatives to raise awareness and facilitate access to SRHR services.

Sustainability is at the heart of our project. We are committed to building the capacity of local communities, strengthening collaborations with government bodies, and cultivating strategic partnerships with other organizations. By empowering individuals and institutions, we aim to ensure that the positive changes brought about by this project will continue long after the project period ends.

Presenting our project at the DEC meeting, we are filled with hope and determination. We believe that by working together with our partners and the community, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of women and girls in Zomba. We invite you to follow our journey as we continue to advocate for safer reproductive health practices and empower the next generation of leaders.

HeR Liberty and GAYO are resolute in our commitment to improving the reproductive health landscape in Zomba. Through the Enhancing Reproductive Health Outcomes for Women and Girls in TA Malemia project, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive change. By addressing the critical issue of unsafe abortions, empowering communities, and fostering open dialogue, we strive to build a healthier and more equitable future for all. We are confident that with the support of the District Executive Committee and our partners, we can achieve our goals and create a lasting legacy for women and girls in Zomba.