Kicking for Health: GAYO & HeR Liberty Bring SRHR Services to Over 2,000 Youth in Zomba
In a vibrant fusion of health, sports, and youth empowerment, Girls Activist Youth Organisation (GAYO) and HeR Liberty came together to deliver comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services to over 2,000 students and young people at Domasi College of Education in Zomba.
The outreach, made possible with support from Amplify Change, aimed to bridge the gap between young people and access to crucial SRHR services. Through this initiative, GAYO and HeR Liberty reaffirmed their commitment to building a generation of informed, empowered, and healthy youth—especially women and girls—across Malawi.
Bringing Services Closer to Youth
Participants at the event were offered a range of free health services including:
- HIV Testing and Counseling
- Family Planning Options and Information
- Cervical Cancer Screening
- SRHR Education Sessions
Health professionals were on site to provide youth-friendly services and answer sensitive questions in a confidential and supportive environment. These efforts are critical, especially in a context where stigma, limited access, and lack of youth-centered services often hinder young people particularly girls from seeking reproductive health support.
Sports Meets Health: The Power of Play
One of the event’s standout moments was a football match that drew massive crowds and created an energetic, inclusive atmosphere. Two local teams Domasi Development College and Domasi Institute of Management and Technology faced off in a friendly yet spirited match.
In a tightly contested game, Domasi Development College clinched victory with a 1-0 win, thanks to a stunning goal by Solomon Clever. The match didn’t just serve as entertainment it was a strategic engagement tool to bring more youth to the health outreach.
Prizes included:
- 🥇 K50,000 for the winning team
- 🥈 K40,000 for the runners-up
- 👨⚖️ K10,000 for the officiating crew
The football match exemplified how sports can be an innovative and effective platform to mobilize youth for social good.
Government Backing and Community Involvement
The event also saw the participation of key government officials, including the Zomba District Youth Officer and the District Sports Officer, who expressed strong support for the initiative. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration between civil society and government in promoting youth health and development.
Their messages echoed the theme of the day: that healthier young people mean a healthier Malawi, and community engagement is central to sustainable change.
Real Impact, Real Change
By combining entertainment, education, and essential health services, GAYO and HeR Liberty created an environment where young people felt safe, valued, and empowered to make informed decisions about their health and futures.
This outreach:
- Reached over 2,000 students and youth
- Promoted collaboration between CSOs, government, and the education sector
- Showcased the power of creative engagement in SRHR advocacy
“We believe that young people, when equipped with knowledge and access to services, can become powerful advocates for their own health and well-being,” said one of the youth leaders at GAYO. “This event shows what is possible when we put youth at the center of health programming.”
As GAYO and HeR Liberty continue to lead grassroots change, this event serves as a shining example of how partnerships, youth engagement, and innovation can drive forward SRHR outcomes for Malawi’s future leaders.