SRHR Fare in Zomba Empowering Youth and Promoting Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
On November 22, 2024, Girls Activist Youth Organization (GAYO), in partnership with HeR Liberty and H Parker Hospital, successfully organized and hosted the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Fare at Songani Primary School Grounds in Zomba District. This event marked a significant milestone in our ongoing advocacy for better access to SRHR services for young people in rural Southern Africa.
The main goal of this SRHR Fare was to enhance Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) outcomes for young women and adolescent girls in Traditional Authority Malemia, one of the most underserved regions in Zomba District. By providing an accessible platform for youth and women to engage with healthcare service providers and receive critical SRH information and services, the fare worked towards addressing key SRH challenges faced by young people in the region, such as:
- Unplanned pregnancies
- Unsafe abortions
- Sexual violence
- Gender discrimination
The SRHR Fare was an integral part of the Sexuality Education for Transformation SET Project (Strengthening Youth-Led Organizations in Southern Africa for SRHR Advocacy), which aims to empower adolescent girls and young women through Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and youth-friendly SRHR services. The SET project is dedicated to preventing downstream SRH challenges by ensuring youth in rural communities have the tools, information, and support they need to make informed decisions about their health.
Key Achievements from the SRHR Fare
During the fare, over 350+ youth, women, and community members were able to access various services and information. The key highlights of the event included:
- Provision of SRHR Services:
Attendees were able to access HIV testing, family planning services, and cervical cancer screenings, all of which are essential to improving SRHR outcomes in the region. - Education on SRHR Rights and Services:
Youth were educated on the importance of SRHR and how they can protect their health through preventive measures, self-care, and accessing available services. - Psychosocial Counseling:
Many participants received psychosocial support to help them navigate personal challenges related to SRHR. This support is essential for empowering youth to make informed choices and cope with any emotional or psychological difficulties they may face. - Community Engagement:
The fair brought together community leaders, service providers, youth, and young women to discuss SRHR issues and find collective solutions to ensure better access to SRH services in the future. - Access to SRH Materials:
Participants received SRHR materials such as condoms, contraceptives, and educational brochures to help promote safe sexual practices.
This event was made possible through the strategic partnership between GAYO, HeR Liberty, and H Parker Hospital. Working together allowed for the efficient distribution of SRHR materials and the provision of medical services to young people in a much-needed area.
The Zomba SRHR Fare is the first of three such events planned under the Sexuality Education for Transformation SET Project. Following this successful event, we look forward to holding similar fairs in Mchinji (April 2024) and Mzuzu (August 2024). These fares will continue to provide vital SRHR services to youth in rural areas and further amplify the message of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).
We are proud of the progress we’ve made and remain committed to advocating for the health and rights of adolescent girls and young women across Southern Africa. Thank you to all our partners and participants for their dedication to improving the health and well-being of youth in our communities.