Facilitators, peer educators pose for a group photo
Under the Raising Voices for Change: A Summon to Promote SRHR Access project, funded by Amplify Change and implemented in Mulanje District across Traditional Authorities Juma, Nthilamanja and Mkanda, 30 peer educators have been equipped with the knowledge and practical skills needed to expand access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services among adolescents and young people.
The capacity-building initiative strengthened competencies in adolescent health, modern contraception, prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections, gender-based violence response, and safe referral pathways — including post-abortion care and accurate information on safe abortion within the legal framework.
With technical support from district youth and health structures, the trained peer educators are now positioned to deliver accurate, rights-based SRHR messages within their communities and link young people to essential health services.
CCDO Executive Director, Dalitso Chiwayula, emphasized the transformative power of youth empowerment in advancing SRHR outcomes.
“When young people are equipped with accurate, rights-based information, they are better able to make informed decisions and challenge harmful practices that contribute to unsafe abortions, stigma and limited access to services,” he said.
Highlighting community realities, Fortunate Mahiye, Secretary of Tadala Youth Club from Traditional Authority Nthilamanja, noted persistent communication barriers between parents and adolescents.
“Many young people lack open spaces to discuss sexual and reproductive health issues with their parents, which often leads to unplanned pregnancies and risky behaviors,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Mulanje District Youth Officer Richard Juwawo observed that despite progress in expanding youth-friendly services, structural and social barriers remain significant.
“Harmful social norms, peer pressure and technological influences continue to affect young people’s choices. Strengthening peer-led approaches is key to promoting safer decision-making and improving SRHR outcomes,” he said.
Many young people lack open spaces to discuss sexual and reproductive health issues
Strengthening peer-led approaches is key to promoting safer decision-making and improving SRHR outcomes