The team poses with CCDO officers and facilitators after the training.
Chipembere Community Development Organisation (CCDO) has conducted a two-day Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) training in Thyolo district aimed at empowering young people with knowledge, confidence and skills to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
The training was implemented under the Amplifying Adolescent and Young People’s Voices on SRHR project and targeted peer educators drawn from adolescent girls, boys, young women and young female sex workers. A total of 60 young people from various communities across the district participated.
Speaking during the training, CCDO Executive Director Dalitso Chiwayula said many young people, especially young women, remain disempowered due to limited knowledge of policies, rights and available support systems.
“Many adolescents in Thyolo struggle to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights because they are not fully aware of the policies that protect them.
This training is about empowerment—building their confidence to make informed choices, speak out, and demand services that respond to their needs,” Chiwayula said.
He added that the initiative equips young people with practical knowledge on safe sex, reproductive health and family planning, enabling them to challenge harmful norms and reduce risky behaviours within their communities.
One of the participants, Shina Bisayi, a young female sex worker from Goliati, said the training had empowered her both socially and economically.
“This training has helped me understand my rights and given me the courage to stand up for myself. When I return to Goliati, I will civic-educate my fellow sex workers on what I have learned.
I am also encouraged by the climate-smart livelihood support that will help us earn a sustainable income and reduce our dependence on risky activities,” Bisayi said.
Nchiramwera Youth Network Chairperson Joel John said lack of information has long denied young people the power to make informed life choices, often resulting in early marriages and unsafe sexual practices.
“When youths do not understand their rights, they are easily pushed into early marriages and risky behaviours. This training has empowered them with knowledge that will help them make better decisions,” he explained.
The project is funded by Hivos through the Regional SRHR Fund with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and is being implemented in Traditional Authorities Bvumbwe, Nchiramwera, Chimaliro and Maggie.
Youths ready to advocate for SRHR
Youth engaging in discussion