A Young woman accessing srhr services during the event
Chipembere Community Development Organization (CCDO) has intensified efforts to improve access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services among adolescents and young people in Thyolo, amid concerns over limited awareness, cultural barriers and risky behaviors affecting the youth.
The sentiments were expressed during an SRHR awareness campaign organised by CCDO in Mbeluko, under Traditional Authority Nchiramwela. The campaign, which integrated community engagement activities such as sports, music and drama, provided a platform for sharing information and delivering SRHR services.
CCDO Executive Director, Dalitso Chiwayula, said many young people especially young women and young female sex workers 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 campaign is about empowerment, building their confidence to make informed choices, speak out and demand services that respond to their needs,” said Chiwayula.
Nchiramwela Youth Network Chairperson, Cassim Martin, observed that lack of access to SRHR information has contributed to early marriages and unsafe sexual practices among young people.
“When youths do not understand their rights, they are easily pushed into early marriages and risky behaviours. This campaign has empowered them with knowledge that will help them make better decisions,” he said.
Village Headman Mbeluko underscored the urgent need to address harmful cultural norms and encourage open dialogue within communities, noting that cultural and religious barriers continue to limit young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services.
“Silence around these issues has denied many youths access to essential services. There is need for collective efforts to break these barriers,” he said.
During the campaign, Bvumbwe Health Centre personnel provided SRHR services including short-term contraceptives such as condoms and emergency pills to 48 young men and women aged between 17 and 36.
The activity was conducted under the Amplifying Adolescents and Young People’s Voices on SRHR project, funded by Hivos through the Regional SRHR Fund with support from SIDA.
The project is being implemented in Traditional Authorities Bvumbwe, Nchiramwela, Chimaliro and Maggie with a focus on improving access to accurate SRHR information and quality services, while promoting sustainable livelihood options for young people.
Taking SRHR information to the community
Chiwayula- This campaign is about empowerment, building their confidence to make informed choices ……