Chikwawa Youth Project Promotes Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness, Access
A Chikwawa youth project funded by Net Share has raised awareness and access to sexual and reproductive health rights through discussions and education.
CHIKWAWA, MALAWI — A pioneering ten-month initiative aimed at elevating awareness of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in Chikwawa district has garnered acclaim for sparking vital discussions and fostering access to crucial sexual and reproductive health resources, writes Moses Thole.
Championed by the Chikwawa-based Community Forum (COFO), the project's launch in March of this year was a direct response to a surge in unsafe abortions and unplanned pregnancies within the district.
These disconcerting trends were attributed to pervasive ignorance regarding the availability and utilisation of SRH materials.
Named 'Real Life', the initiative has garnered significant support from Germany-based organization Net Share, which provided a financial injection of 10 thousand Euros.
Specifically targeting youths from Traditional Authorities Katunga, Kasisi, Maseya, and Mlilima, the project endeavours to bridge critical knowledge gaps and empower a generation with essential sexual and reproductive health information.
Laston Daudi, a committed member of the Distance Youth Alert Team under Traditional Authority Maseya, shed light on the dire need that the project addresses.
He lamented the absence of comprehensive information on sexual and reproductive health rights, including HIV and AIDS, which led to grave consequences.
"In the past, youths in the district were not able to receive proper information on sexual and reproductive health, which led to many of them contracting sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and AIDS, and having unwanted pregnancies, while others tried to procure unsafe abortion services," Daudi revealed.
Through 'Real Life', youths now enjoy direct avenues for dialogue, enabling candid conversations on issues germane to their sexuality and the exchange of insights on SRHR.
Happy Kagaso, a participant from Traditional Authority Katunga, underscored the transformative power of the project.
Kagaso stated, "There is a lot we are learning. Previously, we did not have a platform to discuss. You know, as youths, there are some misconceptions about contraceptive methods, so from the project, we are acquiring much-needed information, which is helping us make informed decisions about our lives."
Acknowledging the far-reaching impact, Senior Chief Mlilima hailed the project's face-to-face discussions as an instrumental milestone in curbing unplanned pregnancies.
The Chief emphasised that the initiative has promoted candid conversations between parents, children, and duty-bearers, fostering an environment of open dialogue.
Senior Chief Mlilima remarked, "Over the years, most parents were not comfortable discussing the issue of sex and sexuality with their children. But with the coming of the project, there is a lot of information-sharing among parents and their children, including duty bearers."
Furthermore, the Chief revealed that approximately 500 youths under his jurisdiction have gained comprehensive knowledge of SRHR and now have access to contraceptives.
Joshua Malunga, Director of COFO, elucidated the multifaceted aims of the 'Real Life' project, including its objectives to reduce unplanned pregnancies, combat the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and alleviate fistula cases in Chikwawa.
"We are here to link the youth in the district with health workers so that they are able to get assistance every time they need it," Malunga affirmed.
The project's impact is palpable. Since its launch, 'Real Life' has significantly enriched the well-being of youths in the district, elevating their awareness of SRHR rights, strategies, and opportunities for accessing sexual and reproductive health services.
The initiative has already reached over 1,200 youths in Chikwawa, according to Malunga.
Despite these strides, financial constraints pose challenges to the project's outreach, particularly in harder-to-reach areas.
Transportation limitations hinder the organization's ability to meet the burgeoning demand for its services.
To overcome these challenges, COFO is leveraging media platforms such as Chivomelezi and Nyungwe community radios to amplify awareness of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights.
The 'Real Life' project serves as a beacon of hope and transformation, dismantling barriers and disseminating knowledge on essential matters of sexual and reproductive health.
Through dedicated dialogue and strategic dissemination, this initiative not only empowers youth but reshapes societal attitudes toward SRHR.
The efforts of COFO, coupled with collaborative partnerships, continue to pave the way for informed decisions and a healthier future for Chikwawa's residents.