Lelly Karen Amunyela
ENSURING that adolescents and young people have access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services and information has become a critical concern in today’s world of rapid change, where young people are becoming more independent and informed.
Civil society organisations (CSOs) have emerged as invaluable partners in facilitating access to SRHR information and services; advocating, educating and supporting the youth in making informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
In my role as a youth project officer within the SRHR space, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformative impact of CSOs in empowering adolescents and young people to access SRHR services and information.
This piece explores some of the major areas that stand out.
Laying the foundation for informed choices through education and awareness:
One of the most crucial roles that CSOs play in the SRHR space is providing comprehensive sex education tailored to meet the needs of adolescents and young people. By working closely with schools and communities, CSOs have been instrumental in equipping young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions regarding their sexual health.
They also develop and distribute educational materials, conduct engaging information-sharing sessions and establish helplines and counselling services that young people trust and find accessible.
By empowering adolescents with accurate information about consent, safe sex practices, contraceptives, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV and the importance of delaying sexual debuts, CSOs significantly reduce the risks of unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions and the spread of STIs and HIV. It is truly heartening to see how knowledge empowers the youth to take charge of their health and well-being.
Breaking the Societal Stigma:
Many young people, due to fear of being judged or condemned, are reluctant to seek the information and services they need. CSOs actively break down these barriers through community dialogues, awareness campaigns and open conversations about SRHR topics.
By fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding around SRHR issues, CSOs create a supportive environment where adolescents and young people feel comfortable discussing their concerns. This helps dispel myths, reduces stigma and encourages open conversations that are essential for addressing SRHR challenges effectively.
Enhancing youth-friendly service delivery and supporting vulnerable groups:
In regions where conventional healthcare facilities lack comprehensive and youth-friendly SRHR services, CSOs have played a crucial role in bridging the gap. Many CSOs have established community-based health clinics and service centres, particularly in remote and underserved areas, ensuring that all young individuals can access the SRHR services and information they need.
Additionally, CSOs focus on tailoring their interventions to cater to the specific needs of vulnerable groups, such as survivors of sexual abuse, creating safe spaces, providing non-judgmental support and implementing targeted programmes to reduce health disparities and promote inclusivity. Witnessing the impact of these targeted programmes on marginalised individuals has been truly inspiring.
Among the many CSOs making a difference, the One Economy Foundation stands out for its exceptional work in facilitating access to SRHR services and information for Namibian adolescents and young people.
Through advocacy, education and community-based interventions, One Economy Foundation has been instrumental in breaking down barriers, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that SRHR rights are upheld.
On 01 September 2023, the foundation will be launching the #BeFree Youth Campus; a safe space anchored by an adolescent-friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Clinic, which will provide the full spectrum of SRHR services within an integrated, multi-disciplinary model.
Through this facility, the One Economy Foundation exemplifies the vital role that CSOs play in advocating and facilitating access to SRHR services and information for adolescents and young people in Namibia.
As a passionate advocate for SRHR rights, I firmly believe the role of civil society organisations in the SRHR space is not just a matter of personal health but a societal imperative.
CSOs in Namibia, including the One Economy Foundation, are committed to empowering the youth, and I am eager to witness the positive impact that the #BeFree Youth Campus will have on the lives of young people in our country.
* Lelly Karen Amunyela is a Youth Project Officer under the i-BreakFree Project. The i-BreakFree project is aimed at facilitating access to SRHR information and services for
adolescents and young people in Namibia.