Submission ID 118442
| Background | Young people-vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to health, gender equality, inclusion, education, and economic opportunity-remain underrepresented, particularly those from marginalized groups, in shaping sexual and reproductive health (SRH) policies and services. VSO's Active Citizenship Through Inclusive Volunteering and Empowerment (ACTIVE) programme, supported youth in Kenya, Nepal, and Zambia to lead locally driven, inclusive initiatives that improved family planning (FP) access and accountability in their communities, reaching over 75,000 young people with SRHR services since April 2022. ACTIVE trained health workers and peer educators to support youth with disabilities (YPWDs) using adapted communication tools, including sign language and braille. Facility data showed increased uptake of modern contraceptives-notably condoms and injectables. Youth-led platforms influenced service quality and policy by advocating for inclusive infrastructure and greater investment in adolescent-friendly SRH services. This session will unpack lessons on youth engagement not as participants, but as leaders, decision-makers, and advocates in FP programming-with an emphasis on disability inclusion, gender responsiveness, and systems strengthening. |
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| Learning objectives | Participants will: • Understand practical strategies for meaningful youth engagement in FP access and accountability, drawing from diverse country contexts. • Explore inclusive models that empower YPWDs and other marginalized groups to lead and participate in SRHR programmes. |
| Expected topics | The 3 speakers - a youth leader, a programme lead, and a health service provider will share: Country experiences and outcomes from Kenya, Nepal, and Zambia, including: Inclusive youth leadership in promoting, monitoring, and ensuring social accountability in family planning (FP) services. Multisectoral collaboration, data use, and policy influence. Intersectionality - how gender, disability, and socioeconomic status shape youth engagement in SRHR. Reflections from youth leaders on the challenges and enablers in moving from tokenism to sustained leadership. This will be followed by an open Q&A and audience reflections. |
| Main messages | • Youth leadership can drive systemic change when supported with right structures, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities for participation. • Inclusion must address the intersecting barriers faced by adolescents and youth-especially girls, YPWDs, those out of school, and other marginalized groups. • Youth-led community trust-building and engagement with health systems are critical to ensuring that no young person is left behind. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Papa Diouf VSO International ANJALI SAKHUJA VSO International |
