When youth are meaningfully involved, programs become more effective, sustainable, and responsive to their needs, while empowering youth and enhancing their skills. True engagement aligns strategies with real needs, leverages innovative approaches, and strengthens partnerships, ultimately improving health and development outcomes.

– Bisrat Dessalegn, IWG African Regional Hub Leader

Are young people not only benefiting from sexual and reproductive health programs but also actively influencing policies and services that impact their lives? Have you witnessed the actual implementation of this?  This is the vision of meaningful youth participation in adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH) programming, and it is a vision that is gaining traction around the world.

In this blog post, we will explore global methods of meaningful youth participation in AYSRH, highlighting the key strategies, challenges, and success stories from around the world. We will delve into the importance of youth involvement in AYSRH programming, and why it is essential for achieving positive health outcomes, promoting gender equality, and fostering youth empowerment.

Whether you are a young person looking to get involved in AYSRH programming, an adult ally seeking to support youth-led initiatives, or a policymaker interested in promoting youth-friendly policies, this blog post is for you. Together, let’s harness the power of collaboration to amplify youth voices, catalyse change, and pave the way for a brighter future for all.

So, let’s get started!

Understanding adolescent and youth needs and rights

With the world’s population nearing 8 billion, adolescents and youth make up 1.8 billion, representing around 27% of the world’s population. The World Health Organization defines adolescents as individuals in the age range of 10-19 and youth as individuals 15-24. This age classification is mostly universal for adolescents, different continents or nations adopt different age ranges for youth. This is influenced by the constant changes in demographic, economic, and socio-cultural circumstances. 

The Guttmacher-Lancet Commission defines sexual and reproductive health as a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being with all aspects of sexuality and reproduction, not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity. Achieving sexual and reproductive health relies on realizing sexual and reproductive rights, which are based on the human rights of all individuals, and adolescents and youth are also entitled to them.

Adolescents and youth face multifaceted changes during this time and require a unique understanding of their status and issues.  Due to the constant change in their bodies, it is a crucial period of development characterized by significant emotional, physical, and hormonal changes making it crucial for them to have access to accurate information, services, and support related to their sexual and reproductive health.
AYSRH programming includes comprehensive interventions such as sexuality education, modern contraceptive services, and care for antenatal, childbirth, postnatal, and emergency situations. It also addresses HIV prevention and treatment, safe abortion services, sexual and gender-based violence, reproductive cancer management, and offers support for subfertility, infertility, and overall sexual well-being.

The right AYSRH programming aims to address the unique needs of adolescents and youth regardless of age and marital status. There are significant myths, misconceptions, stereotypes, and biases that can hinder adolescents and youth from accessing sexual and reproductive health services in health facilities. These barriers can stem from societal norms and can be perpetuated by health professionals themselves, who may hold discriminatory attitudes towards young people seeking sexual and reproductive health services. AYSRH programming aims to address these challenges by not only making services available but also challenging societal norms that restrict adolescents and youth from accessing essential SRH packages.

Adolescents and youth are the right holders on their own, and meaningful youth participation is a right of all young people by the Convention of the Rights of the Child. The recognition of the importance of meaningful youth participation in AYSRH programming has been growing in recent years. This approach involves engaging young people directly affected by programs in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of these programs, ensuring that their input is present throughout the process. 

What is meaningful youth participation?

Meaningful youth participation is a fundamental right recognized by the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It enables young people to engage alongside older adults or independently in programming and policymaking, including design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. This ensures their voices are heard and respected, benefiting not only the individuals involved but also the organizations and society at large. In AYSRH programming, authentic engagement brings fresh perspectives and helps identify overlooked barriers. When youth are meaningfully involved, programs become more effective, sustainable, and responsive to their needs, while empowering youth and enhancing their skills. True engagement aligns strategies with real needs, leverages innovative approaches, and strengthens partnerships, ultimately improving health and development outcomes. Examples of programs that have integrated models for meaningful youth participation in their work include:: EngenderHealth RBA in Ethiopia YAC, KnowledgeSucess , Yeild Hub Action Learning Cycles, Young and Alive initiative – Tanzania, Power to Youth, AMREF Youth In Action (YACT) , TaYA Ethiopia, CHOICE for youth and Sexuality  and Women Deliver. 

 Feel free to share any additional programs you know of! Let us know 🙂

Strategies for meaningful youth participation and challenges

Again and again, we keep on underscoring that meaningful youth participation is not just a buzzword but a fundamental principle that can drive the success and impact of initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of young people. By engaging young people authentically in decision-making processes, AYSRH programs can ensure that their voices are heard, valued, and integrated into the design and delivery of services. Let’s explore some key strategies for meaningful youth participation in AYSRH programming, drawing from best practices and innovative approaches. 

Figure 1: Flower of Participation model by CHOICE for Youth and Sexuality 

This is the flower of participation developed by CHOICE for Sexuality and Education, a tool that I frequently use in my work as a youth advocate to explain meaningful youth participation. It uses the metaphor of a blooming flower to represent the different forms of youth participation and how it can grow and evolve. It thoroughly explains the concept of meaningful youth participation and reflects on the status of youth engagement in various programs and initiatives. I particularly like how The Flower of Participation emphasizes the importance of acknowledging young people’s rights and needs about their participation, highlighting the significance of involving youth authentically in decision-making processes and program implementation. 

Based on mutual benefit, freedom of choice, voice, and decision-making power here are six strategies for meaningful youth participation in AYSRH. 

1. Engaging adolescents and youth in decision-making (like really)

Empowering young people to actively participate in decision-making processes related to AYSRH programs is essential. By involving them in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of initiatives, programs can benefit from fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a deeper understanding of the needs and preferences of the target audience.

2. Empowerment and skill development

Focusing on empowering young people through investing in capacity building and leadership development, programs can foster a sense of ownership and agency among youth, enabling them to take charge of their sexual and reproductive health.

3. Leveraging innovative technologies

Utilizing digital platforms, mobile apps, and social media can facilitate communication, education, and service delivery, making it easier to connect with young people and provide them with relevant information and support.

4. Aligning strategies with actual Needs

Tailoring AYSRH programs to address the specific needs and priorities of young people is key to ensuring their relevance and effectiveness. By conducting needs assessments, listening to youth voices, and adapting interventions accordingly, programs can better meet the diverse and evolving needs of adolescents and youth in the realm of sexual and reproductive health.

5. Collaborative partnerships

Working together with diverse partners, programs can leverage collective expertise, resources, and networks to amplify the impact of AYSRH initiatives and create sustainable change.

6. Transparent and innovative approaches

Implementing transparent and innovative approaches in AYSRH programming can enhance engagement and responsiveness. By promoting openness, creativity, and inclusivity in program design and delivery, initiatives can create a safe and dynamic space for young people to express their views, share their experiences, and drive positive change in the realm of sexual and reproductive health.

Challenges to meaningful youth participation

Navigating through these strategies is not devoid of challenges. Among the most prevalent hurdles is the absence of youth-centred programming, often resulting in initiatives that fail to adapt to the distinct needs and complexities faced by young individuals. This exclusion from decision-making processes can significantly impede the efficacy of programs, constraining their capacity to adequately address the diverse needs and hurdles encountered by youth.

‘Meaningful youth participation’ has become a ubiquitous phrase, adorning countless grant proposals and NGO websites. Yet, beyond the facade of buzzwords, how many adults are truly prepared to relinquish power and embrace being challenged? It’s an uncomfortable prospect. It entails surrendering control and acknowledging that traditional approaches are no longer sufficient.

Another challenge is the lack of resources and funding for meaningful youth participation efforts. These efforts can often require more time and resources, especially in staff time, and account for this in budget and work is crucial. The other is managing the expectations of stakeholders, such as team members, donors, partners, and young people themselves. It is crucial to communicate clearly what the purpose and goals of the program are, and what they are not. This includes explaining that the program is not a final product, but a learning tool that will help iterate and improve the solution.

Recommendations and takeaways 

Achieving meaningful youth participation in AYSRH demands genuine interaction with adolescents and youth, tailored to their specific needs, and fostering equitable power dynamics. It’s essential to recognize that adolescents and youth aren’t passive recipients but active participants with valuable stories, knowledge, and capabilities that can enhance AYSRH programming. By embracing technological advancements, fostering trust, and aligning strategies with their actual needs, we can refine and personalize our AYSRH initiatives. 

Let’s always remember that the true powerholders and beneficiaries of AYSRH programming are adolescents and youth themselves.

5 Key takeaways:

1. Meaningful youth participation in AYSRH programming is essential for achieving positive health outcomes, promoting gender equality, and fostering youth empowerment.
2. AYSRH programming is based on a comprehensive package of sexual and reproductive health interventions to address the unique needs of adolescents and youth.
3. Addressing myths, misconceptions, stereotypes, and biases is crucial to ensure adolescents and youth can access sexual and reproductive health services without hindrance.
4. Engaging young people directly affected by programs in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation is crucial for effective AYSRH programming.
5. The blog outlines six key strategies for meaningful youth participation in AYSRH programming, including empowering youth, leveraging technology, and fostering collaborative partnerships.

Recommendations:

1. Empower young people to actively participate in decision-making processes related to AYSRH programs to benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
2. Focus on empowering young people by providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to actively engage in AYSRH programs.
3. Incorporate innovative technologies into AYSRH programming to enhance youth engagement and reach, facilitating communication, education, and service delivery.
4. Tailor AYSRH programs to address the specific needs and priorities of young people by conducting needs assessments and adapting interventions accordingly.
5. Establish collaborative partnerships with youth-led organizations, local communities, and other stakeholders to create a supportive environment for meaningful youth participation.
6. Promote openness, creativity, and inclusivity in program design and delivery to create a safe and dynamic space for young people to express their views and drive positive change in sexual and reproductive health.

Author: Bisrat Dessalegn

Editor: Bettina Buabeng-Baidoo

We’d love to hear your thoughts 💭 on what meaningful participation means to you and how we can enhance meaningful youth engagement across Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health programming.  Let us know in the comments! 💬