Over half of the world’s population is below 25 years of age. Young people experience specific problems regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and sexuality. These problems differ from the issues that adults have, or that may have existed among previous generations, such as ‘loverboys’.
Talking about the sexuality of young people is still very controversial, even though pregnancy is the main cause of death among women between 15 and 19 years worldwide. Complications in giving birth and unsafe abortion practices contribute greatly to these worrying numbers. Also, almost half of all new HIV infections occur among young people. Therefore it is crucial that young people receive adequate information about these issues because it has a high impact on their future and present lives. This information needs to be freely available to everyone. In addition, young people need to have access to contraceptives and relevant health services – also outside school hours and without the need for parental consent.
Young people are not only victims, but also experts on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. Young people know best how to reach their peers and are experts at identifying the gaps or faults in current policies. That is why we, CHOICE, and our partners advocate on these issues.
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights policies are mainly designed by adults, and therefore youth-specific issues often do not get the attention they need. CHOICE fights to get young people’s issues on the agenda and to get young people equally involved in the programs, projects, and the making of policies.
To have youth-friendly policies and to be ensured that youth perspectives are considered in decision making processes, young people themselves need to be fully involved in advocacy. Young people are the main driving force for positive change!
