“Nothing About Us Without Us!”: very mindful, demure, and thought-provoking conversations between the YASRHR and youth in Mozambique & eSwatini  

In October, Melchior (Programme Coordinator) and Sara (Youth Ambassador for SRHR) went on our final work trip together to Mozambique and Eswatini. This trip was part of the Youth Ambassador’s role to gather insights from young people across different regions and integrate them into the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mozambique and Eswatini were perfect choices, as they have young populations and diverse SRHR (sexual and reproductive health and rights) contexts. During our trip, we met with various youth groups, including young sex workers, migrants, teen parents, and LGBTQ+ youth. Altogether, we consulted 190 young people, and we’re excited to share some reflections on what we learned!

1. How Are Young People in Eswatini and Mozambique Taking Charge of SRHR Issues? What Stood Out About Their Approaches? 

Sara: I was really struck by the peer-to-peer work we saw among young people in Mozambique and Eswatini. At one organization, young people living with HIV go out into their communities to support others also living with HIV. This work is incredibly selfless, as doing it openly reveals their own HIV status which can expose them to potential stigma and discrimination. Despite these risks, they continue to support their peers and offer the advice they themselves often never received. However, I think it’s important to recognize the mental health toll this takes. These young people are dedicating themselves to helping others, but who is supporting them? Their mental health is vulnerable, and yet they’re committed to finding ways to continue their work sustainably. 

Melchior: I felt really inspired by the mobilization and organizational approaches we saw. The Mozambican organization ASCHA, for example, creates a safe space where young people can express themselves through writing, poetry, and dance. We even joined an SRHR lesson focused on female autonomy, specifically clitoral health and pleasure, which felt incredibly open and welcoming. In Eswatini, we met young entrepreneurs who practice corporate social responsibility by donating part of their revenue to SRHR services. We also held a consultation with young decision-makers from different backgrounds—health professionals, government officials, and queer activists. The discussions were lively, especially when we introduced a provocative question like, “Agree or disagree: all men should undergo a mandatory vasectomy at age 18.” While opinions varied, everyone remained respectful, and even laughter was shared. In today’s polarized world, this ability to disagree kindly was inspiring.  

2. What Creative, Community-Driven Solutions Are Being Used to Improve Access to Contraceptives and SRHR Services? 

Sara: It was fascinating to see how the SRHR landscape differs between Mozambique and Eswatini. In Mozambique, access to contraception isn’t the main barrier—it’s the lack of structured education around it. Young people often don’t receive consistent information, so a lot of their work focuses on peer education about contraception and SRHR in general. In Eswatini, however, the problem is a severe shortage of SRHR products. Youth activists told us, “How can we empower young people to seek SRHR services if, once they’re empowered, the products they need aren’t available?” These activists are working hard to shift social norms, but without accessible products and services, their work remains incomplete. 

Melchior: Reflecting on both countries, I found mental health to be an essential aspect of SRHR access and knowledge. Many of the youth we spoke with were frontline workers, meaning they were on the ground, making a difference in diverse ways. Improving access is difficult since young people often depend on government support and infrastructure, but mental health is always part of the discussion. These young people are learning to set boundaries and build resilience, which is essential for achieving lasting results. 

3. What Are Some Inspiring Local Strategies for Making SRHR More Inclusive? 

Sara: I absolutely loved our visit to SMS Bizz Clinic, a clinic where young SRHR experts answer questions from young people about their sexual and love lives through text messages. The young experts either respond directly or refer people to clinics, all while ensuring anonymity. This clinic is such a creative way to provide young people with SRHR information without the fear of stigma or judgment. I think this model would work wonderfully in the Netherlands, where topics around sex can still be taboo for young people. It would offer a safe and accessible way for them to learn about their sexual health and relationships. 

Melchior: I completely agree! I also want to mention Lambda, an LGBTQI+ organization in Maputo, which has an incredible community center. They gifted us a beautiful book called “Other Bodies of Ours,” featuring powerful photos of people within their movement. The book captures the motto we heard repeatedly during our trip: “Nothing about us without us!” which I feel very inspired by.  

4. How Can the Ideas and Perspectives of Young People in Eswatini and Mozambique Shift Our Views on SRHR? 

Sara: The young people we met are facing stigma and other challenges to support each other, and they know what their peers are struggling with. Many are filling gaps left by formal services, which speaks to their sense of solidarity. They’re not only pushing through barriers for themselves but also fighting for each other’s SRHR. This kind of unity and dedication is inspiring. 

Melchior: I completely agree—solidarity really is the antidote to polarization. The youth we met engaged in tough conversations, not only with us but with adults, donors, and peers. They were able to disagree and stay civil, which is something I sometimes feel is lacking in our own circles in the Netherlands. This skill is essential, especially in today’s political climate, and I think it’s something we should all work toward. I hope to develop similar debate and connection skills and think young people in the Netherlands could learn a lot from these experiences. 

5. What Did You Learn from the Youth that Changed Your Perspective on SRHR? 

Sara: SRHR advocacy often focuses on young girls and women, which makes sense given their unique vulnerabilities. However, after talking with so many young girls and women—and fewer boys and men—it became clear that gender equality requires everyone’s involvement. We spoke to teen mothers about empowerment, and they pointed out that their empowerment can even become a danger if it doesn’t also empower the fathers. To truly address patriarchal structures, we need to involve boys and men in these conversations. 

Melchior: Many programs focus on economic empowerment and entrepreneurship, but not everyone wants to be an entrepreneur. I think it’s time for donors to rethink program implementation and consider diverse pathways to support independence, ownership, and sustainability. 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this experience. 

Our gratitude goes to the young people who shared their insights and experiences with us, and to the adults in the program who created space for open conversations. We also thank the drivers who ensured our safe travels and the coordinators in Mozambique and eSwatini who made this journey possible. A special appreciation to Nick Veldwijk and João Chongo from the Dutch Embassy in Maputo for their invaluable support.