South Africa: From Knowledge to Choice: Advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights for young people

Adolescents and young people in many under-resourced communities continue to face significant barriers to accurate Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services. Restricted access to comprehensive sexuality education, stigma around contraception and safe abortion, persistent HIV risks, and limited youth‑friendly services increase vulnerability and limit young people’s agency.

Youth Action Health (YAH), a youth‑led non‑profit organisation, implemented a project in Capricorn District, Limpopo, in collaboration with schools, community leaders, health facilities, and peer educators. The project focused particularly on adolescent girls and young women, young people at risk of HIV, and youths with limited access to SRHR services.

The programme delivered dialogues, workshops, peer‑to‑peer sessions, and community awareness campaigns addressing contraception, family planning, HIV prevention, safe abortion in line with national policy, menstrual health, and youth leadership. YAH also trained community‑based SRHR Advocates equipped with facilitation and referral skills to support peers and strengthen youth‑friendly service linkages.

The change occurred through a rights‑based, youth‑driven approach that tackled both structural and social barriers. By engaging health providers, educators, parents, community leaders and young people, the project helped normalise open conversations about SRHR and created an enabling environment for continued access to services.

Participants reported increased knowledge of SRHR topics, improved confidence to seek services, reduced stigma around HIV and contraception, and strengthened understanding of menstrual health. Young people became more comfortable engaging in discussions, while SRHR Advocates continued supporting peers through guidance, referrals, and follow‑up.

The project’s significance lies in strengthening a youth‑centred SRHR movement at community level. It positioned young people as leaders rather than passive beneficiaries, improved collaboration between youth and service providers, and helped shift SRHR from a taboo subject to a recognised health priority.

Sustainability is ensured through trained SRHR Advocates who continue peer engagement; strengthened partnerships with health facilities and schools; and integration of tools into ongoing community programmes. YAH plans to scale up the project by expanding advocacy training, replicating the model in additional districts, and engaging more government and civil‑society partners.

Quotes

Blessing Risiba I feel like I developed emotional growth and strength during this SRHR workshop.

Katleho Tjale Self love is the most important. For confidence to be regained is by not having low self‑esteem.

Zama Dlamini I know the different types of contraceptives and how they work.