Youth and adolescents represent a crucial demographic in the fight for improved global health, yet their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) often remain underfunded and overlooked. At Youth for a Sustainable World (YSW), we are committed to advocating for increased and more effective investments in SRHR, ensuring that young people’s needs are prioritized in global health agendas.

Adolescents, particularly girls, face significant barriers in accessing vital health services and information. These challenges are compounded by socio-cultural norms, gender inequality, and inadequate policies. When these issues are not addressed, they lead to dire consequences, including early pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and gender-based violence.

YSW builds the capacity of young people to advocate for themselves through a social accountability approach, utilizing community scorecards. This approach empowers youth to assess and monitor the quality of SRHR services and information in their communities, providing a platform for them to hold service providers, duty-bearers and policymakers accountable. We equip young people with the tools to engage in meaningful dialogue, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed.

Increased investment in adolescent SRHR is not just an investment in their well-being—it is an investment in the future of entire communities. By empowering young people to lead, we pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for all.