Many adolescents first experience the topic of sexual reproduction in school, where the educational curriculum guides the discussion and teachers adopt value-based approaches, leaving out a lot of crucial and relatable information. It is often a conservative environment for them to share their personal experiences for fear of being judged. Some girls transition into the world outside school with very little knowledge on how to navigate their changing bodies and relationships, exposing them to situations that can alter their lives completely.
Imagine being in a position where you need to make a crucial decision but lack the necessary knowledge and support to make that decision, so you end up making uninformed choice and dealing with the consequence. Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights is a subject that is necessary for all adolescent girls and young women and should be explored without judgement and restrictions to ensure that every girl has access to the right information to guide them. Many adolescents lack the information to protect themselves against teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and unsafe abortions. Its contradicting that in some communities, teenage pregnancy is highly forbidden, but education around sexual reproduction is even more forbidden and seen as a shameful topic, one that can only be whispered by those brave enough.
When I was a teenager, my first ever SRHR session was during a training organized by WETEC Kenya, which was also my first encounter with the organization. By then, I was fresh from high school and learning most things for the first time, and I remember initially feeling out of place because I had been socialized not to talk about certain SRHR topics openly. However, after listening to older girls talk freely about their experiences and everyone supporting them without judgement, I became curious to learn as much as I could because I felt seen, safe, and understood.
Something in me changed that day. I knew I had to do something for other adolescent girls who have little to no information on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights. When COVID-19 came and shut the world down, there was a rise in teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence. Together with other girls, we went around villages holding T-spaces, and that gave me a sense of purpose which has continuously influenced my career.
In as much as there are policies and laws existing to protect girls, many girls have not been reached, and therefore extra effort is still needed from relevant stakeholders to ensure that sustainable strategies are employed, including interactions from an early stage. Investing in adolescents’ SRHR access to information and services is a vital strategy in breaking barriers and improving the quality of their lives.
Adolescents from marginalized communities are already going through a series of disadvantages, including poverty and negative socio-cultural norms that influence their choices in life, and so the additional burden of a teenage pregnancy situation will only further contribute to the deterioration of their lives.
In conclusion, adolescents need to be included at decision-making tables to contribute to policies and tailor the strategies intended for their well-being. They deserve easy access to information and services on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights to enable them to make informed decisions. Everyone has a duty to create a safe environment for adolescent girls and young women, considering their personal and social backgrounds.