Advancing AYSRHR Goals Through Youth-Led Partnerships & Collaborations
The Global Roadmap for Action (GRA) celebrated UNGA and World Contraception Day with two dynamic roundtable discussions featuring distinguished representatives from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Family Planning 2030 (FP2030), and GIRL Center: Let Them Know: Advancing AYSRHR Goals Through Youth-Led Partnerships and Collaborations".
These events, hosted by the Gates Institute, gathered the GRA and partners with a shared commitment and purpose — to shine a spotlight on the pressing issues surrounding the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents and young people around the world. These were not just conversations; they are is a call to action. A call to action that comes at a crucial juncture in our global efforts to empower young people, promote their well-being, and safeguard their rights. Especially as we look towards our 2030 benchmarks.
And leading this call to action is the AYSRHR Global Roadmap for Action, a growing global youth movement dedicated to advancing a youth-led vision for AYSRHR. Launched during the 2022 International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP), GRA has rapidly evolved into a powerful coalition of over 40 youth-led organizations committed to uplifting the cause of AYSRHR. With a vision that places youth at the forefront of advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), GRA holds immense potential to positively impact the lives of millions of young people worldwide through strategic advocacy and meaningful partnerships.
The roundtable discussion was a platform for leaders and experts to come together, discuss, and share insights on critical challenges and actionable solutions that GRA has prioritized. The event's panel featured a diverse group of individuals deeply engaged in advancing the cause of sexual and reproductive health:
GRA members:
👤 Dr. Norhan Bader, GRA Member (Love Matters Arabic الحب ثقافة): Dr. Bader is a dedicated GRA member, part of the Love Matters Arabic initiative, which aims to foster open, honest, and inclusive discussions about relationships, love, and sex in the Arab world.
👤 Dr. Jackie Fonkwo, GRA Member (FP2030): Dr. Fonkwo's work within GRA and FP2030 is instrumental in realizing the ambitious goals of expanding family planning access for all.
👤 Dr. David Imbago, GRA Member (YIELD Hub): Dr. Imbago is an influential GRA member associated with the YIELD Hub, contributing to youth empowerment in the field of SRHR.
👤 Innocent Grant, GRA Member (Young & Alive): Innocent Grant is a dedicated GRA member representing Young & Alive, actively engaged in youth-focused initiatives that promote sexual and reproductive health.
Partners:
👤 Dr. Samukeliso Dube, FP2030: An expert in family planning, Dr. Dube is at the forefront of efforts to ensure access to contraception for all, regardless of their circumstances.
👤 Danielle Engel, UNFPA: Danielle Engel represents the UNFPA, an organization that plays a crucial role in promoting global efforts to address population and reproductive health issues.
👤 Dela Nai, Population Council Girl Innovation, Research, and Learning (GIRL) Center: Dela Nai brings a wealth of experience in championing the rights and well-being of adolescent girls, focusing on research and innovative solutions.
Host:
👤 Jordan Freeman, Gates Institute: As a representative from the Gates Institute, Jordan Freeman contributes to groundbreaking research and advocacy for SRHR, driving progress in this critical field.
The roundtable discussion at UNGA and on World Contraception Day emphasized the vital role that GRA and its members play in shaping the future of AYSRHR. By engaging in meaningful discussions and forging strong partnerships, they are making strides toward ensuring that young people worldwide have the information, resources, and support they need to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. This event was a testament to the power of collaboration and a brighter future for young individuals everywhere, where their rights and well-being are at the forefront of global priorities.