Conversations About SRH Are Saving Lives
In a small community hall in Hoima District, a remarkable transformation is taking place. Where once topics of sexual reproductive health were whispered about or avoided entirely, young people now gather openly to discuss everything from menstrual hygiene to family planning. This shift represents a quiet revolution that’s saving lives and transforming futures.
The Silence That Costs Lives
For generations, cultural taboos and misinformation have surrounded sexual reproductive health in many Ugandan communities. The consequences have been devastating: Uganda has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the world at 25%, and HIV prevalence among young women remains almost four times higher than among young men.
“Before GTYI’s programs, we couldn’t even talk about menstruation with our parents,” says 17-year-old Miriam, a peer educator with GTYI’s SRH program. “Girls would use unsafe materials during their periods, and many would miss school. Worse, when they got information about sex, it was often from wrong sources.”
Creating Safe Spaces
GTYI’s approach to breaking these barriers is multifaceted. We establish youth-friendly spaces where young people can access accurate information without judgment. We train peer educators like Miriam who can relate to their contemporaries and communicate in ways that resonate.
“At first, some community elders were resistant,” admits GTYI’s SRH Program Coordinator. “But when we involved them in the conversation and showed them the data about teenage pregnancy and school dropout rates in our district, they began to understand the urgency.”
The Power of Peer Education
Miriam’s work as a peer educator has already made a significant impact. “I’ve helped girls understand that menstruation is natural, not something to be ashamed of. We’ve distributed reusable pads and taught girls how to manage their periods without missing school.”
The program goes beyond menstrual health. Young people learn about consent, healthy relationships, and how to access youth-friendly health services. “We’re not encouraging young people to be sexually active,” Miriam explains. “We’re giving them knowledge to make informed decisions and protect themselves when they do become sexually active.”
