CSOs Youth-Led Joint Review and Submission for Malawi Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Report

The BreakFree Consortium, which comprises PLAN International Malawi, the Forum for African Women Educationalists in Malawi (FAWEMA), and the SRHR Africa Trust (SAT) Malawi, recently organized a Youth-Led Joint Review and Submission for Malawi’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report. This event brought together diverse adolescents and young people to review and analyse Malawi’s 2020 UPR report, draw recommendations from it, and consolidate a youth-led report that will inform the country’s civil society organization (CSO) report on the UPR. The three-day meeting took place from March 17 to 19, 2025, at Chikho Hotels in Mponela, Lilongwe.

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique process that involves a review of the human rights records of all UN Member States. It is a state-driven process under the auspices of the Human Rights Council, providing each state with the opportunity to declare actions taken to improve human rights situations and fulfil their obligations. As one of the main features of the Council, the UPR ensures equal treatment for every country during human rights assessments. The goal of this mechanism is to improve conditions in all countries and address human rights violations wherever they may occur. Currently, no other universal mechanism of this nature exists.

Malawi’s last UPR report was submitted in 2020, with contributions from several stakeholders as part of the “Other Stakeholders” report. This report highlighted key issues related to women and other vulnerable groups. This youth-led joint review and submission meeting was the first of its kind, convening adolescents and young people to develop a report on matters affecting them, which will aid in informing the country’s CSO report on the UPR.

SAT Botswana engages primary school learners on GBV, Sexuality and Family Dynamics during health talks

SAT Botswana was invited to Tshwaragano Primary School by the District AIDS Commissioner’s office to conduct two days of health talks for students in standard 5 to 7.

The health talks were inspired by the Setswana proverb, “Lore lo ojwa lo sale metsi; fa le kwakwaletse lo a robega,” which translates to, “Mould the plant while it is still young and supple; for when it is older and hardened, it will break.”

SAT recognises the importance of engaging with adolescents and young people, particularly on topics such as comprehensive sexuality education, gender-based violence, family dynamics, and emotional well-being. This engagement helps them become lifelong learners, make informed decisions, and positively contribute to their communities.

Break Free! Training the Next Generation of Changemakers

From March 12th to 15th, passionate activists from Mozambique came together for training in our Break Free! Program to build skills to advocate for sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and the fight against gender-based violence.

Through interactive discussions and shared experiences, they explored strategies to reach more communities and drive real change. This isn’t just training – it’s a movement to invest in youth leadership to create a healthier, safer future for all! 

Month of Youth Against AIDS: Parents tackle cultural taboos, shame and lack of communication when speaking with adolescents about sex

SAT Botswana, in collaboration with the District AIDS Commission (DAC) office, was invited to participate in an orientation meeting on Tuesday, 11th March 2025 for Form 4 parents at Ledumang CJSS. The meeting aimed to address open parent-child communication regarding sexual and reproductive health issues. It was attended by community leaders, including pastors, school management, police, social workers, representatives from civil society organisations, and parents of students entering Form 4 at Ledumang CJSS.

The purpose of the discussion was to educate parents on how to communicate with their children about sexual and reproductive health effectively. This initiative seeks to reduce risky sexual behaviours, early sexual initiation, and unwanted pregnancies.

Given the alarming rise in teenage pregnancies and HIV infections among adolescents and young people in Botswana, the conversation about open parent-child communication is crucial. This communication is the primary means for parents to impart sexual values and knowledge to their children, thereby promoting healthy sexual practices and decreasing risky behaviors among adolescents.

During the meeting, parents expressed their gratitude for the discussion, as many reported challenges in addressing these issues with their children. They identified several barriers to open communication, including cultural factors, taboos, feelings of shame, lack of communication skills, embarrassment, and fear.

Some participants even mentioned the belief that discussing these topics could encourage premarital sexual practices among children. Overall, parents appreciated the conversations and several pledged to work on fostering open communication with their children going forward.

Celebrating Zimbabwe’s Young Changemakers at the Adolescent Activism Awards  

SAT Zimbabwe hosted the Adolescent Activism Awards for Zimbabwe on Friday, December 6, 2024, under the theme “Be The Change You Want To See.” The AAAs celebrate young activists who are making a difference in the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights space within their communities. The event was attended by partners including UNFPA, the Zimbabwe Ministry of Youth, the Zimbabwe Youth Council, civil society organisations, and youth leaders.

The awards recognise the drive, creativity, and commitment of young people tackling challenges in their communities, often with limited resources.

Congratulations to Eliah Kausiyo for winning in the general category, and to Virgilance Mupandasekwa for being the runner-up in that category. The citizen Journalism Award was awarded to Elizabeth Ledon Maduro, with Acknowledge Mawere as the runner-up.

Well done to all the nominees and winners!

Unpacking Pathways for Improving Access to Condoms in Zimbabwe

SAT Zimbabwe hosted a breakfast meeting to discuss the challenges of condom access nationwide. The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Parliament Portfolio Committee on Health, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the Institute of Women Social Workers, Zvandiri Africaid, UNFPA, the Community Working Group on Health, the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council, Population Services Zimbabwe, and young leaders.

With PEPFAR signalling a withdrawal of funding for condoms, the discussion focused on identifying sustainable strategies to ensure availability. Key points included prioritising domestic funding, integrating condom access into discussions on anti-microbial resistance, engaging with the National AIDS Council and the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and addressing stigma and discrimination at both community and health facility levels.

Collaborative efforts are essential to ensure stigma-free and consistent access to condoms, thereby supporting the sexual and reproductive health rights of all Zimbabweans.

SAT Zambia participates in the 56th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF)

SAT Zambia is proudly participating in the 56th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) in Livingstone, Zambia.

During the opening ceremony, the YouthWyze team had the honour of engaging with the Vice President, the esteemed Guest of Honor for this landmark event.

Under the theme: “Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Smart, Inclusive, and Responsive Parliaments in the SADC Region,” this year’s assembly shines a spotlight on progress and possibilities for a brighter, more inclusive future.

As a regional partner of SADC-PF, SAT is championing investment into Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, SAT’s presence here underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring universal access to SRH for adolescents and young people across the region.

Strong Voices, Safe Choices: Empowering Youth, Uniting for 30 Years of Action Against Gender-Based Violence

SAT Botswana joined BOFWA, different ministries, and civil society organisations in a collective effort to fight Gender-Based Violence under the theme ‘Strong Voices, Safe Choices: Empowering Youth, Uniting for 30 Years of Action Against Gender-Based Violence’.

The event was officiated by Hon. Maipelo Mophuting, Assistant Minister for State President, who gave an empowering and motivational call to action directed at youth and leaders. He highlighted the vital role of young people in shaping the future through courage, creativity, and compassion while urging leaders and policymakers to act with integrity, listen to the voices of the people, and create meaningful legislation. This message bridges generations and emphasises collective responsibility for a better and safer future.

Young people had the opportunity to share information about SAT Botswana’s outreach programme and the challenges they face in accessing SRHR services. The Assistant Minister assured them that his office is always open, promising to work with them to ensure that health-related issues of young people are prioritised and addressed.

Youth Activists Shine Bright At The Adolescent Activism Awards in Botswana

SAT Botswana hosted their Adolescents Activism Awards on Friday, November 21, 2024, at Oasis Motel in Tlokweng, under the theme “Be the Change You Want to See.” The ceremony celebrated adolescents driving meaningful change in their communities through creativity, determination, and resilience, often overcoming resource limitations.

The event was graced by Botswana Country Director, Mr. Thatayaone Gabositwe, and SAT Botswana Board Chairperson, Mr. Samson Setumo, who inspired and encouraged young leaders.

A special thanks to our partners —UNFPA, UNAIDS, the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and civil society organisations — for their support.

Congratulations to:

• Marang Lemeni (General Category Winner) for the Teens on Track project
• Kutlwano Molome (General Category Runner-up)
• Patience Molapisi (Citizen Journalism Award Winner)

Well done to all the nominees and winners!

Uniting Media Professionals On Impactful Coverage of World Contraceptive Day

SAT Zambia in partnership with UNFPA Zambia, proudly hosted a transformative Media Reflection, Learning, and Strategic Planning Workshop in Lusaka on 12th November 2024. Led by UNFPA Deputy Country Representative Anne Armstrong, this inspiring gathering united media professionals to reflect on the impactful coverage of World Contraception Day 2024, exchange best practices, and strategies for future initiatives in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

Together, we are empowering media engagement to catalyse policy change, elevate public awareness, and foster informed decision-making on vital SRHR issues.

Champions keep playing until they get it right

SAT Botswana hosted a three-day leadership training for Youth Hub members to empower young people with essential skills in professional development, policy influence, advocacy, and communication, with the motto: “Champions keep playing until they get it right!”

Youth Hubsters advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) issues at all levels, confronting challenges and discovering strategies to overcome them. The Botswana Ministry of Health’s Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Department also shared their insights with our young leaders.

The training highlighted the importance of meaningful youth engagement, focused on the Sustainable Development Goals, and stressed the importance of inclusivity.

SAT is proud to be part of the developmental journey of young people in Botswana. Growing a cadre of young people prioritising their peers’ and their country’s health and wellbeing.

South African Representative Council of Learners Let their Voices Be Heard at NSAAC Children’s Sector Consultation

SAT is very proud to have played a crucial role in letting the voices of adolescent youth be heard at the Children’s Sector Consultation by The Presidency of South Africa for the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC). 10 student leaders from Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West and Kimberly provinces in SA attended the event. They boldly delivered the children’s memorandum and articulately called on the government to include children and the Representative Council of Learners (RCLs) in decision-making processes when drafting policies for youth.

The event took place in Johannesburg spearheaded by The Presidency of South Africa, The Department of Education and The Department of Social Development. RCLs presented a compelling speech by the President of the RCL in the North West, Bontle Motatsa, who said children’s voices are crucial in policy development and the government should lean on the RCLs because their peers voted them into Council to represent them at national level.

“Nothing about us, for us – without us!”

RCLs raised concerns that policies that are created for children are at times out of touch with the reality and needs of South African youth, with a call for government to seek them out in their schools, homes and communities and engage with them in crucial matters. They highlighted areas of children’s rights, health, education and mental development as key areas that required intervention to combat poverty, suicide amongst teens, child abuse and improve SA’s education system.

They also pledged to continue to play a positive role in the lives of their peers and to advocate for children’s rights.

SAT Zimbabwe roundtable to discuss the challenges of accessing SRH services in Zimbabwe

SAT Zimbabwe convened a roundtable dialogue with non-traditional allies, civil society organisations (CSOs), and young people to tackle the challenges surrounding access to SRH services in Zimbabwe. The meeting delved into existing barriers and explored pathways to promote access to SRH services for adolescents and young people.

Key Takeaways:

1. Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) must be tailored to age, inclusive, and scientifically accurate.
2. Building capacity among teachers, parents, local leaders, and peer educators is essential.
3. Robust health financing and system strengthening are critical for accessible SRH services.
4. Adolescent-centred solutions demand innovative, context-specific approaches.

This dialogue underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to address Zimbabwe’s SRH challenges, ensuring young people’s access to quality, inclusive services.

Zimbabwe’s National Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention and Response Framework (2024-2030)

This week SAT Zim is participating in a crucial workshop to develop Zimbabwe’s National Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention and Response Framework (2024-2030). The Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare is leading the effort with an intent to put into action support mechanisms to prevent adolescent pregnancies as well as provide opportunities for pregnant adolescent girls and mothers to mitigate health, education, social, and economic consequences of pregnancy and adolescent motherhood.

Key objectives of the workshop are:

• Conduct a comprehensive situation analysis of adolescent pregnancies in Zimbabwe.
• Collaboratively develop and prioritise strategies and interventions and a monitoring, evaluation, and learning framework for the operational plan.
• For stakeholders to agree on a road map for finalising the operational plan.
• Setting up technical work to support the completion of the operational plan

The meeting is attended by key strategic stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, National Aids Council, ZNFPC, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNAIDS, CSOs, and Adolescents and Young People.

National Strategy for Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) 2024-2030

SAT Malawi is making great strides in developing the National Strategy for Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) 2024-2030 in partnership with the Ministry ofYouth and Sports, and the AGYW Secretariat.

This week, passionate Youth Hub members gathered to analyse the strategy document and provide valuable feedback.

Together, they identified critical issues and engaged in meaningful discussions to highlight key focus areas and areas where improvement may be needed.

Empowering Communities through SRHR and Social Change Training

The district of Mogovolas recently hosted a comprehensive training for teachers, GBV activists, and Youth Hub mentors, focused on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Communication for Social and Behavioural Change. Participants from four administrative posts—Nametil, Iuluti, Nanhupo Rio, and Muatua—gathered to strengthen their capacity in addressing key SRHR issues within their communities.

This training, conducted under the BREAK FREE program in partnership with SAT, aims to equip educators and mentors with the knowledge and tools to drive impactful change, fostering healthier and more informed communities. By integrating SRH education with strategies for effective social and behavioural change communication, we are working to reduce barriers and improve access to essential services for young people.

SAT remains committed to supporting initiatives like these that empower local leaders to advocate for and implement solutions that improve the health and well-being of adolescents and youth across Mozambique.

#YouthLeadHealth #SHRH4All #AdolescentHealthForAll #SRHR #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityLeadership

Engaging Senior Chiefs in the Fight for SRHR in Malawi

SAT Malawi participated in the Engagement Meeting with Senior Chiefs on Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR), hosted by the Reproductive Health Directorate under the Ministry of Health. This pivotal event focused on the critical issues affecting our youth, such as teenage pregnancies and Cervical Cancer prevention.

Her Excellency Madam Monica Chakwera, the First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, being named the Champion of SRHR with a special focus on the reduction of teenage pregnancies and the introduction of the HPV vaccine as a strategy for Cervical Cancer prevention has appointed the Senior Chiefs to collaborate with her in driving efforts to prevent early childbearing, adolescent pregnancies, and Cervical Cancer.

This event signifies a monumental step in ensuring stronger leadership and community involvement in tackling SRHR challenges across Malawi.

Promoting Learner Health and Wellbeing: SAT Zimbabwe’s Collaborative Stakeholders Meeting in Chitungwiza

SAT Zimbabwe, in partnership with Youth Aspire Development Trust (YADT), hosted a successful District Stakeholders Meeting in Chitungwiza to formally introduce the School Health Programme. The initiative, aimed at enhancing the overall health and wellbeing of learners, brought together key stakeholders from the education, health, and community sectors.

The programme’s primary objectives are to reduce teenage pregnancies, curb school dropouts, and improve learner retention by providing students with access to comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services and education within school environments. By addressing these challenges head-on, the programme seeks to create a safer and more supportive atmosphere for young people to thrive academically and personally.

The meeting highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building a sustainable framework that ensures long-term success. The active involvement of local stakeholders, including school authorities, health professionals, and community leaders, is critical in implementing policies that promote safe, healthy learning spaces.

Through this initiative, SAT Zimbabwe and YADT are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of learners in Chitungwiza, fostering an environment where young people can pursue their education without the risk of health-related setbacks or the pressure of social and economic challenges.

#YouthLeadHealth #SHRH4All #AdolescentHealthForAll #LearnerHealth #learnerwellbeing

PEERU and SAT Present Last-Mile Condom Distribution Initiatives at the National Condom Coordination Committee Meeting

In partnership with SAT, PEERU had the privilege of presenting its initiatives on last-mile condom distribution during the National Condom Coordination Committee meeting, hosted by Uganda’s Ministry of Health. Our Executive Director, Mr Bwire Moses, shared key updates from the Uganda Commodity Report, highlighting efforts to improve access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) resources across various districts.

Central to the presentation was the YouthWyze Uganda app, developed in collaboration with SAT. This digital platform empowers out-of-school youth in Kampala by providing access to SRH information and resources, including last-mile condom distribution. The Ministry of Health expressed admiration for the app’s innovative approach in bridging the gap between young people and essential SRH services.

The committee encouraged PEERU and SAT to extend YouthWyze’s reach beyond Kampala to other districts in Uganda. They also emphasised the importance of engaging students in universities and institutions of higher learning to further promote condom access and utilisation.

PEERU, in partnership with SAT, remains committed to expanding the YouthWyze platform, ensuring that more young people, no matter their location, benefit from essential SRH services. We are excited to continue working with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to foster a healthier, more informed generation.

#YouthLeadHealth #SHRH4All #AdolescentHealthForAll #LastMileDistribution #CondomAccess #PEERU #SafeSexEducation

Empowering Youth Through Knowledge: COMYODS Peer Educator Training at LUANAR

SAT Malawi was proud to support the College of Medicine Youth Development Society (COMYODS) during their recent peer educator training at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). The training, aimed at addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in higher education, provided peer educators with the knowledge and skills to support their peers, raise awareness, and contribute to the prevention and management of SGBV on campus.

Our Country Director opened the event with powerful remarks about the importance of empowering youth to be change agents within their communities. SAT Youth Officer, Foster, delivered an engaging presentation on the YouthWyze platform and its role in facilitating access to SRHR information and linking youth to friendly SRH services. The SAT Youth Hub also plays a crucial role in promoting meaningful youth engagement and participation in decision-making structures. This collaboration is part of our ongoing commitment to building safe and supportive environments for students across Malawi’s institutions of higher learning.

Collaborative Efforts to Improve Access to SRH Services for Adolescents

SAT Zimbabwe, in partnership with the Access Taskforce members, recently convened a sensitisation meeting to thoroughly examine the Medical Services Amendment Bill and its implications for adolescents’ access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services. The discussions brought to light the pressing need to review and amend existing legal restrictions that hinder young people’s ability to seek vital SRH care.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing barriers to SRH services in order to reduce the rates of teenage pregnancies, STIs, HIV, and unsafe abortions among adolescents. Legal reforms, combined with awareness and advocacy, can significantly improve the health outcomes for young people in Zimbabwe, ensuring they receive the care and information they need to make informed decisions about their health and futures.

This engagement reflects SAT Zimbabwe’s commitment to advocating for policies that promote equitable access to healthcare and safeguard the well-being of adolescents across the country.

Enhancing Community Engagement through Community-Led Monitoring Training

SAT Botswana recently conducted a comprehensive training session focused on Community-Led Monitoring (CLM). The primary goal was to introduce participants to the concept of CLM, equipping them with essential skills in data collection methodologies and fostering effective engagement and communication with key stakeholders within their communities.

Participants were introduced to the Youthspeak app, a vital tool for youth engagement, and engaged in role-playing exercises to simulate real-world scenarios of approaching young people in their communities. Additional role plays, including focused group discussions, allowed participants to refine their communication strategies and engagement techniques.

The outcome of this training was to empower young people to identify gaps and challenges in the healthcare services they receive at health facilities. Furthermore, it aimed to enhance their ability to engage with community stakeholders to collaboratively develop solutions and advocate for improved, high-quality services. By fostering active participation, the training supports the ongoing drive to ensure that young people play a crucial role in shaping the healthcare services they rely on.