Leveraging Youth-Led and Youth-Serving Models for adolescents’ empowerment through increased access to SRHR services in communities
Adolescents and young people now have increased access to contraceptives because of SAT’s intervention through the Youthwyze Outreaches which provide adolescents and young people with youth friendly sexual reproductive health services. Before SAT’s Health Outreach intervention in Mabvuku district, there was limited and discriminatory access to contraceptives by young people due to the stigma and judgemental attitudes from the local health service providers associated with young people accessing contraceptives. Currently outreaches have a cumulative reach of 10 000 per year. The local health facility staff attitudes have also improved through our interactions and sensitisation on youth friendly facilities.
Using the Youth-led and Youth-serving model, six young people (Lynn Mapiye -Female 24years, Craig Marimo – Male 22years, Alvin Gukuta – Male 22years, Panashe Zakazaka Female – 21 years, Nomatter Ruzvidzo Female – 22years and Alfa Bothwell Gwatidzo – 24years) known as SAT Hubsters have transformed the state of access to SRHR services by adolescents. Selected by SAT for their passion and leadership potential, these hubsters have received comprehensive training in life skills, leadership, and comprehensive sexuality education (CSE). Acting as outreach facilitators, they serve as vital conduits between their community and essential health services.
Through participatory workshops, community health fairs, and open dialogues, the Hubsters tackle misinformation and stigma surrounding adolescent health, fostering a culture of understanding and empowerment. Their collaborative work with the Mabvuku District Health Committee (where one of them (Alfa Bothwell Gwatidzo) is a committee member) ensures that the voices of young people shape health policies and services tailored to their needs in the district.
As barriers to SRHR access continue to be a challenge, the Hubsters have inspired an adolescent wave of change by empowering them to lead advocacy efforts aimed at improving access to health as well as breaking down stigma and taboos surrounding their access to these services. Their story exemplifies the power of youth leadership and community-driven approaches, illustrating how empowered adolescents can facilitate meaningful change and improve health outcomes in their communities.
With support from The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Youthwyze outreaches and youth hub trainings, the youth hubsters have been a vital link between health facilities and communities, while also advocating for the recognition of adolescents’ access to services within the district health committees.
Other organisations that also played a key role include the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council, Population Services Zimbabwe, Mabvuku Polyclinic, and the Institute of Women Social Workers.
“I am now empowered as my ability to exercise agency over access to contraceptives has significantly improved. I can now visit the outreach facility and local clinic without fear of discrimination and judgement,” says 24-year-old Bridget Muradzikwa.