Author: Hamida Ismail-Mauto
(Operations Manager at SRHR Africa Trust)

Zimbabwe is home to one of the youngest populations globally, with over 60% of its citizens under 25. This demographic underscores the urgent need to prioritise the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of adolescents and young people (AYP). Despite their significant numbers, AYP in Zimbabwe face barriers to accessing comprehensive, youth-friendly SRHR services.

These barriers are multifaceted and include limited access to accurate SRHR information, stigma and discrimination surrounding SRHR issues, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and resources, and restrictive policies and laws hindering SRHR access. To address these challenges, youth-led solutions offer a promising approach to empowering AYP to take charge of their reproductive health.

By empowering AYP, youth-led initiatives can increase access to accurate SRHR information, improve health outcomes, and promote positive behaviours. To support youth-led SRHR initiatives, SAT creates an enabling environment that fosters AYP participation and empowerment. The SAT Youth Hubs play a pivotal role in empowering AYP to take charge of their health and well-being.  The Hubs provide safe spaces for AYP to access training in SRHR, leadership, advocacy, and digital skills, build capacity in self-agency and decision-making, share SRHR experiences and ideas, and access accurate SRHR information. Through the Hubs, develop skills and knowledge to navigate their reproductive health rights. The Hubs have been shown to increase access to accurate SRHR information, promote positive SRHR behaviours and attitudes, and improve health outcomes and reduce SRHR-related risks.

In 2024, we conducted 19 outreaches, reaching 1,249 AYA in Harare’s urban and rural areas, including Arcturus, Glen View, Hopley, Mabvuku, Mbare, and Epworth. We also targeted higher learning institutions, specifically Women’s University in Africa and the University of Zimbabwe.