“Access to sexual reproductive health is not just a right but a necessity for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programs to succeed, especially for the growing number of girls reaching the reproductive age across the continent. There is particularly an urgent need for increased universal and youth friendly access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Care service” Read the opening remarks of the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) Preliminary report. African countries are racing towards achieving UHC for all its citizens in a bid to also achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3. Despite the great momentum toward improving health coverage, millions of people in Africa lack access to services related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH). UHC cannot be achieved if access to quality sexual and reproductive health services is ignored. The Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) in Kigali sought to galvanize stakeholders to strengthen a multi-sectorial collaboration to achieve UHC including SRH Services. In the spirit of leaving no one behind, delegates reckoned that SRH services and supplies must be included in the basic package of services offered under the UHC strategies, such as national health insurance: From the design phase, stakeholders must make evidence based decisions regarding what SRH services and supplies will be included in the basic package of services, to ensure that services reflect the needs of women, adolescents, and marginalized group. To advance UHC, the specific needs and challenges facing adolescents must be addressed. Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) empowers young people to safely and positively navigate their sexuality, contributes to safer sexual behaviors and leads to better health and wellbeing outcomes. CSE is a key component in the prevention of poor health outcomes and addressing the social drawbacks of health. Governments must make concurrent investments in CSE across health, education and related sectors to make the strongest possible contribution to health outcomes. During one of the AHAIC breakout sessions on addressing cultural, social and age barriers to accessing health services in Africa, delegates agreed that such barriers to accessing SRH services must be addressed. They include low literacy levels, subordination within families and communities, violence, lack of partner or parental permission to access services, and stigma and discrimination based on gender and age. Even when high quality SRH services are available, women and young people may face specific barriers to accessing them. AHAIC symposium; Achieving UHC by strengthening SRHR, organized by Swedish International Development Cooperation, SRHR Team, and UNFPA East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) and Embassy of Sweden highlighted that effective accountability mechanisms must guide the design and implementation of UHC programs: Regular monitoring and reviewing must be built into UHC programs to ensure that services reflect the needs of women, adolescents, and marginalized groups. In particular, the participation of civil society (including women’s and citizen’s groups, service providers, young people, and health professionals) in accountability for UHC can guarantee that the SRH priorities of the entire population aremet. The symposium also highlighted the importance of data collection, and monitoring and evaluation systems for UHC that would include a range of indicators. These would be aimed at capturing whether women and adolescents, in particular, are able to access and receive quality SRH services. Indicators can include: service delivery indicators (contraceptive prevalence rate, unmet need for family planning); supply chain performance indicators (availability of medicines and supplies, supply chain responsiveness); health outcome indicators (adolescent birth rate); and equity indicators (gender disparities in impoverishment/financial protection for health, inequality for family planning coverage). The symposium further suggested that the responsiveness of supply systems must be strengthened: This is necessary to avoid stock-outs of the essential medicines and supplies required to deliver quality SRH services. From the design phase, stakeholders must assess whether current supply systems are sufficiently robust to withstand the additional demands of the UHC strategy. Embracing technological advancement was also discussed in one of the plenary sessions; (Leveraging technology and innovative models of service delivery to accelerate access) as a mechanism that would be essential in achieving UHC. Mobile Apps and messaging services to reach young people with SRH information was seen as a viable way to address myths and misconceptions that encroach use of family planning. This would enable young people to make informed choices about their bodies. In Uganda, for example, young people have developed mobile apps to monitor fetal distress, diagnose breast cancer, and disseminate information on HIV and AIDS. Conclusion Ensuring that all individuals are able access a minimum essential package of quality SRHR services and information will not only benefit broader aspects of health but allows gains in other development outcomes including gender equality, education, employment, sustainable and inclusive growth and poverty eradication.   "Health for all does not come automatically, we want to see not only political will but political leadership, strong investment and the voice of the people at every level of the process," H.E Mrs. Toyin Saraki, Founder The Well Being Foundation Africa   By Lorna Andisi, Journalist - Right by Her Champion Member of the IPPFAR Journalists' Network   

The practice of marrying off girls at a young age is a practice that is common in many traditional African communities. Yet, child marriage has immense negative effects on the health of girls. Child marriage promotes gender inequality as once they are married off, it often signals the end of schooling for most of these girls. Most child brides come from poor families and with their education halted, the cycle of poverty continues. Unable to work or engage in meaningful economic activities, the girls become financially dependent on their husbands. This often means that they have no decision-making or negotiating powers in the home. Early child marriage also denies the girls the opportunity to enter a loving union with a spouse of their choice. Married to much older men, many child brides are forced to endure years of physical, emotional, psychological and sexual violence from their husbands and their in-laws. Further, the practice of child marriage has strong adverse effects on the life and health of the girls. It increases their risk for cervical cancer and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV. In most cases, the girls are forced to start families when they are not physically and emotionally ready to do so. Early pregnancy predisposes young girls to a myriad of challenges such as increased susceptibility to malaria-related complications, death during childbirth due to among others: eclampsia, post-partum haemorrhage and obstructed labor -which often leads to obstetric fistula. Their babies also face severe health risks -some of which are fatal. United Against Child Marriage -an FPAM Initiative Malawi is one of the countries with the highest rates of child marriage in Africa. To address this, the Malawi government, in collaboration with different organizations, has over the years engaged in stringent efforts to address the harmful culture. IPPF’s Member Association in Malawi -Family Planning Association of Malawi (FPAM) is recognized as one of the leading organizations that works together with the government in this regard. One of the successful strategies that FPAM has always used in the implementation of its programs and projects is closely working with different partners and stakeholders to achieve its objectives. These include government, ministries, health institutions, parents, youth groups, champions, opinion formers, religious and community leaders such as chiefs, elders and other traditional leaders. The ‘United Against Child Marriage’ project; Partnership with Local Custodians of Culture  The United Against Child Marriage project is one of the initiatives that FPAM has engaged in to address the harmful practice. At the beginning of the project, FPAM identified Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto -a prominent Ngoni Chief in the Central region of Malawi as a strategic and invaluable partner. Chiefs enact community by-laws for the development of the community and ensure that these by-laws are enforced. Watch: Ending Child Marriage in Malawi An outstanding advocate in different health, development and cultural issues, Senior Chief Kachindamoto is one of Malawi’s foremost female empowerment champions. She believes that Chiefs, as custodians of culture, are expected to be at the forefront in ending cultural practices that negatively affect the community’s health and development. Senior Chief Kachindamoto believes that these custodians of culture should be role models in society, owing to the respect that the community members accord them. In her community, Senior Chief Kachindamoto has played a leading role in addressing some of the harmful gender norms which affect young women and girls, such as sexual cleansing (fisi). Saddened by the increase in child marriages in her area, FPAM identified her as a strong collaborative partner. Her engagement in the project has seen her consistently engage different traditional and community leaders in seeking solutions to address the harmful practice. Senior Chief Kachindamoto was part of the team of Chiefs who formulated by-laws to end child marriages in her area, and the annulment of such already existing marriages. These laws stipulate that no girl/boy should be married before the age of 18 years. Through her participation in FPAM’s ‘United Against Child Marriage’ project, she annulled over 300 child marriages. Senior Chief Kachindamoto has always championed access to education for young girls, and, together with local school administrators and organizations such as FPAM, she has strengthened the re-admission policy of girls back to school. Aside from the ‘United Against Child Marriage’ project, FPAM continues to, on a regular basis, engage Senior Chief Kachindamoto in different projects aimed at establishing a strong sexual reproductive health advocacy structure in the society. She says that different community programmes have been strengthened following the introduction of sexual reproductive health programmes targeting young people by Family Planning Association of Malawi (FPAM) in her area of jurisdiction. Her enviable work with FPAM has helped raise its profile in Malawi and beyond. The collaboration of FPAM with local leaders such as Senior Chief Kachindamoto was identified as one of FPAM’s Good Practices during the 3rd Cycle of Accreditation. A Good Practice is an activity or practice that has been proven to work and yields positive results. The sharing of Good Practices by IPPF Member Associations offers learning experiences for their counterparts. See other Good Practices from our Member Associations: Mobile Clinics in Cape Verde: Taking Services Closer to the People Awarding the Best Performing Clinics: Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association (LPPA) What’s in a Game? ABUBEF’s use of Playing Cards for Youth SRHR Education Connect with Family Planning Association of Malawi here. For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

IPPF Africa Region recently held a Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) workshop for over 30 program staff and service providers drawn from selected Member Associations (MAs). The workshop was co- organized by the Gender Unit and the Programmes & Health Systems Strengthening Department. It was aimed at strengthening the capacity of IPPFAR MAs to deliver on SGBV -a major public health concern and human rights issue. SGBV is one of the eight components of IPPF’s Integrated Package of Essential Services (IPES), whose other components include: counselling, contraception, safe abortion care, STIs/RTIs, gynaecology, prenatal care and HIV. Worrying Data According to Dr. Elias Girma -IPPFAR’s Lead Technical Advisor, SRHR Programmes, SGBV statistics from the region are indicative of the rising number of cases (35% to 70% women having experienced physical or sexual violence), which underscores the great need for IPPFAR Member Associations to strengthen their response to survivors. In 2017, IPPF Africa region offered over 1.3 million SGBV services (including referrals). “This worrying data reveals the need for appropriate and effective strategies to address the SGBV challenge in Africa. Provision of a range of essential services to SGBV survivors is one of the most crucial responses, and there are great opportunities for our clinics to ensure that every SGBV survivor receives the appropriate counseling, treatment and support services they need,” he said during the workshop which was held in Nairobi, Kenya. Policy and Legal Environment While noting that the deeply-embedded unequal power relations in society sees more women than men suffer from SGBV, Dr. Girma said that key among the workshop’s objectives was to broaden the service provider’s understanding of the legal and policy frameworks pertaining to gender and SGBV. These comprise key international and regional laws, instruments and agreements. Toward this, Ms. Nathalie Nkoume, IPPFAR's Gender Equality Advisor shared information on various policies, conventions and international frameworks that aim to fight violence against women. She stressed that each government has the duty to protect all SGBV survivors by putting in place respective national frameworks and further providing adequate resources for effective implementation of the legal provisions. Ms. Nkoume also took participants through the IPPF Gender Equality policy, as well as the IPPF gender implementation plans as key reference documents that promote actions towards a transformative agenda for equality of outcomes, opportunities and rights. Visit to the KNH GBV Recovery Center To better understand how an ideal GBV center within a health facility operates, the participants -drawn from 12 African countries (Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, DRC, Eswatini, Zambia, Togo, Mali, Chad, and Cameroon) visited the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)’s Gender-Based Violence Recovery (GBVR) Center in Nairobi. This is a model health facility that offers comprehensive management of GBV. At the recovery center, participants were taken through the process of handling a client who presents with a GBV complaint or need, and the range of services offered to them. These services include: screening and examination, treatment for physical injuries, laboratory tests, collection of forensic evidence, counseling (including trauma counseling) and psychosocial support. On a need basis, the clients are linked to safe houses (shelters), support groups and law enforcement agencies.  The GBV survivors are also offered post-rape care services such as treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), emergency contraceptive pills -to help reduce chances of unwanted pregnancies, as well as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) -antiretroviral drugs which, if taken properly, significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection by 80%. Comprehensive Package of Care The head of the Mental Health Unit at KNH GBVR Center, Dr. Margaret Makanyengo stressed on the strong referral mechanism within the hospital that ensures the survivor gets a comprehensive package of care. “Different units within the hospital work closely together to ensure the client is offered all the services they need. These services are provided to the client in a confidential manner. The service providers strive to uphold the dignity of the clients, while assuring them of their safety and security within the hospital precincts,” she said. Following their visit to KNH’s GBVR center, participants shared some of their feedback. “Seeing how different departments all work together to smoothly deliver services to the client is impressive. There are different entry points of identification for the GBV survivors such as the maternity, the Comprehensive Care Center, the casualty, the youth center and the mental health department. This ensures that no client is left out, and it is something that we as health service providers need to think seriously about, with regard to our facilities,” said Rebecca Zawedde, a participant from Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU). Her sentiments were shared by Cathy Zoa, a participant from Cameroon. “I return to my work station with a lot of lessons learnt from KNH. Right from the triage, the clients are well received by the nurse. The facility is well-branded and the rooms, which are exceptionally clean, are in secure areas which is very important for SGBV survivors. In addition, the reception area at the GBVR center is very warm and welcoming. This is very important to the client.   I also admired the zeal with which the service providers undertake their work. You can tell they are very knowledgeable about their areas of expertise and are very passionate about what they do. They have really inspired me,” she said. Data Collection and Management Mr. Paulin Tra, IPPFAR’s Technical Manager -Performance, Knowledge and New Technology shared information on the power of data collection and management, and the key role they play in improving SGBV programs. He also shared trends of SGBV performance in the IPPF Africa Region, verses other SRHR services offered by MAs in the same region. Population Council, an organization that has undertaken extensive research on SGBV shared several study results on SGBV.  The organization has also helped create a regional SGBV network. Improved SGBV Service Provision in MA Clinics Following the training, the participants thoroughly analyzed the SGBV components in their programs, taking note of the weaknesses, strengths and areas of improvement. In their action plans, some of their improved strategies for strengthening the SGBV components will include routine screening for SGBV, training of service providers on the respective national SGBV protocols, more engagement of boys and men in the SGBV response, and heightened awareness creation of SGBV -which will largely be undertaken by volunteers and peer educators at the community level. Other aspects will include the forging of partnerships at the community and national level with different stakeholders such as the government, grassroots organizations, cultural custodians, religious leaders, and other influential institutions. Sylvia Auma of Family Health Options Kenya (FHOK) was inspired to begin instituting changes back at the Family Care Medical Center in Jerusalem estate, located in Nairobi’s Eastlands area. “I have gained a lot from this workshop. The most important thing I have learnt is that responding to the unique needs of SGBV survivors in our health facilities does not have to be complicated. When I return, I will share all the information I have learned from this workshop with my colleagues. I will particularly ensure that our triage service is functional, as this can be entry point for identification of potential SGBV survivors or those at risk of abuse. I believe we have the capacity to attend to their sensitive needs with the already existing resources that we have at our clinic,” she said. Story by Maryanne W. Waweru, Governance and Compliance Officer, IPPF Africa Region Also Read: Newly Launched! State of African Women Report: Key Findings For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Maputo Protocol and the upcoming 25-year review of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD+25 Review), as well as the first five-year review of the Addis Ababa Declaration on Population and Development (AADPD+5).  These milestones offer an excellent opportunity to take stock of gaps and contestations around the realisation of women and girls’ rights, and to identify the areas where progress for Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) needs to be accelerated. It is against this background that we are pleased to announce the launch of the key findings of the State of African Women Report, which highlights the implementation progress of the AU’s Maputo Protocol on the rights of women in Africa, and the Maputo Plan of Action (MPoA) -which is the implementation framework for the Continental Policy Framework on SRHR.  The State of African Women Report particularly focuses on four areas: Gender-based Violence against women Harmful practices HIV and AIDS Reproductive Rights The main objectives of the report are to: Raise awareness about continental commitments (Maputo Protocol and Maputo Plan of Action) Review status of implementation (with a focus on SRHR) Strengthen focus on how women’s and girls’ rights are realized Inform and strengthen effective advocacy efforts and strategies of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and opinion formers The State of African Women Report report seeks to complement existing reports and reviews by: Focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights Looking at role of and trends in Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Emphasizing the role of civil society organizations and actors Promoting a gender and rights perspective with regards to ratification, domestication (including legal and policy reform), implementation (institutional reform), civil society initiatives and social norm change The key audiences of the report include: Parliamentarians, African First Ladies of States and Governments, journalists, religious leaders, youth leaders, CSOs, AU and RECs representatives, high level political decision-makers, technocrats / thematic experts, national (and subnational) government decision-makers and donors.

Wednesday 8 March, 2017 By Mr. Lucien Kouakou, IPPF Africa Region Director Today, IPPF Africa Region joins the world in marking the International Women’s Day (IWD); a day set aside to celebrate the social, economic, political and cultural achievements of women. For many years, the role of women was confined to the periphery, where they were hardly recognized for their value and important contribution to society’s development. But times are changing, and women today are not only being acknowledged for their worth, but are also being encouraged to carve out their own identity as individuals; as women. This process of recognition has been gradual and has spanned over decades. Despite the gradual spate in acknowledging the contribution of women, the time has come for us to celebrate the achievements that have been made, and look forward to even more accomplishments. IPPFAR has been instrumental in this process, and we pride ourselves in being an organization that has always put women at the heart of our programmes. Our programmes are designed in a way that ensures that our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and cousins have their reproductive health and rights concerns addressed in a timely, effective, affordable and sustained manner. Further, IPPFAR’s commitment to gender equality and respect of sexual rights is affirmed in the 2016 - 2022 Strategic Framework as an absolute principle that guides its actions. The Federation is driven by progressive statutory documents and supportive policies that guarantee a fair working environment and decision-making powers both for women and men. IPPF Africa Region continually endeavors to support Africa’s women in their quest to realize their full potential. We are deeply committed to addressing the various challenges and barriers they face in their journey to this achievement. Through various advocacy efforts, IPPFAR and its Member Associations are centrally involved in creating and championing supportive policy environments that are aimed at reducing the various health, social, economic, political and other inequalities that affect women and girls. We have been involved in several policy consultative processes in many African countries with respect to the improvement of women’s rights. As we honor all women today, I urge you all to seize all available opportunities that empower women in all spheres of their lives. Take it upon yourself to seek strategic partnerships with institutions that will support this quest. It is also our responsibility to encourage women to adapt to technological changes that are necessary for them to survive and thrive in today’s environment. I further encourage all of those in the IPPFAR network to increase their positive actions towards women. It essential and imperative to acknowledge and recognize the fact that women are fundamental to the achievement of Africa’s developmental goals as set out in the AU Agenda 2063. Let us continue to engage in initiatives that are geared towards the advancement of Africa’s women, and let us be #BeBoldForChange by standing by women today, promoting their rights, speaking up for them and encouraging them to raise their own voices. I wish you all a Happy International Women’s Day.

Monday 7 February 2017,  Nairobi, Kenya The IPPF Africa Region Director, Mr. Lucien Kouakou has today launched a kick-off meeting for a new project focusing on women’s rights. The "State of the African Woman” campaign aims to contribute to securing, realizing and extending women’s rights as enshrined in African Union policies in sub-Saharan Africa. Funded by the European Union, the three-year advocacy, communication and awareness-raising campaign will be implemented by IPPF Africa Region as the lead beneficiary, with five organizations being co-beneficiaries, and two others as Associates. The campaign focuses on strengthening the civil society’s contribution to promote the implementation of the AU Protocol on the Rights of Women (Maputo Protocol) and the Maputo Plan of Action (MPoA) at four decision-making levels across sub-Saharan Africa; continental, regional, national and sub-national levels. The ability of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to push for the implementation of policies is of greatly acknowledged across the continent. “This unique coalition of youth-serving organizations, faith-based organizations, feminist groups and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) activists will work towards the implementation of the State of the African Woman campaign across Africa. The combined strengths of these implementing partners will create a more united and collaborative civil society voice on women’s rights, reaching large and diverse constituencies and amplifying their ability to leverage change on a higher scale,” said Mr. Kouakou, while addressing participants at the kick-off meeting taking place from 7 – 8 February 2017 in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants are members of the project’s steering committee –all of whom are implementing partners. Even though there exists several continental and sub-regional agreements and policies in sub-Saharan Africa in which women’s rights are enshrined, slow progress with regard to implementation and realization of these rights have been noted. “The State of the African Woman Campaign seeks to convert policies on the protection of women’s rights into reality. The project firmly believes that norms and agenda-setting at policy level need to be accompanied by changes in social and religious norms. This campaign, which combines grassroots mobilization and political advocacy, enhances sustainability where changes in norms related to women’s rights at policy and societal levels lead to long-term systems changes, with direct impact on people’s lives. The campaign builds on partner’s experiences and ongoing advocacy programmes in the region,” he said. Mr. Kouakou expressed optimism about the project’s success, owing to the great implementation team involved. Also present in the kick-off meeting is Ms. Stephanie Truille-Baurens from the European Union, and the IPPF European Network Regional Director, Ms. Caroline Hickson, among others. Follow the State of the African Woman campaign via the hashtag #SoAW For more updates on our work, follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook and Twitter

Michelle Grace Phiri is a 19-year-old university student from Malawi. She is also an active member of the Youth Action Movement (YAM) in her country, and advocate against Child Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM). IPPF Africa Region, which prioritizes youth engagement and empowerment, facilitated the participation of Michelle and other YAM members to attend activities around the 28th African Union Summit, which included the 9th AU Gender Pre-Summit and a Forum of African Parliamentarians on Population and Development (FPA) meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The AU theme for this year is: Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investment in Youth”. IPPF Africa Region works closely with various development partners, among them the African Union in the realization of the continent’s development goals, and achievement of ‘The Africa we Want’. We caught up with Michelle on her views on youth and Africa's development. “In my experience as a young person, many times we are told that we are the leaders of tomorrow. But I always ask myself this question: When does tomorrow start? Africa’s youth face a myriad of challenges in their daily living, and I believe that the best people to highlight these problems, explore feasible solutions and implement worthwhile recommendations are the youth themselves, in collaboration with other development partners. But they must be centrally involved in this process, and not just wait for decisions to be made for them. The time is now, I believe. Let us not wait for tomorrow to become leaders so that we can start solving Africa’s problems then. As a young person, whatever capacity you find yourself in today, begin seeking solutions to the challenges that you and other African youth face. You have the power in you to bring about that change. But how can young people do so, you ask? Mobile Technology Young people can form groups to seek solutions to their problems. Many of those in urban and peri-urban areas have access to mobile technology, so they can use them to communicate with each other in a group –such as on Facebook or WhatsApp, where they can highlight their issues, engage in debates and constructive arguments, suggest solutions to these problems, and even strategize on how their plight can reach policy makers and other Legislators. In rural areas, groups are also just as effective, where they can form clubs, self-help groups, and other productive forums where they can similarly discuss their problems and propose solutions. In whichever groups they are, they can invite those in authority or those responsible for addressing the issue to answer their questions or explain why things are not going as they should. They should feel confident enough to raise questions about their access to basic rights such as health services, education, clean water, hygiene and sanitation.  Traditional Media To advance their cause, young people should also take advantage of the traditional media; radio, newspapers and television to call for action and hold their government and leaders to account on their commitments. We recognize the value of journalists in highlighting social issues, spotlighting corruption and calling for accountability by leaders. The media is also instrumental in showcasing success stories and educating the community on innovative strategies that could realize development in the society. Young people can participate in talk shows on radio or TV, and send in their opinion letters to editors, as a means of participating in development conversations and seeking solutions to their problems. They should not just sit back and wait for change to come to them. They should be part of the solutions.   Those are my thoughts. What are your thoughts on youth and Africa's development?" If you are a young person who is passionate about Africa's development, join the Youth Action Movement in your country today. Story by Maryanne W. Waweru, IPPF Africa Region. For more updates on our work, follow us on Facebook and Twitter

By Maryanne W. Waweru Wednesday 25 January 2017, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia A young politician from the East African country of Uganda has challenged African youth to rise up from their slumber and claim their rightful spaces if they are to improve their livelihoods, and if the continent is to achieve gains in development. “The reality is that many African young people today face a myriad of challenges, such as high rates of poverty and employment, drug abuse, alcoholism, reckless sex and unplanned pregnancies among others. Many youth are merely surviving, and sleepwalking through life. This is a great setback towards our achievement of ‘the Africa we Want’. Young people, don’t be comfortable with the uncomfortable situations you find yourselves in. Take charge of your own and realize that the continent depends on your positive input,” said Emmy Otim, during a panel discussion at the 9th African Union gender pre-summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in a session titled: "Investing in Young People’s Political Engagement". The Africa Union theme for 2017 is “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth.” Representing Young Politicians in Africa, Mr. Otim further urged youth to deliberately engage in democratic processes and elect leaders who can help curate change and spur development in their countries. “Young people must take time to understand the electoral process and their civic responsibility of choosing a leader who understands the need for investing in the resource that is young people. They should use their right to vote, and vote in leaders who are progress oriented,” said Otim, while further urging them to desist from being used negatively by politicians. “Unfortunately, many African politicians take advantage of young people and use them to among others, intimidate their opponents and perpetrate acts of violence against them. In fact, it could be said that such politicians are the ones reaping from the demographic dividend as they are unfairly capitalizing on the resources that is youth. Others who may be taking advantage of young people and their vulnerable or unemployment status are child traffickers, rebel militia groups and the rising radical groups,” he said.   Mr. Otim encouraged young people to use their voices and effectively utilize the spaces they find themselves in to push their own development agenda. He particularly encouraged them to take advantage of technology, which is now more available to them than in previous years. “Today’s African youth are the most educated, exposed, creative and dynamic. They have access to technology, which, if used appropriately, can help them improve their standards of living and help them live quality lives. The various social media platforms that many youth have access to nowadays should be used effectively, to benefit not only themselves and their immediate communities, but their countries and the continent at large,” he said. IPPF Africa Region works closely with young people through the Youth Action Movement (YAM), where it implements various projects in different countries that support the empowerment of young people, helping them realize their full potential. IPPFAR is committed to the goals of the African Union Commission theme for 2017: “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth”. Story by Maryanne W. Waweru, IPPF Africa Region.

Women’s empowerment is key to ensuring their health and well-being. A partnership between public, private and civil society found a unique way to address health and gender inequalities in one of the most disadvantageous communities in the Northern regions of Ghana. This pilot project introduced solar lanterns, health and economic interventions to 20 villages. The project was effective because it brought together Japan’s ODA, private sector technology and IPPF’s community-based activities to challenge structural barriers and harmful gender norms. In doing so, we have done more than bring ‘light’ where there was once ‘darkness’. This intervention has transformed the lives of women, their families and their community.