We are committed to strengthening sexual and reproductive health and rights so that young people can lead a self-determined and healthy life.
Every year, around one million young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are infected with HIV worldwide. Many young people do not have access to the information and medical care they need to protect their sexual and reproductive health. Young women in sub-Saharan Africa are particularly affected, as they often have no access to contraception and medical advice. Many girls also experience violence and discrimination, which further jeopardises their health and rights.
Challenges for young people
terre des hommes schweiz works with partner organisations in countries such as Tanzania, South Africa and Zimbabwe to educate young people, make medical care accessible and strengthen their rights. Through educational work, youth-friendly medical services and participatory methods, we enable young people to make confident decisions about their health. Our goal is a future in which young people can live a safe and self-determined life.
HIV/AIDS remains one of the biggest challenges in Southern Africa. Young people are particularly at risk as they often do not have the information they need to protect themselves and there is limited access to contraception.
Our projects help to deliver comprehensive education in schools and youth clubs. Psychosocial counselling and youth-friendly medical services help to give those affected a new perspective.
In Zimbabwe, we give HIV-positive young people a platform to help them deal with their situation through workshops and group support.
young people
have taken part in prevention programmes.
HIV-positive young people
have received psychosocial support.
Teenage pregnancies often lead to school dropouts and a lack of prospects. In countries such as Tanzania, young mothers are excluded from school by law, which further reduces their opportunities.
Our partner organisations focus on education in schools and communities, and activities in youth clubs to prevent teenage pregnancies. We also offer young mothers alternative training programmes, such as courses in IT or crafts, to pave the way for their professional independence.
In Tanzania, we support young mothers through a computer literacy programme that makes it easier for them to return to work.
of participants
earned their own income after completing the training.
Around 30% of 15–19-year-old girls worldwide experience intimate partner violence. In many regions, girls are married off at an early age and, as a result, lose the opportunity to determine their own lives and their sexuality.
terre des hommes schweiz is committed to the prevention of violence and child marriage through education, awareness-raising in communities and schools, and support for those affected. By raising awareness and actively involving families and institutions, we promote a culture of dialogue and prevention.
In South Africa, our partners run youth clubs where boys and girls learn to recognise gender-based violence (GBV) and take action against it.
communities
have organised events to raise awareness.
young people
have been trained to recognise gender-based violence (GBV) and take action against it.
Many countries lack a political framework that effectively protects and promotes the sexual and reproductive rights of young people. Legislation and existing policies are often inadequate or do not prioritise the needs of young people. At the same time, there is limited sharing of experience and knowledge between countries and regions, which makes it difficult to develop sustainable solutions.
terre des hommes schweiz works with partner organisations to bring about political change to strengthen the sexual and reproductive rights of young people.
Do you have questions about this topic?
Hafid Derbal
Co-Programme Coordinator for Southern Africa, jointly responsible for the topic of sexual and reproductive health and rights
Tayson Mudarikiri
Co-Programme Coordinator for Southern Africa, jointly responsible for the topic of sexual and reproductive health and rights
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