Young people are faced with numerous challenges which expose them to vulnerabilities regarding their sexual and reproductive health (SRH). These vulnerabilities increase their risks of contracting sexually transmitted infections, exposure to unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions, among many others.  Such challenges however, are perpetuated by the limited access to information about their bodies and lives, which ultimately make it difficult for them to make informed choices. As such, there is a need to equip them with the requisite life skills to and knowledge to support them in making responsible decisions which will translate into positive health-seeking behaviour. Among these, leadership skills are pivotal.

Recognising the importance of investing in the leadership capacities of young people especially around their SRH, UNFPA The Gambia in collaboration with the Africa Regional Sexuality Resource Centre (ARSRC) – project of Action Health Incorporated organised the first Sexuality Leadership Development Fellowship (SLDF) in The Gambia. The programme is designed to provide exposure to cutting-edge conceptual, theoretical, policy and programming issues in sexuality, sexual health, sexual rights and reproductive health, to create a better understanding of the interaction between sexuality, development, and social justice to youth.

Participating in the 14-day training and fellowship, to Mariama Cham a social worker and a children’s rights activist highlighted that, “the fellowship is an opportunity to shape the knowledge and leadership capacity of fellows in order to ensure better understanding of human sexuality and the different approaches towards promoting sexuality development on the continent.”

Aja Majula Beyai, a fellow, is a person living with disability (PLWD). According to her, the fellowship has enhanced her understanding of SRH issues. The new knowledge she has gained, will be useful in her engagements with young people living with disability in her community and organisation. “I will engage the media on better ways of capturing the perspectives of persons living with disability work with my organisation to advocate for the introduction and implementation of a Comprehensive Sexuality Education framework in the school curriculum for PLWDs.”

Kadijatou Juwara is a TV producer and Presenter of a weekly radio and TV show called Women’s Magazine on The Gambia’s National broadcaster. She highlighted that the fellowship has broaden her professional competence in handling and communicating complex issues around SRH, with the view of triggering positive social and behavioral change in The Gambia. Kadijatou is keen to share some of the lessons learnt through the fellowship on her talk show to create awareness especially on issues affecting women and girls.

Through in-depth knowledge shared during the fellowship, participants developed better understanding of key concepts around SRH, recognise effective strategies for dealing with issues affecting them their peers and build a network of young people enthusiastic about adolescents and youth SRH.

This fellowship is one of many investments UNFPA continues to make to support young people of The Gambia to realise their potentials and create opportunities for them to live in health and dignity.

Media contact:

Faith C. Ememodo – UNV Communications Associate, UNFPA The Gambia ememodo@unfpa.org