Meaningful youth participation targets young people with decisions that affect their lives.
Youths should be involved in various decision-making processes and get empowered to exercise their rights as adults.
Young people experience different sexual and reproductive health concerns.
These range from forced marriages intended pregnancies, and inaccessibility to attain a high standard of health.
According to article 43 1 (a) and article 26(4) of the constitution abortion is permitted where the health of the mother is at risk.
The right to education, unmet need for family planning, and accessibility to the screening of sexually transmitted infections are among other issues that affect the well being of young people.
Equipping young people with skills will improve their reproductive health.
These skills include young people in planning and implementing the budget-making processes and drafting different sexual reproductive health policies.
Having opportunities to participate in decision making will increase the young people’s right to health.
The youth should have increased awareness about policies and harness young people’s innovative ideas, knowledge, energies and creativity for development.
Policy formulation and advocacy relating to reproductive health should include young people at all levels from formulation to implementation.
This will not only ensure young people's participation but also be empowered in policy issues, and skills development and will therefore reduce cases of STIs, Gender-based violence, unintended pregnancy and increase knowledge on contraceptives
Youth advocate at the Network for adolescents and youth of Africa
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
