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. In addition, many girls experience violence and discrimination, which further jeopardizes their health and rights.
Challenges for young people
terre des hommes schweiz works with partner organizations in countries such as Tanzania, South Africa and Zimbabwe to educate young people, make medical care accessible and strengthen their rights. With 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: they often do not have the information they need to protect themselves and access to contraceptives is limited.
Our projects promote comprehensive education in schools and youth clubs. Psychosocial counseling and youth-friendly medical services help those affected to develop new perspectives.
In Zimbabwe, we offer HIV-positive young people a platform to better deal with their situation through workshops and group support.
Young people
took part in prevention programs.
HIV-positive young people
receive 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 organizations focus on education in schools and communities and work in youth clubs to prevent teenage pregnancies. At the same time, we offer young mothers alternative training programs, such as courses in IT or crafts, to pave the way for their professional independence.
In Tanzania, we support young mothers with a computer literacy program that makes it easier for them to return to work.
of the participants
earned their own income after 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 thus lose the opportunity to determine their own lives and 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 dialog and prevention.
In South Africa, our partners run youth clubs where girls and boys learn to recognize gender-based violence (GBV) and take action against it.
Municipalities
have organized events to raise awareness.
Young people
were trained to recognize 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 prioritize the needs of young people. At the same time, the exchange of experience and knowledge between countries and regions is limited, which makes it difficult to develop sustainable solutions.
terre des hommes schweiz works with partner organizations to promote political change in order to strengthen the sexual and reproductive rights of young people.
Questions on the topic?
Hafid Derbal
Co-programme coordinator Southern Africa, co-responsible for sexual and reproductive health and rights
Tayson Mudarikiri
Co-programme coordinator Southern Africa, co-responsible for sexual and reproductive health and rights