Empowering Sexual and Reproductive Rights

This time, the A.Y.F. Secretariat and the P.A.D. The project came together to conduct a vital group discussion on the rights to health among youth, with a primary focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The event, held over two engaging days in Kuching, Malaysia, provided a platform for exploring the intricate connections between fundamental rights, community care, and the well-being of youth in accessing and enjoying their SRHR.

Our discussions addressed several vital questions critical to understanding the landscape of youth health. First, we examined whether the existing healthcare systems are adequately equipped to fulfill the sexual and reproductive health needs of young people. This question is particularly pressing, as young people often face unique challenges and barriers to accessing appropriate healthcare services. Next, we evaluated the quality of the services currently available. Are they youth-friendly? Do they respect the rights and needs of young individuals? Finally, we sought to uncover any discrepancies experienced by youth from diverse backgrounds regarding access to these essential services. Understanding these disparities is crucial for developing strategies that ensure equity in healthcare access for all youth, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our fantastic co-organizer, the P.A.D. Project, for their invaluable contributions to making this event a success. Their expertise and commitment to promoting youth rights greatly enhanced the quality of our discussions. We also want to thank all participants and stakeholders who attended the sexual and reproductive health event, including Sarawak Women for Women Society and Purple Lily representatives. Your collective insights, experiences, and ideas were instrumental in enriching our conversations and answering our inquiries.

As we move forward, we hope the discussions during these two days will leave a lasting impression and inspire continued efforts in our fight for equality, particularly in advocating for women’s rights across Southeast Asia. The knowledge shared and connections made will undoubtedly catalyze ongoing advocacy and action.

Please visit our Instagram page for more information and to see our documentation activities in Kuching, Malaysia. You can also visit our website to see our impact.

Your support and engagement in these discussions are invaluable as we strive to create a more equitable future for all youth in the region.