In the coastal city of Mombasa, young people have gathered this week to deliberate on their future regarding policy gaps and emerging best practices to safeguard and advance their sexual reproductive health rights.
The 7th scientific conference organized by the Reproductive Health Network of Kenya is hosted on the theme of priorities for advancing Adolescent, Youth, and Sexual Reproductive Health Rights in Africa. The forum has convened over 200 young people, representatives from Government, not-for-profit local, regional, and international organizations, religious actors, and youth-led movements.
Faith to Action Network delegation in the conference includes youth SRHR advocates and faith leaders Rev. Jacob Musili from the Isiolo Interfaith Platform, Rev. Dr. Lydia Mwaniki- Head of Gender Programmes at the All Africa Council of Churches, Pastor Isabel Mwape, a Faith Leader from Zambia, Sheikh Ibrahim Lithome- a religious scholar and member of the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, Sheikh Shaibuh Imasiku- Faith Leader- Provincial Coordinator for the Islamic Supreme Council of Zambia in Choma District and Professor Susan Kilonzo, religious studies scholar from Maseno University.
Faith to Action Network has organized two side events at the conference for religious leaders and another under the ongoing SHARP programme co-hosted with the Eastern Africa National Networks of AIDS and Health Service Organisations (EANNASO).
According to Sheikh Lithome, the participation of religious leaders in such forums brings a holistic view to the concerns young people, policymakers, experts and implementing organizations have concerning SRHR issues and this eliminates the resistance and reluctance among community members to engage openly.
The conference plenary sessions and side events provide an opportunity for various thematic conversations by various speakers and organizations providing essential information to policymakers on opportunities for policy, legislative, and budgetary reviews that have been identified as barriers to uptake of AYSRHR.
Nelly Munyasia the Executive Director of RHNK noted that advancing AYSRHR requires new, innovative, and strategic partnerships. “This means fostering collaboration among youth, civil society organizations, local communities, and the private sector, as well as leveraging cross-regional cooperation among countries. It is through these synergies that we can drive impactful change. However, we must acknowledge the multiple challenges that adolescents and young people in Africa face in accessing SRHR information and services.” She added.
Faith to Action Network has organized two side events at the conference for religious leaders and another under the ongoing SHARP programme co-hosted with the Eastern Africa National Networks of AIDS and Health Service Organisations (EANNASO).
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