My Age Africa in collaboration with DAWA launched a new Community of Practice (CoP) dedicated to youth-led health advocacy on September 30, 2025, in Masvingo Province. This initiative, a collaborative effort under the Connecting Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) for HIV Prevention project, aims to unite Youth-Led Organizations (YLOs) and amplify their impact on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) advocacy and policy influence.
information. The lack of open and honest communication channels between parents and their children leaves AGYW vulnerable to misinformation and hinders their ability to make informed choices about their health and well-being.
Lack of Youth-Friendly Services: Judgmental and unwelcoming environments within healthcare facilities deter AGYW from seeking necessary care. The perception of being judged or stigmatized prevents them from accessing vital SRHR services, perpetuating a cycle of unmet needs and potential health risks.
Meaningfully addressing these multifaceted barriers necessitates a concerted, multi-sectoral approach. Collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, and families is essential to foster safer and more inclusive health systems that prioritize the unique needs of young women. By working together, these stakeholders can create an environment where AGYW feel empowered to access the SRHR services they need to thrive.
The CoP serves as a vital platform for young leaders to connect, collaborate, and collectively address the pressing health challenges facing their communities. By facilitating the sharing of experiences, the exchange of best practices, and the fostering of collective action, the CoP seeks to empower youth to become effective advocates for improved health outcomes.
The launch event garnered significant support from key institutions, including representatives from the Ministry of Health, the National AIDS Council, the Young People’s Network, and the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC).
The presence of these stakeholders underscores a shared commitment to youth empowerment, health equity, and the critical role young people play in shaping health policy and practice. The CoP is poised to become a significant force in driving positive change within the health sector in Masvingo Province and beyond.
This initiative will serve as a model for similar programs across the nation, further solidifying the role of young people as essential partners in achieving national health goals.
