Reproductive health rights: ‘Over 70% adolescents unaware of changes during puberty’

They are also vulnerable to social discrimination, early marriages

ISLAMABAD:

A study launched here on Wednesday stated that only 30 per cent of adolescents knew about puberty before they experienced it, while over 70 per cent remained acutely unaware and were vulnerable to peer pressure, early marriages, HIV transmission and social discrimination.

The study, “Youth and reproductive health rights: situation in Pakistan” was launched by Oxfam Novib at the completion of their and Young Parliamentarian Forum’s four-year “My rights, my voice” project. The project was implemented by Oxfam Novib in Pakistan in partnership with the Swedish International Development Agency.

The report launched further said that despite Pakistan’s national and provincial youth policies where provision of education of life skills was mandatory through formal and informal education curriculum, the level of awareness about reproductive health was dismal.

One of the key components of “My rights, my voice” was to work closely with government, policy makers and academia to create a more conducive environment for promoting life skills education among youth and institutionalise reproductive health rights in schools and colleges.

The Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) and Oxfam Novib had jointly arranged the report launch, and closing ceremony of the project to highlight successful journey of the programme.

The event featured a panel discussion of senior parliamentarians and policy makers on existing gaps and potential opportunities in Pakistan’s legislation around youth and their reproductive health rights.

Youth representatives engaged with the initiative for past four years, shared their experiences of how the programme provided them with a strong platform to voice their opinions, and empowered them to practice their rights to a healthier life.

Reflecting on one of the programme successes, a youth representative said, “A youth-based drama serial “Kis se Kahoon” was produced under the banner of “My rights, my voice” project, and was broadcasted on the national television.”

Oxfam Novib in Pakistan Interim Associate Country Director Javeria Afzal stressed the need to continue focusing on placing high priority on supporting young people to become leaders and to ensure that their roles in the society and the economy were properly valued and recognised.

In Pakistan, it works with young people especially girls, local communities, civil society and the government to promote social justice and equal rights for all. 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 17^th, 2015.