The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a significant international campaign calling for an end to violence against women and girls (VAWG). This blog post highlights the impactful efforts of CYGEN members who are working tirelessly toward this goal. We are also excited to announce the launch of a new monthly series titled ‘CYGEN Member Spotlight’ where we will showcase the dedication and achievements of CYGEN members in advancing gender equality.
Recently, I shared a new initiative I’m working on, and someone asked, “Why are you so interested in reproductive health?” The answer is simple: it’s personal.
As I entered my teenage years, I witnessed friends dropping out of school due to unplanned pregnancies, facing judgment for circumstances that could have been prevented with the right information and support. Between the ages of 13 and 17, I saw numerous cases of unplanned pregnancies, leaving me with a mind full of questions. In Nigerian and other African communities, conversations around sexual health are often silenced, creating an atmosphere of shame and secrecy that leaves young girls vulnerable.
I vividly remember learning about female genital mutilation (FGM) for the first time in a junior secondary social studies class. The images were terrifying, and I couldn't understand why anyone would do such a thing. That same day, I went home and asked my mother, “Mum, did I undergo circumcision as a child?” As I grew older, I heard personal stories from people close to me who suffered traumatic childbirth experiences due to FGM. This made me wonder: "What’s being done about this, and how can I get involved?"
These experiences inspired me to study public health, focusing on population and reproductive health. My goal is to build safe spaces for these conversations and to develop solutions that address the unique challenges African women face. As I pursue my master’s degree in public health, I am more driven than ever to make a difference in Africa’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) landscape. At the heart of my work is the desire to empower African girls and women with the knowledge, agency, and resources they need to control their health. This motivation is why I actively support and participate in programs that promote SRH.
Over the past six years, my approach has centered on communications and advocacy, as I firmly believe that change begins with education and awareness. I’ve worked with local and regional organizations to develop communication strategies that raise awareness about SRH issues and outline possible solutions. Advocacy in SRH opens up essential conversations, reduces stigma, and contributes to policy creation that provides better choices and access to care. Through advocacy, we can hold leaders and policymakers accountable for enacting policies that favor women and girls.
More recently, I’ve come to appreciate the impact of research, which I view as the foundation of public health. If we want to advance reproductive healthcare in Africa, we need to increase research efforts. Research helps us understand the social, cultural, religious, behavioral, and economic factors that shape reproductive health in African communities. Over the past months, I’ve focused on improving my research skills, seizing every opportunity to engage in health research.
Today, much of my work takes place through Girl Power Afrique (GPA), a nonprofit organization and virtual community I founded to promote gender equality and SRH rights for adolescent girls and women in Africa. Our most recent project showed me the power of young people passionately discussing policy changes and SRH advocacy, giving me hope for a future where SRH rights are respected, accessible, and prioritized across Africa.
This is a call to young people. It’s easy to think these issues aren’t relevant if you haven’t personally experienced them. However, look around, and you’ll find girls and women who have lived through one or more of the following:
- About 18% of women in low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries want to avoid or delay pregnancy but lack access to modern contraceptives.
Around 18% of girls aged 15-19 in Commonwealth regions experience early pregnancies, leading to health complications, fewer educational opportunities, and social stigma.
About 20% of girls in Commonwealth countries are married before the age of 18.
Roughly 1 in 3 women in the Commonwealth experience some form of physical or sexual violence.
Women and girls in Commonwealth African countries represent over 60% of new HIV infections among young people.
Approximately 1 in 10 girls across Commonwealth countries lack access to menstrual hygiene products, leading to missed school days, social exclusion, and health risks.
Each SRH issue impacts a girl’s or woman’s ability to pursue life ambitions—whether that’s completing an education, building a career, or starting a family.
To conclude, I once heard someone say, “SRH rights are the foundation of women’s rights. Without them, all other rights of women are severely limited.” I wholeheartedly agree. To create a level playing field for girls and women, we must first empower them with control over their sexual and reproductive health.
About the Author
Ogechi is a dedicated adolescent girls and young women’s (AGYW) sexual and reproductive health (SRH) rights advocate. With a background in public health and a specialization in population and reproductive health, she has over 6 years of experience in promoting SRH in Nigeria and Africa, working across key SRH issues (particularly family planning and contraceptives, female genital mutilation, and menstrual hygiene management) through communication (social and behavioral change communication (SBCC) and social media communication) and advocacy.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
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