By Adeola Badru

The HACEY Health Initiative has conducted an exclusive training session designed to equip youth champions with practical digital media skills for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) advocacy.

The training included a two-day in-person meeting in five states, Oyo, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun.

The event featured hands-on activities where young people developed their own advocacy campaigns using digital tools and social media platforms.

Additionally, it served as a platform for networking with experts in communication, media, and SRHR fields.

The training was held at the Ibadan Business School, located on Francis Okediji Street, off Awolowo Avenue, behind Davis Hotel in Old Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State.

In her presentation at the programme, the guest speaker, Oluwatomi Olunuga, Secretary of the Adolescent Youth Constituency (AYC) for the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH), emphasised the importance of SRHR advocacy, stating, “Understanding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights is crucial for effective advocacy.

According to her, empowering young advocates with the right knowledge and skills will enable them to make significant impacts in their communities, adding that: “By harnessing the power of digital media, youth can reach wider audiences and drive meaningful change.”

Olunuga added, “Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. Their voices matter, and we must ensure they are heard in the discussions surrounding SRHR.” Oluwatomi also noted.

“Advocacy is not just about speaking; it’s about listening and collaborating. Together, we can create a future where every young person has access to the information and resources they need.”

“The digital age offers us tools to amplify our messages. Let’s use them wisely to dismantle stigma and promote healthy conversations around SRHR,” she stated.

In an interview, the Programme Officer for HACEY, Tomilola Oni, highlighted the need for youth engagement, saying, “Youth engagement in SRHR advocacy is essential. By equipping young people with digital media skills, we empower them to raise awareness and drive change in the issues that affect their lives and futures. It’s time to listen to the youths and let them lead the conversation.”

“The digital landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for advocacy. We must support our youths in navigating this space effectively to promote their rights and health.”

“Every young person has the potential to be a change-maker. Our role is to provide them with the tools and support they need to succeed. Advocacy is a collective effort, and the youths must be at the forefront. Their insights and experiences are invaluable in shaping effective SRHR programmes,” Tomilola added.

The event successfully amplified the voices of young advocates, showcasing their efforts to leverage digital platforms for increased awareness and impact on SRHR issues.