Introduction: Young people, especially young women in Zambia, remain at the periphery of decision-making mechanisms and other areas of national development. The majority of young people in Zambia are sexually active however, many of them lack the information and means to adequately address their reproductive health needs, mitigate unplanned pregnancies and protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV and AIDS Approach The Young Women’s Academy aims to address issues of gender inequality by developing the skills of young women. The newly trained young women will be encouraged to develop personal action plans, to which they will be held accountable, and supported in implementing. The objective is to begin to develop a network of young women that are empowered with knowledge to be effective leaders within their own communities, who in turn will be instrumental in bringing about change within their own communities.
Findings and Discussion: Through this institute, the young women will be able to find support, provided with networking opportunities, and to build a knowledge network that can be called upon/ and effectively participate in decision-making processes, and other government policy making processes. •Young women empowered with knowledge and skills in leadership, HIV/AIDS, SRH, and advocacy •Young women are able to integrate effective skills into their work •Effective national advocacy campaign by young women, through youth-adult partnerships •Voice of young women – provide added value in the planning and implementation of youth-related Zambian national development policies.
Conflict of Interest: None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: None disclosed
Recorded: The 19th WAS World Congress of Sexual Health, Goteborg (Sweden) June 2009
more about this speaker
