Story by Batsirai Shoko
YOUTHS in Bulawayo have called for improved access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, citing information gaps, stigma and limited youth-friendly facilities as key challenges affecting their wellbeing.
The concerns were raised during a Parliamentary Youth Caucus engagement that brought together legislators, development partners and young people to discuss barriers affecting access to critical reproductive health services.
Participants noted that while awareness of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights issues has improved over the years, significant challenges remain.
“Whenever you walk into a local clinic seeking reproductive health services or counselling, the first thing you encounter is a barrage of moral judgement from staff who are supposed to help you. We are treated with suspicion rather than care, which forces many of us to suffer in silence or seek unsafe alternatives,” a youth said.
Another participant highlighted the need to take information and services closer to young people.
“Many of our peers are out of school and making a living in the informal sector or at vending sites. Information should follow them there. We also need legislation that guarantees affordable sanitary wear and essential medicines at all public health institutions,” the youth said.
Concerns were also raised over privacy and confidentiality when accessing services.
“When a young person walks into a local clinic seeking reproductive health services or counselling, they face judgement from elderly staff or neighbours who are also in the queue. We need designated, non-judgemental youth hubs where our privacy is strictly respected,” another participant said.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Youth Caucus, Honourable Stanley Sakupwanya, said the consultations are intended to ensure young people contribute meaningfully to national policy discussions on health and development.
“As Parliament, we are committed to creating spaces where young people can engage openly on issues affecting them. The views being gathered through these consultations will help inform policy reviews and strengthen interventions aimed at improving access to sexual and reproductive health services,” he said.
The engagement forms part of broader efforts to enhance youth participation in governance while ensuring national policies are responsive to the needs and aspirations of young people.
