Ruth joined her secondary school's Adolescent Health Club, not knowing that this decision was gigantic in positioning her as a powerful voice and leader in championing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) among her peers. Like many adolescent girls, she had critical questions about growing up, relationships, and her body - questions that traditional classroom lessons, steeped in cultural silence, often didn't answer.
“The club became a safe space where I could ask questions and not feel judged. A safe space where I began understanding myself, my body, and my future,” she recalls. “At first, I was shy to talk about things like contraception or sexual health,” she says with a laugh, "but the comprehensive training gave me confidence and courage to do so.” Ruth
The training was part of the broader Safeguard Young People (SYP) Programme, a flagship initiative championed by UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund in collaboration with regional partners like SAfAIDS. SYP is a multi-sectoral, multi-country programme in East and Southern Africa that aims to empower adolescents and young people (aged 10-24) to lead healthy, productive lives, free from sexually transmitted infections including HIV, early and unintended pregnancies, child marriages, and gender-based violence. The SYP initiative is funded by the governments of Switzerland and the Netherlands.
With support and engaging learning tools, Ruth and her fellow club members learned about SRHR, consent, and gender-based violence, issues that many girls face in silence. Equipped with her new knowledge, Ruth became a passionate advocate for adolescent and young people’s SRHR. She encouraged her classmates to delay sexual activity and instead, focus on their education, and gain knowledge on their reproductive health.
“We started holding small discussions during break time,” she explains. “It was powerful hearing that as peers we faced the same challenges when it came to navigating our growth. We supported each other to stay focused and shared aspirations on completing secondary school and pursuing our dream careers.” Ruth
After completing secondary school, Ruth’s hard work paid off. She was accepted into University. During orientation week, she was surprised to see a familiar face.
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw the team from SAfAIDS speaking to first-year students about youth health and leadership, extending the reach of the SYP initiative to the tertiary level. I felt inspired all over again.” Ruth
That moment reignited her passion. She immediately joined the university’s Health Club and later received advanced training, becoming a Young, Smart, Safe Champion. This new role, rooted in the SYP's goal of youth empowerment, deepened her understanding of condom programming, HIV prevention, and youth-friendly SRHR advocacy.
Today, Ruth serves as a focal point for condom access at her University and manages condom dispensers around campus, ensuring that students have access to protection discreetly and confidently.
“Every time I help a student access a condom, I remind myself that this small act, supported by the SYP initiative, can prevent an infection, an unplanned pregnancy, or even save a life,” she says proudly.
