ARHR recently hosted an interactive Facebook Chat asking young people about their experiences, challenges, and perspectives on exercising agency in SRHR. The engagement was vibrant, with participants sharing candid reflections on what agency means to them, the barriers they face, and how to address these obstacles.
Barriers to Exercising Youth Agency in SRHR
Participants highlighted a range of obstacles that limit their ability to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and rights. Low socio-economic status was frequently cited, with young women in particular experiencing restrictions in autonomy due to economic dependence. Gender-based discrimination and deeply entrenched social norms were also major barriers. Young people often face moral and cultural pressures that prevent open discussions about their sexuality.
Misinformation and gaps in education, including inadequate resources for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, exacerbate these challenges. Many respondents noted the fear of judgment from adults, health providers, and community members, which discourages young people from seeking services or speaking openly about SRHR issues. Religious and cultural stigmas, alongside prohibitions in some faith-based institutions, further limit personal choice and access to information and services.
Policy gaps were also emphasized, particularly the lack of full integration of Comprehensive SRH education into school curricula. Participants described adult-centric systems, limited youth-friendly services, and the judgmental attitudes of some health providers as additional obstacles that hinder agency. Collectively, these factors create an environment where young people’s SRH decision-making power is restricted. The consequence is negative SRHR outcomes. One participant summarized:
“There are countless barriers, cultural and religious stigma, judgmental attitudes from adults and health providers, and most crucially, gender inequality, especially for girls.”
Addressing the Barriers
Young people shared a range of strategies for overcoming the barriers they face. They emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces, both online and offline, where they can ask questions, share experiences, and freely discuss their SRHR. Engaging religious and community leaders in dialogue was suggested to reduce stigma and find common ground on youth health and rights.
Strengthening health systems and ensuring youth-friendly services are critical for improving access to SRH services. Continuous advocacy, education, and policy reforms were highlighted as essential to empowering young people and promoting informed decision-making. Economic empowerment of young women, capacity building for teachers, and community engagement were also identified as practical ways to support youth agency.
Civil society organizations, including ARHR and other youth-focused SRHR groups, play a key role in providing guidance, resources, and capacity-building to ensure young people’s voices are heard and their rights upheld. A participant indicated:
“We must move from speaking for young people to speaking with them, intentionally and collectively addressing the barriers that limit their SRHR agency.”
Moving Forward
The Facebook Chat underscored the urgency of shifting from speaking for young people to speaking with them. Strengthening youth agency in SRHR is not only about providing information or services, but it is also about empowering adolescents to actively participate in shaping their health, choices, and future.
By addressing social, cultural, economic, and policy barriers collectively, and by centering youth voices in decision-making processes, we can create healthier individuals, stronger communities, and a more sustainable future for all.
