Empowerment of Girls as Advocates
In Ethiopia, the Power to You(th) initiative encompasses various programs, notably the Empowerment of Girls as Advocates. This initiative is designed to equip girls and young women with the tools and knowledge needed to engage in capacity building activities, particularly in understanding their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The primary focus of this program is to raise awareness regarding gender-based violence (GBV) and drive a transformative shift in societal norms within Ethiopia. This is achieved through the collaboration of diverse societal actors, advocating for comprehensive SRHR.
Central to the program are the training sessions that aim to facilitate discussions around existing societal norms related to GBV and SRHR. These sessions offer varying modules tailored for advocacy and enlightenment, empowering young women to participate in platforms where they can interact with decision-makers.
Presently operational in fourteen districts, the Empowerment of Girls as Advocates has already yielded promising results over the past two years, notably witnessed in the increased representation of young people in decision-making spheres. Recognizing that young people constitute the majority of the Ethiopian population, their active involvement in decision-making processes is deemed crucial. Given the varied experiences of young people, including instances of GBV and child marriage, their perspectives often differ from those of older generations. This initiative aims to bridge these gaps by collaborating with civil society organizations (CSOs) to ensure the sustainability of the program.
Acknowledging the capacity constraints of CSOs, the Power to You(th) program provides training and resources to enhance their capabilities in providing training and ensuring the continuity of the initiative. One notable shift is the increased reporting of child marriages by local governments, which signifies a positive change—shedding light on issues that were previously unreported. As young people become more involved, they are increasingly held accountable for these issues. Notably, the advocacy efforts of young people within decision-making spheres have catalyzed improvements in SRHR services.
Mesfin Ayeta encapsulates the essence of the initiative by stating, “The Ethiopian government sees young people as beneficiaries, but young people should not only receive, they should be able to contribute to their own SRHR concerns. Once we engage young people, they will be heard and can influence politics and the system.”