As part of its efforts to address the needs of young people in relation to SRHR, the Nigerien NGO LAFIA MATASSA, in collaboration with the international organizations Equipop and SOLTHIS and with the involvement of 30 Young Leaders for Advocacy (JLP), carried out a series of activities aimed at encouraging and promoting the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of young people. These activities are part of the Healthy Youth and Adolescents project (phase 2), co-financed by the French Development Agency and the Paris City Council.
Nearly thirty young people, organized within the group "Young Leaders for Advocacy (JLP)," proposed a letter of appeal on the needs and requests of young Nigeriens regarding their SRHR. This letter was distributed during the second round of the presidential elections to the national media, young people from political parties, and, above all, to the leaders running for executive office. This initiative had the following results:
- The political decision-makers from the parties we met are making public commitments on SRHR.
- The winner incorporates issues related to access to quality sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services for all young people and adolescents into its national policies.
The Young Leaders for Advocacy have formulated the following expectations:
1- Create and revitalize infirmaries (in schools and universities) and health centers by strengthening the capacity of health personnel to engage with young people in order to provide high-quality services (health providers recognize the needs of young people and respect their privacy, diversity, and individuality).
2- Support the adaptation of existing health centers to the needs of young people (dedicated spaces, adapted opening hours, dedicated staff) and promote access by providing extensive information on the services available, including for young people and adolescents;
3- Work with adolescents and young people to ensure that existing laws relating to their sexual and reproductive health meet their needs and are enforced on the ground;
4- Translate into local languages and publicize among young people the laws and decrees signed by the winner and his predecessors, as well as national programs in favor of DSSRAJ;
5- Support associations for adolescents and young people by adopting a posture of listening and dialogue and pursuing active collaboration with civil society organizations.
In order to improve the national strategy on SRHR, the JLP will implement social and political mobilization activities over a period of one and a half years (18 months). These actions will enable the work begun with the presentation of the open letter to continue and ensure that the new president fulfills and respects his commitments to SRHR for adolescents and young people in Niger.
