The Covid-19 epidemic currently raging around the world has also impacted the community activities of the #OnDoitAgir project, which were suspended at one point in accordance with official instructions from the Beninese health authorities. As a result, the implementing partners, with the support of Equipop, began to consider how the project's activities could be adapted to the new health context. As a result of these discussions, the project's main activity, namely the photo competition on young people's access to SRHR services and information, has been transformed into a Covid-SRHR Photo/Drawing Challenge.
The #WeMustAct Project in the time of COVID-19
As a result of adapting the project to the Covid context, the SRHR Covid-19 photo/drawing contest focuses on participants who are asked to illustrate (in photos/drawings) their daily lives and personal experiences related to accessing SRHR services during these times of restrictions. At the end of the challenge, a total of around 100 works were received, of which 60 were selected to be printed as part of the photo exhibitions. In addition, a prize was awarded to the five best works in the challenge by a jury composed of member organizations of the project and professionals.
A challenge that also fuels the Covid-DSSR digital campaign
Divided into three phases, the digital campaign planned as part of the #OnDoitAgir project is progressing well. The messages and various elements (graphics and visuals) have been revised with the support of Equipop, and the campaign is now focused on:- the need to take gender into account when formulating responses to COVID-19;
- the use of elements from the photo/drawing challenge to highlight the need for the government to honor its commitments in the area of SRHR;
- the reminder that SRHR must be considered an essential service in times of crisis, whether health, humanitarian, or security-related.
Implemented since September 2019 (and for a revised duration of 19 months) by Scoutisme Béninois (lead partner), Jeunes Volontaires pour la Santé (JVS) and Réseau Ouest Africain des Jeunes Femmes Leaders (ROAJELF-Bénin), #OnDoitAgir is a social and political mobilization project that has strengthened the capacities and commitment of adolescents and young people in order to increase their participation in outreach activities and monitoring of the government's commitments in the area of health.
