Following the release of the results of social audits conducted by auditors from the Jeunes en vigie (JEV) project, community and political mobilization took place in the six districts covered by the project between August and October 2023. Even today, issues such as non-judgmental attitudes, welcoming reception, youth-friendly care, and training for healthcare providers remain a concern in both countries.
Until the specific needs of young people are understood and heard, they will not be able to have full control over their own bodies. Since 2020, the 90 female participants in the project have been empowered through skills-building sessions. on SRHR, communication techniques, organizing and facilitating discussion sessions with young people as well as with health care providers.
Empowerment means "taking control" of one's own life and playing a role in one's community. The listeners initiated individual and collective changes to demand respect for the DSSRAJ in their locality.
"For me, an auditor is someone who has been trained and is committed, capable of leading discussions with their peers and providing accurate information to contribute to change." – Marylène (Réo).Through community mobilization activities such as educational talks, youth forums, and community dialogues, the listeners raised awareness and opened up dialogue on issues related to youth sexuality.
In parallel with community activities, the auditors were involved in political mobilization actions at the district level. They initiated and participated in advocacy meetings to inform local health authorities of rights violations observed during the audits and asked these same decision-makers to make commitments by signing a memorandum (in Senegal) and officially submitting advocacy documents (in Burkina Faso).Ask to take action
"The chair of the special delegation promised to include us in their meeting at city hall so we can present our case to the entire council, so they can see what they can do to improve access to health services for young people." – ZalissaThe next step before the end of this phase 1 is to call on the authorities at the national level! See you in November 2023!
