Young women are one of the most powerful driving forces to overcome HIV and AIDS. Time and again, we have seen that the health and wellbeing of young women are at the centre of building strong and thriving communities. Yet, many young women remain unprotected, vulnerable, unduly affected and at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, simply because they are young and women.
A fact sheet developed by the World AIDS Campaign, Girls Empowerment Network and World YWCA discusses the challenges of young women and what international treaties could help in holding governments accountable for improving the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of young women.
“This fact sheet was created specifically for young women so that young women can become champions of their own lives and take control and address issues around SRHR. It outlines international treaties, agreements, mechanisms and advocacy tips that young women should all know about they want to be part of the wheel that that secures SRHR for young women," explains World YWCA HIV and AIDS Coordinator Sophie Dilmitis.
Young women are a priority focus for the World YWCA. “Implicit in all work carried out by the World YWCA is a human rights-based approach. This fact sheet on young women, HIV and SRHR documents how young women and girls are affected by SRHR violations and what can be done to address this through national, regional and international platforms, " says Dilmitis.
Over the past couple of decades, greater attention has been paid to young women’s SRHR. But, more action is still needed. The facts paint a clear picture - young women continue to be unjustly affected by poor SRH outcomes, including HIV. “The World YWCA continues to work towards promises made through the UN Declaration of Commitment on HIV and AIDS, “ says Dilmitis. "Article 53 reads "by 2010 at least 95 per cent of young men and women aged 15 to 24 have access to the information, education, including peer education and youth - specific HIV education, and services necessary to develop the life skills required to reduce their vulnerability to HIV infection, in full partnership with young persons, parents, families, educators and health-care providers.”
Dilmitis believes the YWCA movement is in a strategic position to lead the change needed to address the SRHR and HIV issues young women face. “The YWCA is renowned as being a safe space for women, including young women, through which they can be empowered to take ownership of their lives. YWCAs are ideally positioned to provide safe and inclusive, non-judgmental and confidential spaces for women and girls to discuss and disclose challenges they face in SRHR, HIV and AIDS and violence against women.”
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