Engaging Youth in Citizen-Led Advocacy and Accountability for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

Abstract

The White Ribbon Alliance Kenya is an autonomous, locally registered nongovernmental organisation in Kenya with a vision to ensure that all women and girls realise their right to quality health and well-being. It is among 14 other national alliances affiliated with the White Ribbon Alliance Global Secretariat, based in Washington, DC. White Ribbon Alliance Kenya recognises that even though the Kenyan government has policies in place to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health outcomes, proper implementation and commitment is still needed. Our advocacy and citizen-led accountability efforts are working towards educating youth on their sexual and reproductive health rights, obligations, and entitlements, and promoting public awareness and citizen engagement. The goal is to empower adolescents to demand high-quality sexual and reproductive health services through appropriate policy communication and advocacy channels.

It’s not just about pads! Adolescent reproductive health in Kenya:A qualitative secondary analysis

“…However, incorporating adolescent requests can be significant, as adolescents are experts on their health. 23 The impact of economic and social determinants of health on reproductive health was also evident in the responses from adolescent girls in secondary schools in Kenya. As such, reproductive health programs should consider working with individuals in the ministries of Education, Finance, Food and Agriculture, Transport and Infrastructure, as well as those in the Sports, Culture & Heritage sectors.…”

“…However, incorporating adolescent requests can be significant, as adolescents are experts on their health. 23 The impact of economic and social determinants of health on reproductive health was also evident in the responses from adolescent girls in secondary schools in Kenya. Adolescents probably had more requests but had to pick only one.…”

“…The White Ribbon Alliance, a non-profit organization, conducted the global What Women Want campaign between April 2018 and March 2019 to understand what women and girls want for maternal and reproductive health care. 23,24 The organization utilized a qualitative survey with one open-ended question: My one request for quality reproductive and maternal health care services is ________? Although the campaign initially administered the survey online, most countries, including Kenya, later distributed paper surveys and had different consenting procedures.…”

“…Access to quality reproductive healthcare for adolescent girls in Kenya is a pressing public health issue warranting further investigation. 23,24 The organization utilized a qualitative survey with one open-ended question: My one request for quality reproductive and maternal health care services is________? Although the campaign initially administered the survey online, most countries, including Kenya, later distributed paper surveys and had different consenting procedures.…”

It’s not just about pads! Adolescent reproductive health views in Kenya: A qualitative secondary analysis

“…The White Ribbon Alliance, a non-profit organization, conducted the global What Women Want campaign between April 2018 and March 2019 to understand what women and girls want for maternal and reproductive health care [ 23 , 24 ]. The campaign utilized a qualitative survey with one open-ended question: My one request for quality reproductive and maternal health care services is________ ?…”