Shifting Perspectives

There are over 1.8 billion young people in the world. Investment in adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services is critical to achieve the Family Planning 2020 goal of enabling 120 million more women and girls to use contraceptives by 2020.

Now, more than ever, young people are taking on leadership roles to improve sexual and reproductive health.

Young people are not only patients, clients, and beneficiaries of health services and programs. Young people are providers, leaders, and advocates that can and will lead us to a healthier future. They are poised to design policies and programs to meet their needs and those of their peers.

Around the world, young people are influencing global development agendas at forums like the World Health Assembly, and are contributing to community-level health service delivery.

Here’s how the LMG Project is supporting their leadership development to increase impact.

YouthLeadGlobal is a hub for youth leaders where they will find online learning opportunities, a community of practice, and resources.

Log on to YouthLeadGlobal to access the Youth Leadership eCourse, which has been designed in collaboration with the International Planned Parenthood Federation for young leaders working to improve health outcomes in their communities around the world. The eCourse covers eight different leading and managing practices, includes modules for developing skills, including aligning and mobilizing your community and inspiring your peers to action, and provides strategies for how to overcome obstacles.

YouthLeadGlobal’s Community of Practice is a place to share what you have learned on the eCourse, as well as your leadership experiences and challenges. It is also a resource for new research on youth leadership. This online community is a way to both hear from other young leaders about what they’re doing in health and development in their communities and to contribute your insights.

Mapping results: What youth leadership programs and strategies deliver positive outcomes for youth, organizations, and communities?

The LMG Project is currently conducting a global survey to search for promising youth leadership programs and approaches that empower young people to advocate for better health services, and demonstrate positive outcomes for the individual participants and their communities. Think your program fits the bill? Take the survey at YouthLeadGlobal. The top five programs will be selected for more in-depth assessment so we can analyze and share what makes them successful.

Young leaders in action

The LMG Project recently asked young people in Kenya and Uganda: Why are you a leader? Hear what they have to say and learn about the impact they’re having in their communities.

Iryn, from Uganda, improved SRH services for more than 1,000 clients.

Joshua started the Driving Change Youth Initiative in Uganda.

Ken helps his Ugandan peers make informed reproductive health decisions.

In Kenya, Miller inspires young people to achieve whatever they want to achieve.

Susan, from Kenya, leads youth outreach for the Accessing Services and Knowledge project.

The LMG Project develops the next generation of leaders in public health in Africa by strengthening their voices to create change in policies and practices that are barriers to their access to family planning and reproductive health services.