By Beni Bamusi

Thyolo, September 6, Mana: Women Rights Institute (WORI) has called on all stakeholders in Thyolo to raise awareness on issues to do with Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) among Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in Traditional Authority Bvumbwe who are facing challenges in accessing sexual reproductive health services.

WORI Executive Director, Bertha Mfune made the call this week during a project orientation which took place at Thyolo District Council.

Mfune said AGYW are facing challenges in accessing services regarding Sexual Reproductive Health services, saying cultural, legal and structural barriers in health facilities prevent them from making informed decisions and choices.

“We are therefore calling on the media, and all the stakeholders to amplify change and advocate for reproductive health rights so that adolescent girls and young women can understand their rights,

“Some girls opt for unsafe abortion which brings complications if not well treated. This project will tackle pressing issues affecting their well-being,” she said. 

She added the understanding will help AGYW to avoid early pregnancies and post-abortion complications which come as a result of unsafe abortion which most of the girls resort to when they are pregnant.

Thyolo District, Youth Friendly Service Coordinator, Steve Dimba acknowledged that some AGYW are not aware of their SRHR services, saying there is a need to put deliberate interventions to raise awareness on where they can access the services. 

He expressed hope that WORI project will provide a room where girls will learn their rights, thereby reducing the chances of unwanted pregnancies and child marriages. 

Mwai Women Group Chairperson, Flone  Magombo said the initiative has come at the right time in Bvumbwe where AGYW are failing to access services at a health facility due to an unconducive environment that doesn’t guarantee privacy.

“Bvumbwe being a trading centre, girls are easily influenced by peers and situations to engage in prostitution which puts them at risk of early pregnancies. We anticipate that the project will bring positive change to girls in the area,” said Magombo.

WORI is implementing an SRHR project among the AGYW in Thyolo.