Sexual and reproductive health and rights
Millions of adolescent girls aren’t aware of their sexual and reproductive health rights. Young people who have no access to appropriate and confidential advice and services are at risk of unwanted teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortions and sexually transmitted infections including HIV. As a result, their ability to stay in school and future employment prospects, as well as their broader health and wellbeing, are put in jeopardy.
We work with young people, their families, and local partners to ensure that their sexual health needs are met. We directly involve young women and men, helping them to identify problems and find solutions.
We work with partners and communities to:
- support quality sexual and reproductive health education and services
- provide and lobby for prevention, care and support services to those living with HIV or affected by HIV
- challenge beliefs and attitudes that maintain unequal relations between women and men.

"We don’t want to feel ashamed"
Young people are finding their voice and educating their parents and peers on the risks of teen pregnancy.
Four girls talk about reducing the risk of teenage pregnancy through the Girl Power project, in Nicaragua.
Teenage pregnancy: The facts
Every day, 5,500 young girls go directly from childhood to motherhood. Young girls often have very little choice or control over when they become mothers.
Lack of choice in teenage pregnancy is caused by:
Gender stereotypes
Cultural norms
Poor sexual health information
Child marriage
Sexual harassment
Low levels of education
Living with HIV: Regaining Confidence
Aida from India is a mother of three whose family has been ripped apart by HIV/AIDS.
We were treated like outcasts by our relatives and the community.
Aida continues to face challenges but with our support, Aida started attending counselling sessions and is gaining self-confidence. Read her story and find out what we're doing to help people who also face stigma in her community.