Sexual and reproductive health and rights

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Sexual and reproductive health and rights

16 million girlsaged 15 to 19 and some 1 million girls under 15 give birth every year

2.2 million adolescentsin the world are living with HIV – around 60% are girls

13.3 million childrenworldwide have lost one or both parents to AIDS

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.

pregnant girl with her mother and grandmother outside her home in Nicaragua

"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.

Our story

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

and unequal power dynamics in relationships make it very difficult for girls and young women to negotiate the use of contraception with their partners

Cultural norms

often glorify marriage and motherhood in a manner that limits girls and young women’s life choices

Poor sexual health information

and lack of access to sexual health clinics mean young people don't learn about their bodies, reproduction and have limited access to contraception

Child marriage

is a harmful practice driven by social norms. The practice means girls have little to no say when they get married and become mothers

Sexual harassment

and violence against girls in schools and their communities

Low levels of education

increase the likelihood of early motherhood due to limited opportunities to become economically independent and empowered

Sign outside a Plan participation centre reads Aids is real

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.

Aida's story

Emergency Appeal

Coronavirus: Children's Emergency Appeal

Sexual and reproductive health and rights