October 8, 2024

Bodily Autonomy: Empowering young people for Better Futures

Information on sexual health is largely hidden from young people. This attributes to high pregnancy rates and high incidences of unsafe abortions. It was recorded that abortion incidence was highest among women in their 20s, women with secondary education or higher.

Through the peer-to-peer programming, Ipas Nigeria works to educate young people with information on their sexual reproductive health. These areas include Menstrual Health, contraception, Menstrual Hygiene Sex Information and Gender Based Violence.

Kwaghko Iveren Mercy, is a peer educator from Benue State. She speaks about her experience and how this information has helped her and her peer groups.

Before then I had a little experience about sex education. The training helped me to understand how to use female condoms, it was my first time of hearing about female condoms. I also learned about menstruation and how to manage it properly.’

‘I have also been able to refer young adolescents to health centres for proper guidance when they need more information about unwanted pregnancies, this has prevented loss of lives’

Rahama, a member of a peer group is now better empowered with the information she needs on her sexual health including contraception, menstrual hygiene and preventing unsafe abortions. 

I learnt about things to use in order to achieve personal hygiene especially during menstruation. The training gave me more information on how to prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortion’