Advancing SRHR Access for Young People in Nelson Mandela Bay

Across South Africa, many young people are growing up without access to accurate, youth-friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services. This gap isn’t just about a lack of clinics or education, it's about missed opportunities for young people to understand their bodies, make informed decisions, and protect their well-being.

At YMCA Nelson Mandela Bay, we believe that empowering youth with the right knowledge and support is one of the most powerful ways to build a healthier, more just society. Our work aligns with the YMCA’s global pillars of Community Well-being and A Just World, which call on us to stand for dignity, equity, and access for all.

“When young people understand their rights, they begin to shape their futures not out of fear, but out of confidence.”

Why This Matters

Many of the young people we meet in schools and communities tell us they rarely receive honest or open conversations about sexual health, not at home, not at school, and not from the healthcare system. This silence leaves them vulnerable to misinformation, stigma, and risky situations that could otherwise be prevented through simple, honest dialogue.

The reality is that in Nelson Mandela Bay, as in many parts of South Africa, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, and sexually transmitted infections remain pressing challenges. The issue isn’t only access to services, it’s access to understanding.

Where Our Journey Began

Our SRHR advocacy journey began in 2021, when young people in Motherwell bravely shared their experiences of daily sexual harassment on their way to school. Those conversations made something clear: SRHR isn’t an abstract policy issue,  it’s part of young people’s everyday lives.

In response, we mobilised with local partners such as LoveLife, Phila Ndoda Movement, and The Rape Crisis Centre to lead a community march and deliver a petition to the local police station. Together, we demanded safer routes for learners and accountability from community structures.

That moment changed everything. It showed young people that they are not powerless, they are drivers of change.

Listening to Youth Voices

As our advocacy grew, we wanted to understand what barriers truly stand between young people and their right to health. Through surveys and focus group discussions in schools and communities, we heard directly from learners and community members.

Here’s what we found:

• Over 55% of learners had never heard of SRHR.

• Only 4% knew about counselling or mental health services.

• Many felt uncomfortable discussing sexual health with adults.

• Community members cited stigma, long clinic queues, and limited awareness as key barriers.

  
  

Despite this, young people showed a strong desire to learn, seek help, and lead.

“We need clinics that take us seriously as young people.”

“It’s hard to talk about SRHR at home, but easier at school.”

Their words reminded us why we do this work.

What We Learned

We learned that real change begins with trust. When we first entered schools and communities, we had expectations, but we soon realised we needed to meet people in the middle. Openness takes time. Listening comes before teaching.

Through peer-led facilitation, youth became more comfortable engaging in conversations about consent, safety, and sexual health.

Our biggest takeaway?

Trust, patience, and collaboration are the foundation of community well-being.

Stakeholders and YMCA team after the SRHR Dialogue.

Building a Shared Future

This week, we hosted a Stakeholder Engagement Dialogue to bring together schools (Parkside Primary School and Victory Leadership Academy) and community organisation, Ubuntu Pathways to reflect on what young people told us and to act on it.

We shared findings, exchanged strategies, and began designing more coordinated approaches to SRHR advocacy and delivery in Nelson Mandela Bay.

The goal is straightforward yet essential: To ensure that every young person, regardless of where they live, can access accurate information, supportive services, and safe spaces without fear or shame.

This is what building A Just World looks like when communities come together to uphold dignity and rights for all.

Join us

We know that lasting change doesn’t happen in isolation. If you’re a school, health professional, or community organisation, we invite you to work with us in ensuring that young people have the information and care they need to thrive.

We can build a Nelson Mandela Bay where young people are informed, confident, and empowered to lead healthier lives.

Get in touch: info@ymcanmb.org Follow us: YMCA Nelson Mandela Bay (across platforms).