Learning the Art of Assessing and Improving Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Young People in Conservative Muslim Society
In any society good sexual and reproductive Health (SRH) is dependent on the recognition and realization of respective SRH Rights. However in the absence of research on SRHR status of young people, it is difficult to plan interventions to address issues related to SRH of young people and to advocate for an enabling policy environment in conservative countries like Pakistan which is currently undergoing demographic transition with over 64% of its population is below the age of 24 years, it is vital to design rights based interventions to meet their SRH needs. With this background, World Population Foundation (WPF), Pakistan conducted a pioneering research on ‘Status of SRH Rights of Young People in Pakistan’- 2010.
The ‘Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Assessment Framework’ – SeHRAF developed during the research is used for assessing SRHR status of young people. The research findings manifest limited realization of young people’s SRH Rights, extreme discrimination against marginalized communities and has disregarded the assumption that boys/girls are “too young” to need SRHR information and services. Most infringed rights are ‘Right to Education and Information’ and ‘Right to Health Care’. It highlights the urgent need for building capacity of the education and healthcare systems and advocacy for SRHR-friendly services and policies in Pakistan.
The findings of the research have enabled WPF in improving its Life Skills Based Education (sexuality education) programme for formal and non-formal education systems, incorporating LSBE into National Education and Youth Policies and strengthening advocacy for integration of SRHR Education into national school curriculum.
