January 1970

YOUACCESS

Year: 2018 - ongoing
Supported by: Champions of Global Reproductive Rights
Partnership with: Youth Development Center (Itahari), National Association of Physically Disabled (Kathmandu), Blind Youth Association Nepal (Kathmandu)
Major component: advocacy, FP 2020, family planning, people with disabilities, young people,

Introduction

Visible Impact has been advocating for provision of inclusive and youth friendly family planning services in Nepal through the grant received from Champions of Global Reproductive Rights (PAI). YOUAccess project aims at advocacy to ensure that the Government of Nepal fulfills its FP2020 commitments while leaving no one behind.

Activities conducted under the project

 

Research

In order to understand the perception, practice and perception of young people towards family planning, consultations were conducted young people, including young people with disability and young sexual and gender minorities.

Consultation with stakeholders and government

The Consultative Meeting on Family Planning “Together for FP 2020” was jointly conducted with Association of Youth Organizations Nepal (AYON). In this meeting, findings from the research conducted by Visible Impact and AYON were shared. Feedbacks from stakeholders working in the sector of family planning were received.

Development of youth advocates

Visim conducted a 3-days residential training with 10 young people in Sunsari and 10 young people with disability Kathmandu district to develop young people as youth advocates on family planning. The training focused on SRHR, highlighted on technical aspects of family planning and developed their personal skills as well. Through the training, the youth champions were enriched with the skill set and knowledge to advocate for youth friendly SRHR and FP policies that highlighted on leaving no one behind especially young people with disabilities.

Advocacy journey of youth advocates

After the training, youth champions in Itahari have been advocating with parliamentarians, Ministry of Social Development for development of RH Directive that highlights the needs of young people. They have also been creating awareness among their peers and community members. The youth champions in Kathmandu have been building allies through meetings with Disabled People’s organization and meeting with FP 2020 advisor.

Our Impact

We are working with 10 young people with disabilities and developing them as advocates which has enabled them to bring issues of people with disability at the forefront of discussions. Also, all the 20 advocacy champions have enhanced their personal skills and now can speak up for youth SRHR issues with decision makers.