Empowering Youth for SRHR in Mukono, Uganda

1. Limited Information: Many young people lack access to comprehensive SRHR education and information, leaving them vulnerable to misinformation and making uninformed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health.

2. Restricted Access: Barriers to essential SRHR services and commodities, including contraceptives and healthcare, limit young people's ability to make choices about their reproductive health.

3. Lack of Engagement: There's a lack of meaningful youth engagement in the development of SRHR solutions and advocacy efforts. The voices and needs of young people often go unheard in policy development and community initiatives.

4. Root Cause Barriers: Issues such as stigma, cultural norms, and socioeconomic challenges contribute to poor SRHR outcomes and deter young people from seeking care and support.

1. Youth-Centric SRHR Information Centers: The project aims to establish youth-centric SRHR information centers, making accurate information, essential commodities, and services readily accessible to young people in Mukono. This addresses the problem of limited access to information and services.

2. Engaging Young Innovators: By engaging and supporting young innovators in Mukono, the project empowers them to develop, implement, and scale SRHR solutions tailored to the needs of their peers. This addresses the problem of a lack of meaningful youth engagement in SRHR solutions and advocacy.

3. Comprehensive SRHR Programs: The project will implement comprehensive SRHR programs, including awareness campaigns, the distribution of contraceptives, and the provision of essential SRHR services. These initiatives aim to improve SRHR outcomes and address root cause barriers to care, including limited access to healthcare services.

4. Youth Advocacy and Participation: The project will create opportunities for young people to actively participate in advocacy, legal awareness, and policy development related to SRHR. This addresses the problem of limited youth engagement in policy and advocacy efforts.

1. Improved Access to Accurate Information: Adolescent girls and young women will have access to reliable, youth-centric SRHR information. This empowers them with knowledge about their sexual and reproductive health, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding family planning, contraceptives, and sexual health.

2. Increased Access to Services: The project ensures that essential SRHR services, including reproductive healthcare, contraceptives, and counseling, are readily available. This means that female youth can seek care without encountering barriers, leading to improved overall health and well-being.

3. Youth-Led Innovation: The project engages young women in Mukono, encouraging them to participate in the development and implementation of SRHR solutions. This not only empowers female youth but also fosters a sense of agency and leadership, enabling them to drive change in their community.

4. Enhanced SRHR Outcomes: Through comprehensive SRHR programs, including awareness campaigns and education, female youth will experience improved SRHR outcomes. This includes reducing the risk of unplanned pregnancies, promoting safe sexual practices, and ensuring early access to healthcare when needed.

5. Youth Advocacy and Participation: The project actively involves adolescent girls and young women in advocacy, legal awareness, and policy development. This means that they can influence policies related to SRHR, advocating for their rights and needs, and actively participating in decisions that impact their lives.

1. Local Expertise: Our team is based in Mukono, Uganda, and has an in-depth understanding of the local context, including cultural, social, and healthcare dynamics. This local expertise allows us to tailor our interventions to the specific needs of the community, particularly adolescent girls and young women.

2. Healthcare Experience: I, Solomon Mpanga, as a Nurse by profession, bring substantial experience in healthcare and public health. This experience equips our team with the knowledge and skills required to implement effective SRHR programs and ensure the delivery of quality services.

3. Community Connections: Our team has established connections within the Mukono community, including with local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers. These connections enable us to effectively collaborate and leverage existing resources to implement our SRHR initiatives.

4. Youth Involvement: Our project places a strong emphasis on engaging young people, including adolescent girls and young women, in decision-making and solution development. We have a dedicated team member with expertise in youth engagement and empowerment.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation: We have experts on our team who specialize in monitoring and evaluation. This ensures that our interventions are continuously assessed, adapted, and improved to maximize their impact on the target population.

6. Collaborative Partnerships: We are open to collaborating with local and international organizations, as well as the MIT Solve, UNFPA, and Organon teams. This collaborative approach allows us to access a diverse range of resources and expertise to enhance our project's success.

7. Commitment to Empowerment: Our team is deeply committed to the empowerment of adolescent girls and young women in Mukono. We are driven by the belief that when young women are informed, supported, and engaged, they can create lasting change in their community.

1. Tangible Interventions: The solution involves tangible, real-world interventions, such as setting up youth-centric SRHR information centers, running comprehensive SRHR programs, and engaging young innovators in Mukono. These interventions are in the process of being implemented or have already begun.

2. Community Engagement: We have actively engaged with the Mukono community, including schools, healthcare providers, and local organizations. This demonstrates our commitment to practical, on-the-ground initiatives that directly impact the lives of adolescent girls and young women in Mukono.

3. Ongoing Activities: The project is not merely a theoretical concept. It has progressed beyond the planning stage and involves ongoing activities. For instance, awareness campaigns, distribution of contraceptives, and training for young innovators are actively taking place.

4. Measurable Outcomes: The project has clear, measurable outcomes related to improved SRHR for young women in Mukono. We are tracking changes in knowledge, behavior, access to services, and advocacy efforts, which is a characteristic of a prototype focused on producing concrete results.

5. Local Collaboration: We have established local collaborations with organizations and providers to facilitate the implementation of our interventions. These partnerships are indicative of a prototype that is actively engaged with local stakeholders.

1. Youth-Centric Approach: The project places young people, particularly adolescent girls and young women, at the center of decision-making and solution development. This approach empowers them to actively participate in shaping SRHR initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.

2. Comprehensive SRHR Programs: We offer a holistic approach by combining SRHR information centers, youth-led innovation, comprehensive SRHR programs, and youth advocacy. This comprehensive strategy addresses SRHR challenges from multiple angles, increasing the likelihood of sustained positive outcomes.

3. Local Collaboration: The project actively collaborates with local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers in Mukono. This collaborative approach leverages existing resources and expertise to amplify the project's impact, fostering a culture of cooperation and community involvement.

4. Youth Empowerment: By actively engaging young innovators, the project enables them to contribute to the development, implementation, and scaling of SRHR solutions. This not only addresses the immediate SRHR needs but also empowers young people to drive change, fostering a sense of agency and leadership.

5. Technology and Data: The project leverages technology for data collection, monitoring, and evaluation. Data-driven decision-making enhances the project's efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring resources are allocated where they are needed most.

6. Advocacy for Policy Change: In addition to direct interventions, the project emphasizes advocacy for policy change. By influencing policy, the project has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts, setting a precedent for similar initiatives in other regions.

7. Youth Leadership Coaching: The project includes professional executive leadership coaching for young participants. This innovative aspect equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead and advocate for SRHR in their community and beyond.

8. Community-Building: The project focuses on building a community of young innovators, advocates, and empowered individuals. This approach creates a network of change-makers who can continue to drive positive impacts long after the project concludes.

Next Year (Year 1):

Impact Goal: By the end of the next year, we aim to significantly improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of 5,000 adolescent girls and young women in Mukono, Uganda, as measured by an increase in their access to accurate information, essential services, and active participation in SRHR advocacy.

Approach:

1. Information Access: Establish youth-centric SRHR information centers, where at least 5,000 young women can access accurate and youth-tailored SRHR information.
2. Service Delivery: Implement comprehensive SRHR programs, ensuring access to essential services, including contraceptives, healthcare, and counseling, for 5,000 young women.
3. Youth Engagement: Engage at least 500 young women as active participants in SRHR advocacy, policy development, and community initiatives.

Next Five Years (Years 2-5):

Impact Goal: Over the next five years, we aim to create a transformational impact on the SRHR of 20,000 adolescent girls and young women in Mukono, Uganda, contributing to improved outcomes in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators.

Approach:

1. Information Access: Expand the reach of SRHR information centers, targeting 20,000 young women for access to accurate and youth-tailored SRHR information.
2. Service Delivery: Scale comprehensive SRHR programs to ensure access to essential services, including contraceptives, healthcare, and counseling, for 20,000 young women.
3. Youth Engagement: Foster active participation of 2,000 young women in SRHR advocacy, policy development, and community initiatives.
4. Policy Advocacy: Influence local and regional policies to improve SRHR outcomes for young women, setting a precedent for similar initiatives.

Our approach aligns with various UN SDGs, such as SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By focusing on information access, service delivery, youth engagement, and policy advocacy, we aim to create a transformational impact on the lives of young women in Mukono, contributing to a healthier and more empowered community.

Theory of Change for "Empowering Youth for SRHR in Mukono"

Activities:

1. Establish Youth-Centric SRHR Information Centers: We create accessible information hubs tailored to the needs of young women, providing accurate and youth-friendly SRHR information.

2. Implement Comprehensive SRHR Programs: We run programs that deliver essential services, including contraceptives, healthcare, and counseling, addressing SRHR needs.

3. Engage Young Innovators: We actively involve young women in the development, implementation, and scaling of SRHR solutions.

4. Advocate for Policy Change: We advocate for local and regional policy changes to improve SRHR outcomes for young women.

Immediate Outputs:

• Increased access to accurate SRHR information for young women.
• Improved access to essential SRHR services, reducing barriers.
• Active participation of young women in advocating for their SRHR rights.
• Policy changes that align with the needs and rights of young women in Mukono.

Short-Term Outcomes (Year 1):

• Improved knowledge and awareness among young women about their SRHR, leading to informed decision-making.
• Increased utilization of SRHR services, contributing to better health outcomes.
• Strengthened advocacy skills and engagement of young women in SRHR initiatives.
• Initial policy shifts that support young women's SRHR.

Long-Term Outcomes (Years 2-5):

• Sustainable improvement in the sexual and reproductive health of young women in Mukono.
• Reduced unplanned pregnancies, decreased STIs, and improved overall health outcomes.
• A transformed community where young women actively advocate for their rights and participate in policy-making.
• Broader regional impact, with our approach serving as a model for positive SRHR change.

Why it's Expected to Have an Impact: By providing young women with easy access to accurate SRHR information and essential services, engaging them as advocates and leaders, and influencing policy change, our solution directly addresses the barriers and challenges they face. This holistic approach fosters informed choices, healthier behaviors, and a community that values and supports young women's SRHR. The long-term outcomes include lasting change not only for the target population but also for the broader region as other initiatives adopt similar practices.

Our team for "Empowering Youth for SRHR in Mukono" comprises three full-time staff, including team leader Namwanje Ritah, a program manager, and a data specialist. We have four part-time staff, which includes a youth engagement coordinator, advocacy specialist, healthcare educator, and community liaison. Additionally, we've engaged three contractors for specific tasks: a local construction company for SRHR information centers, a technology consultant for data management, and a policy advocacy consultant. In total, our team consists of 10 individuals, each contributing their unique skills and expertise to address sexual and reproductive health and rights challenges in Mukono, Uganda.

Our journey to develop and implement the "Empowering Youth for SRHR in Mukono" solution began two years ago. During this time, we have conducted in-depth research, engaged with the local community, and established key partnerships. We have also initiated several pilot projects to test and refine our interventions. This two-year period has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in Mukono and has allowed us to tailor our solution to the specific needs of the community. As we move forward, we remain committed to driving positive change in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) is a fundamental aspect of our approach for "Empowering Youth for SRHR in Mukono." We recognize the importance of reflecting the diversity of the community we serve, particularly adolescent girls and young women. Our commitment to DEI is evident in the following ways:

Diverse Leadership: Our team includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, gender identities, and age groups. Namwanje Ritah, our team leader, is a young woman, and our project manager and specialists also represent various backgrounds. This diversity ensures that decisions and strategies are informed by a range of perspectives.

Community Engagement: We actively involve local community members in our initiatives, ensuring that their voices and experiences are integral to our decision-making processes. This includes engaging young women from different backgrounds and life experiences.

Gender Sensitivity: Given the focus on sexual and reproductive health, we prioritize gender sensitivity in all aspects of our work, addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by young women in Mukono.

Inclusivity in Advocacy: We are committed to promoting an inclusive environment in our advocacy and awareness efforts, actively encouraging young women from marginalized backgrounds to participate in policy change and community initiatives.

Continuous Learning: Our team is dedicated to ongoing learning and improvement in the area of DEI. We regularly seek feedback from community members and assess our programs for their inclusivity and effectiveness.

Our overarching goal is to ensure that our initiatives reflect and respect the diversity of Mukono, create equitable access to SRHR resources, and foster a culture of inclusion where young women are welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. We continuously strive to address disparities and eliminate barriers to full participation for marginalized groups within our community. Our commitment to DEI is at the core of our work, and we are dedicated to further enhancing our efforts in this area.