Web for Life

Unintended pregnancies (UP) among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Zimbabwe present a pressing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) challenge, with significant detrimental effects on their well-being and development. The numbers are very concerning, and we need to do something about it. According to a report from Zimbabwe Statistical Agency, 15.8% of teenage girls and 27.6% of young women gave birth before the census night. Another study found that 30% of teenage girls were sexually active in 2022. Globally, UNICEF estimated that 14% of young girls and women gave birth because of accidental pregnancies. The World Health Organization found that the rate of teenage pregnancies was highest in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean.

These statistics highlight a pervasive problem that demands immediate attention and action. Several factors contribute to the high incidence of UP among this vulnerable population. Drivers of unintended pregnancy among AGYW include  lack of SRHR education, limited access to contraceptives, social stigma, government polices, economic challenges, drug and substance abuse, lack of role models and inadequate support systems. UP among AGYW have far-reaching consequences, including increased maternal and infant mortality rates, higher rates of unsafe abortions, compromised educational opportunities, and limited economic prospects. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty  and inequality, hindering the overall development and well-being of young women in Zimbabwe.

Having access to reliable information, resources, and services related to sexual and reproductive health is extremely important in order to UP and promote overall reproductive well-being. Unfortunately, there are significant deficiencies in both the quality of information and the availability of resources in this field, which has led to a persistent global issue of UP. There is a lack of comprehensive and accurate information regarding sexual and reproductive health that is readily accessible to individuals, especially young people. Many educational institutions and communities fail to provide thorough education on topics such as contraception, responsible sexual behavior, and reproductive rights. This knowledge gap results in misunderstandings, inadequate comprehension, and poor decision-making regarding contraception, ultimately increasing the risk of UP. Secondly, the availability and accessibility of resources and services related to sexual and reproductive health are limited in many regions, particularly in low-income countries. Methods of UP, such as condoms, birth control pills, and long-acting reversible contraceptives, may not be easily available or affordable for those who need them. Moreover, societal and cultural barriers often make it difficult for certain individuals, especially women and marginalized groups, to access SRHR services, including counseling for family planning, contraceptives, and safe abortion procedures. These barriers result in  higher numbers of UP and unsafe abortions. Additionally, there is a significant social stigma surrounding discussions about SRHR. This stigma prevents open conversations and hinders the spread of accurate information about contraception and reproductive health options. Societal attitudes, influenced by cultural, religious, and moral beliefs, contribute to the marginalization and discrimination of individuals seeking SRHR information and services. This further exacerbates the disparities in access to care and perpetuates the cycle of UP.

The Web for Life solution seeks to enhance the access to and quality of SRHR information, commodities, and services for AGYW, with a particular focus on unintended pregnancies. This shall be achieved through a comprehensive approach that incorporates community-based intervention, gamification, audio-visual tools, girls talk, and mobile technology. The goal is to empower AGYW by providing them with accurate information, encouraging open dialogue, and facilitating access to vital SRHR resources. 

Objectives :

• Enhance knowledge- Increase awareness and understanding of SRHR topics related to UP among AGYW in Harare.
• Reduce the UP rates- Promote the adoption of safe and effective contraceptive methods and encourage responsible sexual behavior to reduce the incidences of UP.
• Facilitate informed decision-making- Empower AGYW to make informed choices regarding their reproductive health and exercise their SRH rights.
• Improve access: Enhance access to SRHR commodities, services and information using mobile technology and community engagements.

Implementation

1.Web for Life will conduct a needs assessment to identify challenges, gaps, and priorities related to UP among AGYW in Harare. Community members, organizations, and healthcare providers will be engaged to gather insights and tailor project interventions to the local context.

2. Organize workshops in a local community where expert educators will discuss topics around SRHR. Conversations with parents to provide guidance on various contraceptive methods, responsible sexual behavior, and the rights related to SRH will be made. Additionally, the program will partner with schools, youth clubs, and community centers to include lessons on SRHR in their educational programs or extracurricular activities.

3. The solution shall make use of  SAYWHAT's Smart learner's hub online platform that offers interactive and engaging educational modules and challenges addressing UP and SRHR. Additionally, it will incorporate rewards, virtual incentives and progress tracking to motivate AGYW to actively participate and complete educational modules.

4. Through this project, culturally sensitive audio-visual content, including videos, animations, and infographics, to convey information about UP, contraceptive methods, and SRHR rights shall be developed through the SAYWHAT Studio of Choice. Content dissemination will be through community screenings, social media platforms and other relevant channels.

5. Establish safe spaces peer mentoring programs, or online forums, where AGYW can openly discuss topics related to UP, share experiences, and seek support. Facilitate girl-led workshops, and storytelling sessions to encourage dialogue, build confidence, and foster peer support networks.

6. Utilize SMS services or messaging apps to send tailored SRHR messages, reminders about contraceptive use, and updates on available services to AGYW. Thus, by making use of the database that will be created during the course of the project, targeting about 300 AGYW in Harare. Ensure the messaging services are accessible, confidential, and available in local languages. Additionally, the solution will make use of SAYWHAT’s tollfree number 577 for information and psychosocial support.

7. Establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to measure the impact of the project. Collect data on knowledge gain, contraceptive use, behavior change, service utilization, and user feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and inform future improvements

The solution outlined above will impact the lives of about 300 Harare based adolescent girls and young women in various ways, taking into account their diverse needs, backgrounds, and experiences. Here are some ways the solution will make a positive difference:

1. Accessible and Comprehensive Information: The project will ensure that adolescent girls and young women, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographic location, have access to accurate and comprehensive SRHR information. This information will cover a wide range of topics, including contraception, reproductive health, family planning, and rights. By providing reliable information, the project will empower girls and young women to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and futures.

2. Improved Health Outcomes: By promoting responsible sexual behavior and increasing awareness about contraception methods, the project will contribute to reducing unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls and young women. This will lead to improved health outcomes by reducing the risks associated with early and unplanned pregnancies, such as maternal mortality, unsafe abortions, and complications during childbirth. It will also enable girls and young women to better plan their lives, education, and career goals.

3. Empowerment and Agency: The project will create safe spaces, such as support groups and online forums, where girls and young women can engage in open discussions, share experiences, and seek support. These platforms will foster a sense of empowerment, allowing girls to voice their opinions, concerns, and aspirations. By encouraging dialogue and building confidence, the project will help girls and young women develop a strong sense of agency over their bodies, relationships, and life choices.

4. Peer Support Networks: Through girls talk sessions and peer-led activities, the project will facilitate the formation of peer support networks. These networks will provide a sense of solidarity, enabling girls and young women to connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges. Peer support networks can offer emotional support, advice, and practical guidance, creating a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation.

5. Breaking Stigma and Taboos: The project will address cultural and societal barriers surrounding SRHR topics, including unintended pregnancies. By promoting open discussions and providing culturally sensitive information, it will contribute to breaking down stigma, myths, and taboos associated with adolescent sexuality and reproductive health. This will help create an environment where girls and young women can seek the support and services they need without fear of judgment or discrimination.

6. Digital Access and Inclusion: By utilizing mobile technology and audio-visual tools, the project will ensure that girls and young women from diverse backgrounds have access to SRHR information and services. The mobile application, SMS services, and messaging apps will enable girls to access information discreetly, bridging gaps in information and service availability. Efforts will be made to ensure the technology is accessible, user-friendly, and available in local languages, catering to the diverse needs of the target population.

The Web for Life is a network and platform for female students in tertiary institutions who are leaders and advocates for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. The Web for Life Network is an initiative of the Students’ And Youth Working on reproductive Health Action Team (SAYWHAT) that aims to promote and strengthen the active participation and involvement of female students in SRHR Advocacy. Its affiliation to SAYWHAT gives it access to accurate sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information, commodities, and services. Thus making Web for Life well-positioned to deliver this solution. This is so because the networks possess a unique perspective on the challenges faced by adolescent girls and young women. As members of the same age group, they can relate to the experiences, concerns, and needs of their peers. This understanding allows them to develop targeted and relevant solutions that resonate with their audience.

Moreover, Web for life plays a pivotal role in delivering accurate SRHR information through peer-to-peer education. By organizing workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns, they can create safe spaces for open discussions on topics such as contraception, safe sex practices, and family planning. This approach fosters trust and encourages young women to seek information and advice from their peers, reducing the stigma associated with discussing SRHR issues.

In many societies, cultural norms and taboos restrict open conversations about SRHR. Web for life being part of the same cultural fabric, can effectively challenge these barriers. By engaging with community leaders, parents, and educators, they can advocate for comprehensive sexuality education and promote a more inclusive and accepting environment for discussing SRHR. Additionally, the network can collaborate with healthcare providers and organizations to ensure the availability of youth-friendly SRHR services.  Furthermore, Web for Life has been empowering adolescent girls and young women to make informed decisions about their SRHR. This network can provide mentorship and support, helping their peers navigate the complexities of relationships, contraception, and reproductive choices. By fostering a sense of agency and autonomy, they can contribute to reducing unintended pregnancies and promoting healthier reproductive choices.

 Web for Life has the potential to make a significant impact on improving the quality of and access to SRHR information, commodities, and services for adolescent girls and young women. Its unique perspective, peer-to-peer education, cultural advocacy, collaboration with healthcare providers, and empowerment initiatives can create a positive change in addressing unintended pregnancies.

The Web for Life currently serve about 60 female students or more per tertiary institution. While it works with over 30 tertiary institutions nation wide. That is making a total of approximately 2 000+ female students.

Utilizing a comprehensive approach that combines various strategies such as community-based intervention, gamification, audio-visual tools, girls talk, and mobile technology can have a transformative impact on improving the quality of and access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information, commodities, and services for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW).

By implementing community-based intervention, we can engage directly with local communities to address the specific needs and challenges faced by AGYWs in relation to unintended pregnancies. This approach allows for tailored solutions that take into account cultural and societal factors, ensuring that the interventions are relevant and effective.

Through integrating gamification techniques into SRHR interventions can make the learning process more engaging and enjoyable for AGYWs. By turning educational content into interactive games and challenges, we can capture their attention and motivate them to actively participate in their own learning. Furthermore, audio-visual tools, such as videos and animations, can be powerful tools for delivering SRHR information in a visually appealing and easily understandable manner. These tools can break down complex concepts and provide AGYWs with clear and concise information, empowering them to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

Girls talk sessions shall create safe spaces for AGYWs to share their experiences, concerns, and questions related to SRHR. By facilitating open and honest discussions, we can address misconceptions, provide accurate information, and offer support and guidance to AGYW, fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence. Leveraging mobile technology, such as smartphones and apps, can greatly enhance the accessibility of SRHR information and services for AGYWs. Mobile apps can provide on-demand information, connect AGYW with SRHR service providers, and offer discreet support, ensuring that they have access to the resources they need, anytime and anywhere.

By combining these approaches, we can empower AGYW with improved SRHR information, commodities, and services, promoting their rights and overall well-being. This comprehensive strategy embraces the concept of edutainment, blending education and entertainment to create a modernized and engaging way of imparting knowledge. Furthermore, the solution will have a ripple effect within the space, catalyzing broader positive impacts. By addressing the root causes of unintended pregnancies and promoting SRHR, we can bring about both first order change (immediate impact on AGYW) and second order change (broader societal change) in attitudes, behaviors, and policies related to SRHR.

  The Web for Life solution shall also utilize SAYWHAT's new Smart learner's hub, an online platform that offers interactive and engaging educational modules and challenges addressing unintended pregnancies and SRHR. This platform ensures that AGYW have access to high-quality, evidence-based information and resources that are both informative and enjoyable to engage with

The impact goal of this solution is to significantly enhance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information, commodities, and services for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in order to effectively mitigate unintended pregnancies. This will be achieved by focusing on providing age-appropriate, evidence-based information that specifically addresses the unique needs and concerns of AGYW. Through this approach, the aim is to reduce unintended pregnancies within the next year.

In order to achieve this goal, the project will prioritize the provision of accessible contraceptives to AGYWs. Efforts will be made to ensure that these contraceptives are readily available, affordable, and culturally appropriate. Moreover, the project will actively work to address and overcome cultural and societal barriers that hinder access to these commodities, such as stigma and misinformation. By tackling these barriers, AGYWs will be empowered to challenge harmful gender norms and advocate for their comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education and rights.

By promoting gender equality and empowering AGYW, this solution aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5's targets, which aim to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030. Over the next five years, the project envisions a significant transformation in societal attitudes and practices, leading to improved gender equality and increased advocacy for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education and rights for AGYWs.

Logical Framework for Improving the Quality of and Access to SRHR Information, Commodities, and Services Related to Unintended Pregnancy Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women:

Goal: To reduce unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls and young women by improving the quality of and access to SRHR information, commodities, and services.

Objective 1: Increase availability and quality of SRHR information:

- Activity 1: Develop comprehensive SRHR educational materials targeting adolescent girls and young women.

  - Output 1: Production of culturally sensitive educational materials on SRHR.

  - Output 2: Translation of educational materials into local languages.

- Activity 2: Establish peer-to-peer education programs in schools and communities.

  - Output 1: Training of peer educators on SRHR topics.

  - Output 2: Implementation of peer education sessions in schools and communities.

Objective 2: Enhance accessibility to SRHR commodities:

- Activity 1: Strengthen the supply chain for SRHR commodities.

  - Output 1: Assessment of current supply chain gaps.

  - Output 2: Development of strategies to address supply chain challenges.

- Activity 2: Increase distribution points for SRHR commodities.

  - Output 1: Identification of new distribution points (clinics, pharmacies, community centers).

  - Output 2: Establishment of partnerships with existing distribution networks.

Objective 3: Improve the quality of SRHR services:

- Activity 1: Train healthcare providers on adolescent-friendly SRHR services.

  - Output 1: Development of training modules for healthcare providers.

  - Output 2: Training sessions conducted for healthcare providers.

- Activity 2: Enhance facilities to provide youth-friendly SRHR services.

   - Output 1: Assessment of existing healthcare facilities' readiness to provide youth-friendly services.

   - Output 2: Upgrading facilities to meet youth-friendly standards.

Linkage between Activities, Outputs, and Outcomes:

Immediate Outputs:

- Production of comprehensive SRHR educational materials.

- Translation of educational materials into local languages.

- Training of peer educators on SRHR topics.

- Assessment of current supply chain gaps.

- Development of strategies to address supply chain challenges.

- Identification of new distribution points for SRHR commodities.

- Establishment of partnerships with existing distribution networks.

- Development of training modules for healthcare providers.

- Training sessions conducted for healthcare providers.

- Assessment of existing healthcare facilities' readiness to provide youth-friendly services.

- Upgrading facilities to meet youth-friendly standards.

Longer-term Outcomes:

- Increased knowledge and awareness about SRHR among adolescent girls and young women.

- Improved access to SRHR commodities for adolescent girls and young women.

- Decreased unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls and young women.

- Enhanced quality and youth-friendliness of SRHR services provided to adolescent girls and young women.

6 full-time staff

The team has been working on the solution under SRHR issues for 16years,

As Web for Life leading a team, we establish specific and measurable goals to promote diversity and inclusivity within your network. This includes increasing the representation of underrepresented groups, fostering an inclusive environment and  implementing inclusive practices. We foster an inclusive team culture by creating a team culture that values and respects diverse perspectives and experiences. In addition, Web for Life encourage open communication, active listening, and mutual respect among team members.  The team also emphasize the importance of inclusivity in decision-making processes. Over the years, we ensure that the team actively seeks out female students from diverse backgrounds when recruiting new members. As part of our leadership and team building sessions, we offer regular training sessions on unconscious bias, cultural competence, and inclusive leadership for all team members. This increases awareness, promote understanding, and equip the team with skills to create an inclusive work environment.

  Furthermore, Web for Life encourage cross-cultural collaboration. This by facilitating opportunities for team members to collaborate with individuals from different cultures or backgrounds and assign projects that require diverse perspectives and encourage learning from each other's experiences. Our team members are actively involved in decision-making processes to ensure diverse perspectives are considered. We always avoid making decisions in isolation and seek input from individuals with varying backgrounds and experiences. Web for Life has created mentorship programs within the network to support the development of individuals from underrepresented groups and encourage the team members to become mentors and mentees, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. By creating an inclusive environment, valuing diverse perspectives, and implementing inclusive practices, Web for Life has fostered a culture of belonging and empowered team members to thrive

Key Resources

• Donor network

Key Activities

• Workshops
• Online schooling
• Edutainment competitions
• Community audio-visual screening
• Talk shows
• Bulky SMS
• Toll-free hotlines

Type of intervention

• Humanitarian

Segments

• AGYW
• Service Providers
• Parents of the AGYW

Value Proposition 

Beneficiary Value Proposition

• AGYW ability to make well informed decisions around SRHR
• Reduced rates of unintended pregnancies
• Increased demand of SRHR commodities and services
• Increased youth friendly services

Impact Measures

• Reduced rates of unintended pregnancies among AGYW
• Increased demand of SRHR commodities and services by AGYW

Partners + Key Stakeholders 

• Local Schools
• Local service providers

Channels

• Local schools

Cost Structure 

• Staff
• Online platform
• Infographics
• Transport

Surplus

• Follow-ups on the impact of the solution
• Donors

Revenue

Donors

Web for Life will resource mobilize by clearly articulating the importance and impact of the network's work in improving SRHR outcomes and reducing unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls and young women. Thus, by developing a strong narrative that highlights the urgency and relevance of the issue. This will help the network to attract potential donors and grant-making organizations. The network will research and identify individuals, organizations, foundations, and corporations that have a vested interest in SRHR and align with the network's mission. Web for life will establish meaningful connections with these through networking, attending relevant events, and reaching out individually. This will be solidified by engaging in conversations, share updates about the network's work, and demonstrate the impact of their potential contributions. Building relationships based on trust and shared values is key to securing sustained donations. Moreover, the network will create a donor engagement strategy. In addition, W3b for Life will explore opportunities for income generation within the network. It will also identify activities or services that align with the network's mission and can generate revenue. Moreover, the network implement robust financial management practices, including proper accounting, budgeting, and reporting. The network shall maintain transparency and accountability in all financial transactions and communicate this transparency to donors and stakeholders.