USADEC

The specific problem we are working to solve is the limited access to accurate sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information, services, and commodities for young people, as well as the stigmatization and discrimination surrounding these issues.

Scale of the Problem:

• Globally, an estimated 1.2 billion young people (ages 15-24) are at risk of inadequate access to SRHR information and services. (UNFPA)
• In many communities, conservative cultural norms, lack of comprehensive sex education, and restrictive policies contribute to this problem.
• Unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common consequences of inadequate SRHR services and information.

Key Factors Contributing to the Problem:

• Lack of comprehensive sex education in schools, leading to misinformation and misconceptions.
• Societal taboos and cultural norms that inhibit open discussions about sex and reproductive health.
• Inadequate youth-friendly healthcare services and limited access to contraception and STI testing.
• Discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and gender-based violence further compound the issue.
• Restrictive policies and laws that limit young people's access to contraception and reproductive health services.

Our solution focuses on empowering young people to address these factors by advocating for policy changes, promoting education, reducing stigma, and facilitating access to youth-friendly SRHR services. This approach seeks to address these challenges both locally and globally, potentially benefiting millions of young people who currently lack adequate SRHR resources and support.

Our solution is a comprehensive program designed to empower young people to take charge of their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). It works by providing the following components:

1. Education: We offer age-appropriate, evidence-based sex education, which is essential for young people to make informed decisions about their SRHR. This education can be delivered through in-person workshops, online courses, or mobile apps.

2. Advocacy: We encourage young people to advocate for policy changes that support their SRHR. This involves raising their voices in local and global forums, lobbying for comprehensive sex education in schools, and pushing for youth-friendly healthcare services.

3. Community Engagement: Our program facilitates community discussions, support groups, and safe spaces where young people can openly discuss SRHR issues, share experiences, and provide peer support.

4. Access to Services: We work with healthcare providers to establish youth-friendly clinics where young people can access contraception, STI testing, and counseling without judgment. Technology, such as mobile apps, can be used to connect young people with nearby healthcare services.

5. Media and Social Media: We leverage social media and online platforms to disseminate accurate SRHR information, run campaigns, and engage influencers to reach a wider audience of young people.

This solution does not focus on the problem itself but provides young people with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to address SRHR issues effectively. It utilizes a combination of education, advocacy, community engagement, technology, and social media to empower young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and advocate for their rights.

(Note: The link to a video demo should be included if available, showing how the solution works in action.)

The target population for our solution is young people, typically between the ages of 15 and 24, who are underserved in terms of their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs. This group faces several challenges:

1. Lack of Comprehensive SRHR Education: Many young people do not receive comprehensive sex education in schools or within their communities. This leaves them ill-informed and susceptible to myths and misconceptions about SRHR.

2. Limited Access to SRHR Services: Young people often encounter barriers to accessing youth-friendly healthcare services, including contraception, STI testing, and counseling. These barriers may include cost, lack of nearby clinics, and judgmental attitudes from healthcare providers.

3. Stigmatization and Discrimination: Young people from marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, often face discrimination and stigmatization when seeking SRHR services or information.

Our solution directly targets these underserved young people by:

1. Providing Comprehensive SRHR Education: We offer age-appropriate, evidence-based education on topics like contraception, STIs, consent, and healthy relationships. This empowers young people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their SRHR.

2. Advocating for Youth-Friendly Services: We support young people in advocating for policy changes and the establishment of youth-friendly healthcare services, reducing barriers to access and ensuring services that are respectful, non-discriminatory, and affordable.

3. Reducing Stigma and Discrimination: Through community engagement and advocacy, we work to reduce stigmatization and discrimination, creating a more inclusive environment for all young people to access SRHR services and information.

In essence, our solution aims to directly and meaningfully improve the lives of young people by equipping them with the knowledge and resources necessary to make informed choices about their SRHR and to access supportive and non-discriminatory services. This, in turn, can lead to better health outcomes, reduced unintended pregnancies, and a safer, more empowered young population.

Our team is well-suited to design and deliver this solution to the target population because we have deep connections and proximity to the communities we aim to serve. Our team includes members who are representative of these communities, and our approach is rooted in understanding and engaging the needs and perspectives of the people we seek to empower.

Proximity and Representation:

• Our Team Lead has a background in public health and has worked extensively with youth-focused NGOs and community-based organizations. They understand the challenges young people face regarding SRHR, including stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to services. Additionally, our team includes members who are themselves young people from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals, and can relate directly to the issues at hand.

Understanding and Engagement:

• We prioritize community engagement and consultation. We conduct surveys, focus group discussions, and one-on-one interviews with young people to understand their needs, concerns, and aspirations related to SRHR.
• Our team actively collaborates with local community organizations, youth-led groups, and healthcare providers to ensure our solutions align with the specific needs and cultural contexts of the communities we serve.

Community-Guided Approach:

• We firmly believe in a community-guided approach. As we develop the solution, we integrate the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities we serve. We seek their feedback at every stage of our program, from needs assessment to program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Our team is open to iterative feedback, adjusting our strategies and interventions based on what the community tells us is most effective and relevant.

In summary, our team has the unique advantage of being intimately connected to the communities we aim to serve. We are representative of the target population, and our approach is grounded in understanding and empowering the voices of young people who are underserved in the realm of SRHR. Our commitment to community engagement ensures that our solution is both meaningful and relevant to the needs of those we seek to empower.

To track the number of individuals who have interacted with your solution, we would typically use tools and databases to collect and analyze this data. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Data Collection on 100 individuals: Use systems or methods to collect data on interactions with your solution . For a clinic, this might involve patient records or appointment logs. For a product or platform, you may use analytics tools to track user activity.

2. Data Analysis: Organize and analyze the data to understand the number of individuals who have engaged with your solution over a specified period.

3. Reporting: Create reports or dashboards to present this data in a clear and understandable manner. You can break down the numbers by demographic, location, or other relevant factors.

4. Regular Monitoring: Continuously monitor and update this data to track changes and trends over time.

The specific metrics you track will depend on the nature of your solution and the goals you want to achieve. For example, in a healthcare setting, you might track the number of patient visits, while for a platform, you could monitor the number of registered users or active users.

To assess the impact of your solution, you should not only focus on the quantity of interactions but also on the quality and outcomes. Are individuals benefiting from your services or products? Are their needs being met? Are you achieving your intended goals and outcomes? These are important considerations for a more comprehensive evaluation.

Our solution is innovative in several ways:

1. Comprehensive Empowerment: We don't focus on just one aspect of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Instead, we offer a comprehensive approach that combines education, advocacy, community engagement, access to services, and the reduction of stigma and discrimination. This comprehensive model addresses the multifaceted challenges young people face.

2. Community-Centric Approach: Our solution empowers young people by actively involving them in the design and implementation of SRHR programs. By engaging directly with the target population, we ensure that the solution aligns with their unique needs, perspectives, and cultural contexts.

3. Technology Integration: We leverage technology effectively to disseminate information, connect young people with services, and monitor the impact of our programs. Mobile apps, online courses, and data analytics are used to reach and engage young people where they are most comfortable – in the digital realm.

4. Advocacy and Policy Change: Our solution actively encourages young people to engage in advocacy efforts to influence policy changes and secure funding for SRHR programs. This approach can catalyze broader positive impacts by creating a generation of informed and engaged advocates who can drive systemic change.

5. Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination: We place a strong emphasis on reducing stigma and discrimination related to SRHR issues, making our solution highly inclusive. This approach promotes equality and respect for all individuals, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.

6. Scalability: Our solution is designed to be scalable, allowing it to change the market by influencing the way SRHR programs are implemented. By demonstrating the effectiveness of our approach and its positive outcomes, we can inspire other organizations to adopt similar strategies.

In summary, our solution is innovative through its comprehensive, community-centric, and technology-driven approach. It addresses the problem of limited SRHR access and information by empowering young people and engaging them as active participants in advocating for change. This approach can have a cascading effect, inspiring others in the SRHR space to adopt more inclusive, technology-driven, and community-empowering strategies.

Impact Goals:

Next Year:

1. Reach and educate 10,000 young people on comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) through online courses, workshops, and community engagement programs.
2. Establish partnerships with five healthcare providers to offer youth-friendly SRHR services, with a goal to serve 2,000 young people.

Next Five Years:

1. Educate and empower 100,000 young people on SRHR, fostering informed decision-making, safe practices, and gender equality.
2. Advocate for policy changes and funding allocation that benefit SRHR, leading to improved access and services for 50,000 young people.
3. Reduce SRHR-related stigma and discrimination, achieving a 30% decrease in reported incidents within our target communities.
4. Expand our program to five additional countries, reaching a global audience of young people and serving as a model for comprehensive SRHR empowerment.
5. Collaborate with international organizations and stakeholders to contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Achievement Approach:

• Develop and disseminate age-appropriate online courses and materials on SRHR topics, reaching a wider audience.
• Conduct workshops and seminars within target communities, leveraging community leaders and influencers to promote SRHR education.
• Engage young people in advocacy campaigns to influence policy changes and secure funding for SRHR programs.
• Establish partnerships with local healthcare providers to offer youth-friendly SRHR services, with a focus on affordable and accessible contraception and STI testing.
• Leverage technology and social media to disseminate information, engage the audience, and collect data for monitoring and evaluation.
• Continuously engage with communities to assess progress, gather feedback, and make data-driven improvements.
• Collaborate with international organizations, NGOs, and local partners to expand the program globally and advocate for systemic change.

Our impact goals for the next year and the next five years are aimed at creating transformational change in the lives of young people by providing them with comprehensive SRHR education, access to youth-friendly services, reducing stigma, and advocating for policy change. These goals are aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals and will contribute to improved health, gender equality, and reduced inequalities, ultimately empowering young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Theory of Change:

1. Activities: We will conduct educational workshops, develop online courses, and engage young people in community discussions to provide comprehensive SRHR education. Additionally, we will establish partnerships with healthcare providers to offer youth-friendly services.

2. Outputs: Through these activities, we will directly reach and educate thousands of young people. We will also establish accessible healthcare services for young people in our target communities.

3. Immediate Outcomes: Young people will gain knowledge about SRHR, leading to informed decision-making, safer practices, and improved health outcomes. They will have access to youth-friendly services, including contraception and STI testing.

4. Longer-Term Outcomes: With increased knowledge and access to services, young people will experience fewer unintended pregnancies, reduced STI transmission, and improved sexual and reproductive health. As they become informed advocates, they will engage in policy change efforts, reducing stigma and discrimination related to SRHR.

Evidence and Impact:

Our theory of change is based on a growing body of evidence from SRHR programs and initiatives. Research has consistently shown that comprehensive education and access to youth-friendly services lead to better health outcomes, reduced unintended pregnancies, and lower STI transmission rates among young people.

We will continuously assess the impact of our program through data collection and third-party research to ensure that our activities indeed lead to the expected outcomes. Moreover, as young people gain the knowledge and confidence to advocate for policy change, we anticipate reduced stigma and discrimination over the long term, creating a more inclusive environment for all. Ultimately, our approach aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to goals related to health, gender equality, and reduced inequalities.

full time  staff: 5

part time staff :4

volunteers : 7

13 years 

Incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) is fundamental to our work and our commitment to empowering young people in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). We recognize that DEI is not just a buzzword but a guiding principle for achieving meaningful impact. Here's how we approach DEI in our work:

1. Diverse Leadership and Team:

• Our team reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We have individuals from various backgrounds, including different gender identities, sexual orientations, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• We actively seek to include young people in leadership roles, ensuring their voices and perspectives drive our decision-making.

2. Inclusivity in Education:

• We tailor our SRHR education to be inclusive, covering diverse experiences, identities, and needs. We ensure that our materials and programs are culturally sensitive and respectful of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

3. Equity in Access:

• We strive to create equitable environments, addressing disparities that have prevented marginalized groups from accessing SRHR information and services.
• We work to eliminate systemic barriers by establishing youth-friendly clinics and advocating for policies that promote equitable access.

4. Inclusive Community Engagement:

• We actively engage with communities and foster an inclusive environment where all members are welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. This includes young people, parents, and other stakeholders.

5. Advocating for Inclusivity:

• We advocate for policies and practices that promote inclusivity and reduce discrimination, including advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and challenging gender-based violence and stigma.

6. Ongoing Learning and Improvement:

• We are committed to ongoing learning and improvement in DEI. We regularly seek feedback from the communities we serve and adjust our programs and materials accordingly.

7. Measurable Goals:

• We set measurable DEI goals, such as the percentage of underrepresented groups within our leadership and team.
• We use metrics to track the inclusivity of our programs and the demographic diversity of those who benefit from our services.

8. Collaboration and Partnerships:

• We actively seek collaborations with organizations that share our commitment to DEI in SRHR. By partnering with like-minded entities, we amplify our impact.

Our approach to DEI is not just a checkbox; it's embedded in our core values and informs every aspect of our work. We recognize that DEI is essential for addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by young people in the realm of SRHR, and it's fundamental for achieving meaningful, sustainable, and equitable impact.

Our business model is centered on providing value to young people and the communities we serve, primarily in terms of impact and, in some cases, revenue to sustain our initiatives. Here's an overview of our business model:

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:

1. Young People: Our primary beneficiaries are young people, typically aged 15 to 24, who seek comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information, services, and support. They are the core audience for our educational programs, advocacy efforts, and access to youth-friendly healthcare services.

2. Healthcare Providers: Our partner healthcare providers are also beneficiaries as they gain increased business from offering youth-friendly SRHR services. This partnership provides them with new revenue streams.

Products and Services:

1. Comprehensive SRHR Education: We offer age-appropriate online courses, workshops, and community discussions on SRHR topics. These educational programs empower young people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

2. Advocacy and Policy Support: We engage in advocacy efforts to influence policy changes that benefit SRHR. This advocacy provides value by enhancing the overall SRHR landscape.

3. Youth-Friendly Healthcare Services: Through partnerships with healthcare providers, we facilitate the establishment of youth-friendly clinics, offering affordable and accessible services such as contraception, STI testing, and counseling.

How We Provide These Products and Services:

• Our educational programs are delivered through online platforms, mobile apps, and in-person workshops and seminars.
• Advocacy and policy support involve active participation in local and global forums, campaigns, and collaborations with other organizations.
• Youth-friendly healthcare services are offered through partnerships with existing healthcare providers. These providers receive training and support to create welcoming environments for young people.

Why They Want or Need Them:

• Young people need comprehensive SRHR education to make informed decisions and engage in healthy practices.
• Access to youth-friendly healthcare services is essential for those seeking contraception, STI testing, and counseling, as it promotes safer and healthier sexual practices.
• Advocacy efforts help create a more supportive environment, reduce stigma, and ensure that SRHR is recognized and respected.

Revenue Generation:

• Our revenue model is primarily based on grants, donations, and support from philanthropic organizations and government programs. These funds enable us to provide educational programs, advocacy, and support for youth-friendly healthcare services.

• We may also generate revenue through partnerships with healthcare providers, where they benefit from the increased business brought by offering youth-friendly SRHR services.

Our business model is designed to provide essential value to young people by addressing their SRHR needs and advocating for their rights. The revenue sources we secure are primarily reinvested to further our mission, reach more young people, and create a positive impact on SRHR at a local and global scale.

Our plan for becoming financially sustainable involves a combination of revenue streams to cover our expected expenses while maintaining our focus on achieving our mission. Here are the key elements of our financial sustainability plan:

1. Grants and Donations:

• We will continue to seek grants and donations from philanthropic organizations, government agencies, and international development institutions. These funds will support our educational programs, advocacy efforts, and community engagement initiatives.

2. Partnership with Healthcare Providers:

• Through partnerships with healthcare providers, we aim to generate revenue by facilitating the establishment of youth-friendly clinics. These partnerships are expected to generate income for the providers through the delivery of SRHR services. In turn, we may receive a percentage of these revenues as part of our collaboration.

3. Fee-for-Service and Workshops:

• While our core educational materials and programs are generally free to access, we may offer specialized, fee-for-service workshops, training, or educational resources to generate revenue. These offerings could be aimed at educational institutions, healthcare providers, or other organizations looking to enhance their knowledge and capacity in SRHR.

4. Social Enterprise Initiatives:

• We may explore social enterprise opportunities that align with our mission and create sustainable revenue. This could include the development of SRHR-related products or services that can be sold to generate income.

5. Leveraging Technology:

• We will continue to leverage technology to reach a wider audience and streamline our operations. This not only enhances the impact but can also reduce operational costs, contributing to financial sustainability.

6. Long-Term Sustainability Planning:

• As our organization grows, we will develop a long-term sustainability plan that ensures that revenue streams are sufficient to cover our expected expenses. This plan will involve financial forecasting, efficient resource allocation, and diversification of revenue sources.

By diversifying our revenue streams and actively seeking opportunities for generating income, we aim to achieve financial sustainability. This approach will allow us to continue our mission of empowering young people in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights, while ensuring that our operational costs are covered and our impact remains positive and sustainable.