In order to address the multi-faceted needs of young people, DSW has developed “Youth-to-Youth” (Y2Y), a comprehensive programme designed to improve the sexual and reproductive health of young people by young people. Unlike many other sexual education projects, Y2Y embodies the belief that young people themselves are key actors in their own development, not simply beneficiaries and, as such, can themselves help find solutions to their problems. Y2Y is thus built on principles of active participation, gender equity and respect of local cultural, traditional and religious values, utilising existing resources and flexibility.

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Many girls in Ethiopia become pregnant in their teens. As their bodies are not fully mature and because health care is inadequate, especially in rural areas, these girls often suffer childbirth-related injuries such as fistula. An obstetric fistula is a hole, caused by prolonged obstructed labour, causing damage to the tissues of the vagina, the bladder and rectum, leaving women incontinent, ashamed and ostracized from society. Around 9,000 new cases occur every year in Ethiopia, representing the highest prevalence of fistula world-wide. The condition occurs disproportionately among impoverished girls and women, especially those that live far from medical services.

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The Bonga Forest is rich in biodiversity and includes natural resources of regional, national and international importance such as its unique and original wild Arabica coffee. However, rapid population growth, compounded by increasing poverty levels, has led to continuous deforestation and degradation as people living in the surrounding areas are forced by their economic situation to exploit the forest’s resources. In order to reverse this alarming trend, DSW together with several cooperating partners have carried out integrated project activities in the Bonga Forest for more than ten years.

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Early marriage is common in Ethiopia, and for many young women, pregnancy follows soon after marriage and occurs during adolescence. Programs for young people, however, tend to focus on the unmarried and on premarital sexual activity. Married adolescents have received little attention as a vulnerable group with distinct needs, yet they face a host of obstacles in making informed health decisions and accessing crucial health services.

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DSW’s newest regional project is an excellent example of our integrated approach to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. This 3-year programme will work to improve the health and livelihoods of those excluded from the formal labour market, especially women and youth. By empowering individuals, supporting informed decision-making, and promoting innovative and successful approaches, it will support worldwide effort to ensure decent work, social protection and inclusion for all members of society. Using the context of informal employment as a strategic entryway, activities will address critical issues such as gender equality and sexual and reproductive health.

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