Youth Empowerment
Almost half of the world's population is younger than 25 years of age. 70 per cent live in developing countries (read more >). Adolescents are the parents of tomorrow. Their choices regarding education and Family Planning strongly influence the development of their country and its society. Therefore, the transfer of knowledge and education in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights helps them to make informed and autonomous decisions.
They often lack access to sexual and reproductive health care services. Youth clubs are supposed to supplement this need. With DSW's aid and its development projects such as the Youth-to-Youth initiative boys and girls between the age of 10 and 24 get a chance to share knowledge and ask questions to their peer educators. Furthermore, contraceptives are distributed and HIV/AIDS tests are taken. The projects are backed-up by comprehensive advocacy work in order to assure Sexual and Reproductive Rights and a consistent investment in the parents of tomorrow.
Sex Education Saves Lives
Many people believe that talking openly about sexual intercourse would encourage young people to engage in early sexual activity. In fact, the opposite is the case. Research has found that well-informed young people make their first sexual experiences later in life than their peers who lack this information. Furthermore, they tend to have fewer sexual partners and are more likely to use condoms and other contraceptives.
Information is prevention
Information on sexuality and contraception protects from sexually transmitted infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS and helps to reduce the number of unwanted - and therefore aborted - pregnancies. Informed girls not only become pregnant for the first time later but also have fewer children at longer intervals. Furthermore, they remain in school longer, which improves their future chances on the job market.
