At the 2023 Women Deliver Youth Zone this past July 18, over 40 youth-led organizations unveiled the Global Roadmap for Action (GRA) , a youth-driven initiative which seeks to transform the landscape of adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health. Young people’s needs and aspirations are at the forefront of this growing, youth-driven coalition.
With the Gates Institute providing seed funding, the GRA coalition is now seeking partners to continue this vital work.
Below, we delve into the significance of the session in July and the potential this coalition holds for driving positive change.
Empowering Youth-Led Initiatives
Youth-led initiatives, organizations, and networks have long been at the forefront of advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights. However, despite their collective efforts, they have often lacked a dedicated space for information sharing, collaboration, and strategizing.
The GRA addresses this critical gap by providing a platform for young leaders to unite, amplify their voices, and mobilize resources to achieve their goals.
A Youth-Driven Vision
The GRA is a bold vision that places young people’s sexual and reproductive health at the center.
Launched during the 2022 International Conference on Family Planning, it represents the culmination of months of collaborative work and consultation among youth advocates worldwide.
Key Calls to Action
The session at 2023 Women Deliver conference provided an opportunity for GRA members to discuss key calls to action with current and potential donors and stakeholders. This dialogue for change resonated with the audience as young leaders passionately demanded action.
By articulating their priorities and sharing their experiences, they shed light on the urgent need to address the barriers young people face in accessing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.
Strengthening Advocacy and Knowledge Management
The GRA not only seeks financial support but also aims to strengthen advocacy efforts and knowledge management systems. By fostering collaboration among youth-led organizations, the coalition facilitates the exchange of ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions.
This collective intelligence empowers young leaders to design and implement impactful sexual and reproductive health programs.
Building Capacities for Sustainable Change
To achieve lasting change, it is crucial to invest in the capacity-building of young advocates. The GRA recognizes this imperative and strives to equip youth-led organizations with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to drive transformative action.
By nurturing the potential of young leaders, the coalition ensures that they are well-prepared to address the complex challenges surrounding sexual and reproductive health through 2030 and beyond.
Call for Partners
Seed funding for the GRA has been provided by the Gates Institute. Now, the GRA youth advocates are calling upon partners to match the initial investment and contribute to support the coalition’s work.
This financial support will enable the GRA to expand its reach, strengthen its impact, and further empower youth-led organizations in their pursuit of sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Join the movement
The youth-led organizations driving the Global Roadmap for Action forward invites partners to join the movement and collectively shape a world where young people’s sexual and reproductive health needs are met with dignity, respect, and empowerment.
