Y-ACT Youth In Action

Day one of our ongoing national youth consultation in Sierra Leone marks a crucial milestone in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (#SRHR) for young people. Through our Empowering Youth for Effective SRHR Implementation and Policy Engagement Project in Sierra Leone, this consultation provides a platform for youth advocates, coalition members, and SRHR stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions and share innovative solutions for enhancing SRHR policies and interventions. We began with an overview of Y-ACT’s mission and goals in Sierra Leone, setting the tone for a collaborative effort to strengthen youth involvement in SRHR advocacy. Our discussions then highlighted the progress made by the SRHR Coalition, led by our implementing partner YPPD, who showcased impactful interventions such as the #MYE Scorecard, which has significantly benefited the youth community. Insights from coalition members like Fatmata Sankoh offered a personal perspective on the #CAHLS Curriculum (formerly CSE), emphasizing its role in building SRHR awareness among young people. Throughout today’s sessions, we have explored strategies to expand the curriculum's reach and raise awareness around SRHR. We are also tackling the barriers to effective SRHR implementation and brainstorming solutions to make SRHR services more accessible, inclusive, and youth-friendly. This consultation is not just a meeting—it's a movement for sustainable change, with youth leading the way in shaping policies that will impact their futures. #YouthForSRHR #SierraLeone #YouthInAction #YouthEmpowerment #SRHRPolicy #InclusiveHealth #EmpoweringYouth Ibrahim Marvel Kamara Bitania Lulu Berhanu Sharon Koki Kennedy Musyoka

Today marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign to end violence against women and girls. Despite progress, countless women and girls continue to face the devastating reality of Gender-Based Violence. In a world where simply being a woman should never feel like a crime, we must rise to challenge this injustice. 🚨There’s #NoExcuse for violence in our society. 🚨There’s #NoExcuse for silence when injustice happens. 🚨There’s #NoExcuse for systems that fail to protect women and girls. 🚨There’s #NoExcuse for looking away while lives are shattered. The fight against Gender-Based Violence demands bold voices and decisive action. As young people, our voices are powerful tools for change. Let’s challenge harmful norms, hold leaders accountable, and ensure that every woman and girl can live free from fear. UN Women #16DaysOfActivism #YouthPowerHub #NoExcuse #EndGenderBasedViolence #SayNoToGBV #ProtectWomen #GenderEquality #HumanRights #StopTheViolence

How do we tackle tobacco use in Africa while empowering youth and integrating a gender-sensitive lens? At the 2nd Africa Tobacco Control and Development Conference in Ghana, Y-ACT through Winnie Olwal ,PMD Pro. took the lead in the #Youth and #Gender session, a dynamic space that explored actionable solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing tobacco challenges. The stories, data and research shared were a wake-up call and a roadmap for change. Youth-led advocacy drives policy change across Africa, exemplified by Kenyan movements pushing for stricter tobacco regulations. Addressing gender norms is critical, as cultural pressures in Uganda encourage boys to smoke while targeted marketing exploits girls’ insecurities. Economic empowerment, such as GIAs in Zambia, offers alternatives to tobacco farming, while innovative approaches like Sky Girls’ campaigns reduce tobacco uptake through storytelling and social media. Key takeaways: 1️⃣ Youth-led advocacy can drive legislative change, as seen in Kenya. 2️⃣ Gender-sensitive approaches address unique tobacco use patterns, such as social norms targeting boys and girls differently. 3️⃣ Creative innovations like storytelling and social media resonate with young people. 4️⃣ Economic empowerment, like group income-generating activities(#GIAs), reduces reliance on tobacco farming. 5️⃣ Policy integration across education, health, and livelihoods ensures systemic impact. Effective tobacco control requires integrating it into education, mental health, and economic policies, alongside mentorship and robust networks to empower youth advocates. Join our movement as we remain committed to scaling these solutions in Africa. #YouthAndGender #TobaccoControl #YACT #PolicyChange #InclusiveAdvocacy #InnovateForImpact

The 2nd Africa Conference on Tobacco Control and Development (#ACTD2024) kicks off today with a powerful opening session, setting an inspiring tone for our two days together. Distinguished speakers underscored a shared vision for an Africa free from tobacco use's socio-economic and health burdens, sparking a strong start to the event. From the opening remarks by Mr Mamadou Biteye, Conference Chair and Executive Secretary of The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), to the goodwill messages from Ms Cynthia Lewis of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the message is clear: Africa’s tobacco control ecosystem must be built on evidence-based policies and resilient partnerships across sectors. Youth Bridge Foundation, Y-ACT's key partner in Ghana, led us with inspiring messages showcasing how youth voices are central to shaping effective, community-driven solutions for a tobacco-free future. YBF's Mawena Azuma shared a compelling vision for young advocates to drive the charge, her words resonating with a room ready for action. In every corner of the room, attendees are deeply engaged, from policy experts and public health leaders to young advocates who are challenging the status quo. With critical conversations, strategic insights, and an infectious commitment to change, today’s sessions seek to build an Africa-wide movement for sustainable health and development. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue diving into innovative approaches, fresh ideas, and groundbreaking strategies that will redefine tobacco control in Africa. #ACTD2024 #PublicHealthAfrica #YouthAdvocacy #TobaccoControl #SustainableDevelopment #Collaboration

📢 Mark Your Calendars for a Vital Conversation on Tobacco Control in Africa! This week, the 2nd Africa Conference on Tobacco Control and Development is here, and Y-ACT is honored to lead Track B: Youth and Gender—a dedicated session underscoring the pivotal role of young people and gender-sensitive approaches in shaping Africa's tobacco control landscape. We believe that a gender-responsive, youth-led approach is essential for impactful and sustainable change in tobacco control. This session, moderated by Winnie Olwal ,PMD Pro., Y-ACT's Regional Programme Lead, brings together a dynamic group of African leaders and experts who will share real-world solutions, innovations, and evidence-based approaches to drive Africa’s public health agenda forward. 🔊 Meet our speakers: 📌 Ms. Elvina Majiwa (Kenya): Insights from an African youth champion in navigating challenges and fostering change. 📌 Ms. Noumane Hindou (Mauritania): Success stories of tobacco law reform, driven by women and religious leaders. 📌 Ms. Charity Aienobe-Asekharen (Nigeria): Using co-designed materials to engage young audiences effectively. 📌 Mr. Marvin Kiwanuka (Uganda): Gender-sensitive tactics to reduce tobacco use among African youth. 📌 Ms. Svetlana Polikarpova (Kenya): Social marketing innovations for preventing adolescent tobacco use. 📅 Event Details: 🗓️ November 13, 2024 📍 Labadi Hotel, Accra, Ghana This is more than a session; it's a movement. We invite policymakers, community leaders, and global health advocates to join us as we shape policies that protect and empower the next generation. Be Part of the Change—connect, learn, and lead with us in Shaping Africa’s Tobacco-Free Future! #YouthInAction #TobaccoControl #PublicHealthAfrica #SustainableDevelopment #GenderEquality #AfricaYouth

On 21st October , 2024 I led the coordination of the Community Engagement Activity of Young Health Professionals from @tamsatanzania @tapsatanzania @muhasso_official @kiutanzania @paradigms_institute_ @sajuheso_official on one agenda that is TOBACCO CONTROL. ✅ Managed to foster meaningful engagement of young people from Tanzania in the regional initiatives through Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF_SADC) ✅ Raise awareness and educate the youth on the Tobacco Control agenda and their role in its advocacy as young people ✅ Capacitate the young health professionals on the Framework Convetion on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and how it plays a critical role in advocating for tobacco control in Tanzania ✅ Together, we were able to jot down CALL TO ACTION as young people and what needs to done based on the gaps Many thanks to our partners Y-ACT Youth In Action for the great support. #ChaguaAfya #KataaTumbaku #TobaccoControl #Tanzania

In our latest blog, we dive into how Amref Health Africa is transforming primary health care (PHC) across Africa through innovative technology solutions. From empowering Community Health Workers in Kenya with real-time data through the M-JALI app, to supporting #maternal health with the Lucy Mobile App, our work is making #healthcare more #accessible, #efficient, and #impactful. Key highlights include: 📲 M-JALI in Kenya: Enabling Community Health Workers to reach remote communities with timely, data-driven support. 🏥 Telemedicine in Ethiopia: Connecting rural health centres with specialists in urban hospitals. 📚 Jibu in Uganda: A digital training platform offering health workers continuous, flexible education. 🤰 Lucy Mobile App: Providing pregnant women and new mothers with essential health information. Read the full blog to learn more about how Amref’s technology-driven initiatives are bridging critical #PHC gaps across #Africa. Authored by Dr. Charlotte M., James Soki, and Rahul S Reddy Kadarpeta, this piece provides valuable insights for anyone passionate about advancing #health #equity and #digital health across Africa. For those interested in collaborating with us to drive these innovations forward, please reach out at global.communications@amref.org. 👉 https://lnkd.in/djhKAW-W #HealthForAll #PrimaryHealthCare #UHC Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia Y-ACT Youth In Action Africa CDC World Health Organization Roche Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Mastercard Foundation

Happy Africa Youth Day! As we observe Africa Youth Month, we recognize the incredible contributions, resilience, and boundless potential of Africa’s young people. Under this year’s theme, “1 Million Next Level is Knocking: Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,” we celebrate a generation poised to shape Africa’s future—through education, innovation, and leadership. Young Africans are the driving force behind transformative change, harnessing their knowledge and skills to address the most pressing challenges of our time. From pioneering in technology and entrepreneurship to advocating for peace, health, and sustainable development, African youth are building a continent that is inclusive, equitable, and future-ready. As global partners, policymakers, and communities, it is our responsibility to invest in quality education and holistic development, ensuring that every young person has the tools to succeed in the 21st century. Lets aspire to unlock the potential of Africa’s youth, fostering an environment that supports their ambitions and empowers them to lead. Here’s to the voices of African youth, echoing the promise of a continent on the rise. Let us continue to listen, invest, and meaningfully act, creating an Africa where young people can thrive, lead, and inspire the world. #AfricaYouthMonth #YouthEmpowerment #NextGenAfrica #SDGs #InvestInYouth #FutureOfAfrica

📢 We just approached the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (#ICPD). This landmark event has had a profound impact on shaping global policies and advancing human rights, health, and equality, particularly for youth and young women. To recognize this milestone, we invite you to join us for an important webinar: 🚨 Celebrating ICPD 30: Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future  🗓 October 25, 2024   ⏰ 3:00 PM EAT This webinar event offers an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the commitments made at ICPD 25, address the challenges faced over the past three decades, and engage in shaping the next 30 years of population and development policies. Whether or not you attended the 2024 Summit of the Future, this webinar will provide key insights and foster an inclusive dialogue. We aim to: 📌 Review ICPD 25 commitments and their global impact.  📌 Discuss challenges and lessons learned from implementation.  📌 Share insights from the 2024 Summit of the Future.  📌 Envision future strategies focusing on youth, women, and marginalized communities. 🔊 Featured Speakers: -Puvii Hengari, President, AfriYAN Namibia Chapter   -Petrider Paul, Youth Engagement Officer, African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA)  📌 Don’t miss this chance to engage in a meaningful conversation on shaping the future of youth in global development. ➡️https://lnkd.in/dCGxkn83 UNFPA East and Southern Africa #YouthPowerHub #AfriyanESA #ICPD30 #PopulationAndDevelopment #YouthEngagement #GlobalPolicy #ShapingTheFuture  

🚨Grant Opportunity for Youth-Led Organizations! AMREF, in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, requests proposals from eligible organizations to implement initiatives focused on strengthening health policy, engaging youth, and addressing workforce gaps for sustainable healthcare transformation in Kenya’s Nairobi metropolis and Nakuru counties. As part of the #LearningForLife Program, this initiative empowers youth-led organizations to implement innovative solutions that enhance health policy frameworks and involve youth in meaningful ways. With only 30.14 health workers per 10,000 people in Kenya, there is an urgent need for action. Key Details: 📅 Virtual Grant Information Session: Date: October 22, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM EAT 📅 Proposal Submission Deadline: Date: October 29, 2024, by 5:00 PM EAT For full details on the application process, information session, and eligibility criteria, visit https://lnkd.in/dTAq22uW. We encourage you to share this opportunity and consider applying. #YouthLeadership #HealthPolicy #HealthcareTransformation #GrantOpportunity #Amref #MastercardFoundation #Kenya