Sexual and reproductive health and rights, or SRHR, are under threat around the world, with young people in particular bearing the brunt. If governments want to protect and enhance the well-being of their nation’s youth, which includes SRHR, they must give young people seats at the table.
Globally, we are witnessing SRHR under threat. Recently in Kenya, there were plans under the now-revoked Kenya Finance Bill 2024 to introduce taxes for essential items such as menstrual hygiene products. In the United States, Roe v. Wade was overturned, ending the constitutional right to abortion. In Hungary, a law was passed to ban schools from teaching about homosexuality and transgender issues. We are also seeing a rise worldwide in conservative populist politicians who want to undo hard-won freedoms and rights in the areas of gender and sexuality.
Simultaneously, the youth population around the world is quickly growing, with the United Nations stating that 16% of the world population is between 15 and 24 years old. That’s a staggering 1.2 billion young people worldwide. These “youth bulges” are even more pronounced in certain countries. In Kenya, over 80% of the population is 35 years old or younger, while India holds the record for the largest youth population, with more than 808 million people under 35 — more than 65% of its inhabitants.
About the authors
Julia Hochberger
Julia Hochberger is a global health advocate specializing in human rights at Wemos, an international civil society organization advocating global health justice. She advocates for meaningful youth engagement in the financing and design of sexual and reproductive health and rights policies and health services.
Shila Ukumbini Salim
Shila Ukumbini Salim is the executive director of Kilifi Youth for Sustainable Development, an inclusive youth-led organization determined to support young people located in Kilifi County, Kenya. She specializes in sexual and reproductive health and rights advocacy.
Elizabeth Warindi
Elizabeth Warindi is a passionate advocate of gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights in sub-Saharan Africa. She uses storytelling to platform the voices of youth, women, and girls to ensure their voices are heard in SRHR advocacy.
