Having realised that youths fail to access SRHR services during COVID 19 induced national lockdowns, and understanding that there is need for more SRHR awareness initiatives to successfully reach out to all marginalised communities, the organisation embarked on another SRHR sensitisation awareness campaign in Matobo District, this time, focusing on Silawa and Ratanyana communities. The organisation continued to partner strategic local stakeholders like MYDI and World Vision in spreading SRHR awareness amidst COVID 19.
Like the previous roadshows, edutainment proved to be very strategic in sharing information as the youths and people from the communities enjoyed the packed entertainment, in the process, learning how best they can access SRHR services amidst COVID 19. Participants were reminded on the need to engage stakeholders where SRHR services were lacking or not within their reach.
Youths and community members were urged to keep practicing safe sex and also visiting their local clinics to get condoms and other contraceptive methods. Key to note was the issue of proximity to the clinics that the community members continued to mention. In Ratanyane, they noted that the nearest clinic (Ndabankulu clinic) is approximately 20km away from their homesteads. This alone demotivates the youths from trying to access SRHR services as they have to walk such long distances and at times fail to get these services.
The communities further shared the need to have clinics being built closer to the communities and also having mobile clinics visiting these communities frequently so as to address this challenge. The youths also alluded to the need of having a youth focal person who can be the one sharing condoms with other fellow youths who feel a bit embarrassed to get these from the clinics.
The need to adhere to COVID-19 preventive measures was emphasized and PPEs were shared with community members who interacted with the officers. Also Gender based violence was mainstreamed during this roadshow as cases of GBV are prevalent during lockdowns. The issue of child marriages was also unpacked having realised that some parents are using the practice to escape abject poverty without considering the SRHR of the girl child.
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