Eight children and young people from the Children and Youth Advisory Network (CYAN) and the National Children’s Forum in 2023 researched teenagers’ perceptions of reproductive and sexual health and mental health. This research is based on child-led and youth-led research, where the entire process is led and executed by the children and young people.
“Discussions about reproductive and sexual health are still taboo among adolescents, often leaving them ill-prepared to navigate the physical, emotional, and behavioral changes associated with adolescence. Consequently, adolescents face heightened risks concerning reproductive health and mental well-being,” said Putri from CYAN.
The research was initiated after CYAN representatives attended the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) conference in New York in April 2023. CSW is an annual meeting among global UN member governments aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women. At that event, Aruna from CYAN raised concerns about the challenges faced by youth in accessing age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health information and mental health resources within safe spaces.
Continuing this advocacy message, Aruna also raised similar issues with Airin, one of Save the Children’s sponsored children, at the Adolescent Wellbeing Learning Event (AWLE) in the Netherlands in June 2023. AWLE is organized by Save the Children International as a platform for children and young people to share their insights and recommendations with Save the Children representatives from various countries.
At AWLE, Aruna and Airin talked about issues regarding sexual and reproductive health information for teenagers and the advocacy efforts they had undertaken. Additionally, they provided recommendations for child and youth development programs at Save the Children.
“Being part of Save the Children’s program made me realize the importance of children’s participation in the planning and implementing policies and programs,” said Aruna.
As a follow-up, CYAN embarked on an in-depth research endeavor to bolster its advocacy efforts. This research also arose from their concerns about children and young people who may be exposed to reproductive health issues such as sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, sexual violence, and teenage pregnancy. This research was supported by the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) and Save the Children Indonesia.
The research left a deep impression on Salma, one of the young researchers from CYAN.
“This was an extraordinary experience for Salma. This was my first time conducting research led by young people. Salma felt meaningful participation because we were given the trust and authority to make decisions fully for this research,” remarked Salma.
Save the Children advocates for active and participatory involvement of children and young people in addressing children’s rights issues. Throughout the research process, Save the Children provides unwavering support and facilitates safe place environments for young researchers. The research was conducted over five months, from June to October 2023, with 433 teenage respondents from 31 provinces.
Salma, Putri, and their friends have disseminated their research findings to the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) and the Global Forum for Adolescence.
“Salma remains hopeful that the insights conveyed through our advocacy efforts will be heard, considered, and seriously responded to by policymakers, especially the Indonesian and global governments, regarding issues of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and adolescent participation. The information provided by the media and the government on comprehensive SRHR and mental health can be more inclusive and participatory to meet the needs of adolescents,” conveyed Salma.