As part of efforts to tackle issues with sexual reproductive health and sexual violence and celebrate this year’s International Youth Day, Hacey Health Initiative drew over 20 youths from across Lagos to discuss and proffer solutions to Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and sexual violence effects to young people in the country.
The key talking points included the role of the private sector and civil society organisations in creating safe spaces that address SRHR and sexual violence in Nigeria and how safe spaces can change social norms and cultural values that propagate sexual violence as well as how safe spaces can sustainably provide access to SRHR information and services for young people.
“Safe spaces are important for young people because it helps them ask questions, share experiences and learn in a non-judgmental youth-friendly environment. In our safe space for girls we have been able to discuss with young girls on challenges they face including leadership, sexual and reproductive health and hygiene,” Mary Adeoye, HACEY Health Initiative Safe Space Program Lead said while speaking at the dialogue session.
“From our experience, we have found that safe spaces empower young people with information to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health,” Adeoye said.
According to figures from the 2016 estimates by the National Bureau of Population, one in every five Nigerian is between the ages of 15-24 while about 41 percent of Nigeria’s population are between ages 0-14 highlighting the importance of young people’s health and wellbeing to developmental future of Nigeria.
Adequate and appropriate information on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) including HIV and AIDS, is fundamentally important to a healthy and productive life, especially for young people.
Sexual violence is not only a violation of human rights; it also has ripple effects on the society, both in terms of psychosocial trauma and stigmatization of survivors, and development outcomes.
The forms and persistence of sexual violence in Nigeria are inter-woven into social norms and power relations. According to a report from the Pan African Medical Journal most victims of sexual violence are young people under 20.
The high prevalence of sexual violence among young people in Nigeria suggests that preventive and supportive measures must be put in place. Safe spaces help young people recognize red flag precursors of sexual violence and also provide support for young people who are survivors of sexual violence.
A safe space is a formal or informal place where people feel physically and emotionally safe. The term safe can refer to the absence of trauma, excessive stress, violence (or fear of violence), judgement, discrimination amongst others.
It is a space where the intended beneficiaries feel comfortable and enjoy the freedom to express themselves without the fear of judgment or harm. Safe spaces can be physical spaces or virtual communities as long as participants are guaranteed an environment conducive for sharing and learning.
Young people need safe spaces where they can come together, engage in activities related to their diverse needs and interests, participate in decision making processes and freely express themselves.
Josephine Okojie
