“Youth leadership is essential in advancing SRHR agendas”

How can societies counter and address the many pressing challenges that adolescents and youth in Africa face in the domain of SRH (sexual and reproductive health)? For example, challenges like limited access to education, health services, gender inequality, and early pregnancies, and that are worsened by climate change, political shifts, and technological disruptions.

At the pan-African RHNK (Reproductive Health Network Kenya) adolescent and youth scientific conference in Mombasa, SRH experts explored solutions. Among them Betselot Mengesha (27), Intersectionality SRHR Program Advisor for the Make Way project in Ethiopia.

“I am deeply passionate about equity and inclusion. My dream is to contribute to a discrimination-free society where individuals with disabilities can thrive and access services without barriers.”

“Professionally, I bring over five years of experience in project management, youth development, and social inclusion. I hold a Master’s degree in Project Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. This academic background has supported my work with organizations such as Care Ethiopia, EngenderHealth, and SOS Children’s Villages, where I have led the design and implementation of youth-focused programs, promoted inclusive development, and facilitated impactful training initiatives.”

“Currently, I serve as the Intersectionality SRH Program Advisor for the Make Way project at Ipas Ethiopia. In this role, I lead efforts to improve access to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, particularly for those facing multiple and intersecting forms of marginalization. My professional ambition is to continue shaping inclusive systems and policies that empower underserved communities and drive lasting, equitable change.”

What was your goal, attending this conference?

“My primary aim was to network with diverse organizations and stakeholders working across the continent, to share our experiences from the Make Way project, and to present the best practices we’ve developed in promoting intersectionality within public health systems.”

“Specifically, I hoped to introduce and amplify the concept of intersectionality ( the idea that different social identities, such as your disability status, gender or social background, interact to shape your personal experience within a society) and demonstrate how we have worked to transform public health facilities into inclusive, equitable spaces, particularly for individuals who face multiple and intersecting forms of marginalization, such as persons with disabilities.”

“I felt extremely excited about the opportunity to engage with over 1,000 participants from across Africa. This conference is a powerful platform to spotlight the work we’ve done and the impact we’ve created. The anticipation of being able to contribute to high-level discussions and share our journey filled me with pride and a strong sense of responsibility.”

Can you explain what makes this event so special to you?

“This event and the broader issues it tackles are deeply important to me. As someone committed to social justice and inclusion, I see it as a vital opportunity to advocate for a world free from discrimination, where individuals with disabilities can fully access services and lead fulfilling lives. The conference offered a space to contribute to this vision, not only by presenting evidence-based practices but also by aligning with others who share a similar mission.”

“Also, I believe strongly in showcasing the work of the Make Way project to a broader audience, particularly as we reach the final year of its implementation. It was an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate our five-year journey, communicate our advocacy messages, and leave a lasting impression on the SRHR community by demonstrating what is possible when inclusion is prioritized.”

So, what were some of your contributions to the conference?

“Well, I submitted an abstract highlighting our work under the Make Way project, focusing on how we are integrating intersectionality into sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Ethiopia. I was honored that my abstract was successfully selected for an oral presentation. This recognition provided me with a valuable platform to share our experiences, lessons learned, and best practices with a wide and diverse audience of SRHR experts, practitioners, and advocates from across the continent.”

“Also, I delivered a presentation that outlined our efforts to transform public health facilities into inclusive, equitable spaces, particularly for young people facing overlapping forms of marginalization, including disability, gender, and poverty. I also engaged in open discussions with fellow participants after the presentation, answering questions and exchanging ideas with professionals who were curious about how the intersectionality approach can be practically implemented within health systems. This experience enabled me not only to showcase our achievements but also to learn from others implementing similar initiatives in different contexts.”

How did attendees respond and engage?

“The overall atmosphere of the event was incredibly vibrant and inspiring. There was a strong sense of energy, commitment, and solidarity among participants. One of the most powerful aspects of the conference was the meaningful engagement of youth. Young people were not just present, they were actively participating, sharing their perspectives, leading sessions, and holding decision-makers accountable. The passion and clarity of their voices served as a reminder of how essential youth leadership is in advancing SRHR agendas.”

“What stood out to me the most was the presence of the “Youth Café,” a dedicated safe space for young people from various countries to come together and openly discuss SRHR issues. In many societies, open discussions on SRHR—especially for persons with disabilities—are often discouraged due to stigma and taboos. The Youth Café created an inclusive and judgment-free environment where young people could share experiences, ask questions, and explore solutions together. Hearing these diverse perspectives reaffirmed my belief in the power of youth-driven advocacy.”

“The open, judgment-free discussions at the Youth Café space among youth from various countries reminded me how critical it is to create safe spaces where young people – especially those living with disabilities – can speak freely about their SRHR needs and realities. Too often, these voices are silenced due to cultural taboos, stigma, or systemic exclusion. I saw firsthand how transformative it can be when youth are given the opportunity to lead conversations and share their lived experiences.”

“In summary, my participation at the conference allowed me to contribute to the regional SRHR conversation, elevate the work we are doing in Ethiopia, and return with renewed inspiration and practical strategies to further the goal of equitable, inclusive health systems.”

What professional insights will you take home with you from the conference

“One of the most powerful insights is the reaffirmation that inclusive, rights-based SRH is possible when diverse voices – especially those of young people and persons with disabilities – are not just heard but actively centered in decision-making and programming. The event reinforced my belief in the power of intersectionality as a framework for creating equitable and sustainable change. Seeing how different organizations are applying this concept across Africa was both inspiring and validating for the work we are doing through the Make Way project.”

“Another significant lesson I am taking with me is the importance of inclusive communication. The innovative efforts by organizations to make materials accessible to people with different types of disabilities and those who speak various local languages really stood out to me. It made me reflect on my own work and the fact that even with the best intentions, if our materials and messages are not accessible, we risk reinforcing exclusion.”

“For me, it was inspiring seeing how organizations are making intentional efforts to develop inclusive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) and Behavior Change Communication (BCC) materials. I observed innovations that accounted for different types of disabilities and incorporated multiple local language – ensuring that information is not just available, but accessible to all. This insight has deeply influenced me. Going forward, I am committed to ensuring that any educational or advocacy materials I help develop will prioritize accessibility and inclusivity from the start.”

“Moving forward, I am committed to ensuring that all communication and advocacy materials I help develop are designed with accessibility at the center – not as an afterthought, but as a core principle.”

And for you as a professional, what are your future plans?

“On a personal level, the feeling I carry with me is a renewed sense of motivation and responsibility. Being surrounded by over a thousand passionate participants, many of whom shared similar goals of equity and justice, made me feel that I am part of something much bigger than myself or my organization. It reminded me that our work is not in isolation, but rather part of a larger movement toward a more just and inclusive future. The energy, solidarity, and commitment of the participants – especially the youth – was truly uplifting and empowering.”

In terms of practical application, I plan to advocate more strongly for the integration of inclusive design in all stages of program development, from community consultations to policy dialogues. Also, I will aim to strengthen youth engagement in my work, ensuring that participation is not symbolic but meaningful and decision-shaping. And I would like to replicate the Youth Café model at local and regional levels, possibly within our existing programs, to encourage open and honest conversations around SRHR, especially for marginalized youth.”

“The insights I gained at the conference will not only guide how I approach my current work but will also influence my long-term commitment to building systems and spaces where equity, dignity, and accessibility are not ideals, but realities.”