“If youth are mentored, they lead”
Adolescents and youth in Africa face many challenges in the domain of SRHR (sexual and reproductive health and rights). Including limited access to education, health services, gender inequality, and early pregnancies. These are worsened by climate change, political shifts, and technological disruptions.
Recently, at the pan-African RHNK (Reproductive Health Network Kenya) adolescent and youth scientific conference in Mombassa, experts and thought leaders explored solutions to these urgent challenges.
One of them was Racheal Mutonyi, distinguished leader and disability rights advocate in economic empowerment, gender, adolescent and youth SRHR. Racheal serves as a program officer at Katalemwa Cheshire Home for Rehabilitation Services (KCH) in Uganda, under the Make Way programme, which applies a intersectional approach towards SRHR for young people with compounded vulnerabilities. Intersectionality is the idea that different social identities, such as your disability status, gender or social background, interact to shape your personal experience within a society.
With 8 years of experience in disability rights advocacy, Racheal specializes in adolescent and youth with disabilities SRHR programming, gender transformative approaches, human rights-based approaches and meaningful youth participation. She is driven by a vision of an inclusive society where all young people regardless of gender, ability, or background can live with dignity and exercise their rights fully.
Here, Racheal shares her experiences from the RHNK conference, and her views on how to transform the lives of marginalized adolescents and youth.
Why is the RHNK event, and the issues that it focusses on, important to you?
“Because this event creates a unique space to discuss not only challenges but also practical solutions that centre youth voices. The issues at hand, like access to SRHR services, intersectionality, inclusion, and sustainability, are critical to transforming health outcomes and upholding human rights.”
What made you decide to participate?
“I believe in the power of collective action and learning. That’s why I wanted to participate in the RHNK conference. Being part of this conference meant contributing to and drawing inspiration from a pan-African movement committed to ensuring that SRHR is recognized as a right for all young people.”
What did you hope to gain at the event?
“My aim was to deepen my understanding of innovative, inclusive strategies for advancing SRHR and to learn from other youth-led and multi-sectoral initiatives across the continent. I also hoped to build networks and explore collaborative opportunities to strengthen disability-inclusive SRHR programming in my country.”
And, were your expectations met?
“Yes, it was exciting and inspiring to be part of such a dynamic gathering of passionate advocates, experts, and policymakers. At the same time, I felt a sense of responsibility to represent the voices of young people with disabilities and to share experiences from the work that we have been doing in my country.”
“There was a strong sense of solidarity and shared purpose among participants. The atmosphere was vibrant, inspiring, and hopeful and the energy in the room felt like a powerful call to action and every session reminded us that change is possible when we work together.”
What stood out for you?
“What resonated most with me was the emphasis on intergenerational partnerships and the stories shared by young advocates who have turned their lived experiences into leadership. The presentation on countering anti-rights narratives in digital spaces also left a lasting impression because it addressed a very real and growing threat to our work.”
What did you take home with you from the event?
“I am leaving with a renewed sense of optimism and purpose. The conference reminded me that, despite shrinking donor support and rising misinformation, there is a strong community committed to defending and advancing the rights of adolescents and youth.”
What are next steps for you?
“My professional ambition is to contribute to policy reforms and innovative programs that transform the lives of marginalized adolescents and youth. I plan to adopt more creative advocacy strategies using storytelling, art, and digital tools to engage communities and policymakers more effectively. Intentionally involving youth and persons with disabilities in the planning and implementation of programs.”
“I realized that when these groups are meaningfully engaged, the outcomes are more relevant, inclusive, and sustainable. I also learnt that if youth are mentored, they lead.”