Empowering Young People: Free State’s Bold Initiative to Reduce Teenage Pregnancy

By empowering young people with reproductive choices, the programme not only safeguards their rights but also fosters a sense of autonomy over their health and future.

Addressing the Teenage Pregnancy Crisis

Speaking to Joyce Maelemo, Programme Officer based in Mangaung, she highlighted that the high rate of teenage pregnancies in the Mangaung Metro District was the primary motivation for launching this initiative. “The main goal is to reduce teenage pregnancies by providing learners with access to various contraceptive options, particularly long-term methods like implants.”

The programme aligns with the Department of Basic Education’s Standard Operating Procedures for SRHR and the Policy on the Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy in Schools. Learners aged 12 years and older must provide assent, in line with the Children’s Act (2005), while parental consent is also required to ensure parents and guardians are informed participants in the process.

Comprehensive Education and Community Engagement

To ensure learners are fully informed about the contraceptive implant before making a decision, the initiative includes comprehensive education efforts such as youth dialogues to promote sexual and reproductive health education and on-site health screenings with referrals when necessary.

“This initiative could not have been successful without parental and community support,” Joyce emphasized. Outreach campaigns bring primary healthcare services directly to the community, while engagements with principals, school governing bodies, and educators ensure their buy-in and support for pregnant learners in schools.

The success of the initiative will be measured through continuous monitoring and evaluation processes that track teenage pregnancy rates. Learners receiving the implant are provided with follow-up appointments at nearby health facilities and guidance on managing possible side effects, particularly in the first three months of implantation.

Soul City Institute’s Role in Reproductive Health Advocacy

For 30 years, the Soul City Institute has worked with young people aged 10 to 24, both in and outside of schools, advocating for sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). As an intersectional feminist organisation, it is committed to ensuring that girls, young women, and gender minorities experience true equality. The organisation prioritises access to healthcare, autonomy, and reproductive rights, ensuring that young people have the resources and opportunities they need to lead fulfilling lives.

“This initiative is a significant step in advancing reproductive autonomy for young people in the Free State,” Joyce added. “Through education, access to contraception, and strong community engagement, it empowers learners with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed choices about their health. The Soul City Institute firmly believes that young people should be provided with reproductive services that are transformative, friendly, and accommodating to their needs.”

Promoting Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment

Zandi Mangcotywa, Programme Implementation Manager at the Soul City Institute, emphasised how this initiative aligns with the organisation’s broader mission of promoting gender equality and youth empowerment.

Soul City’s initiatives, particularly those focused on SRHR and gender-based violence, directly address the power imbalances that perpetuate gender inequality. By providing young women with knowledge and access to services, the organisation helps break down barriers that limit their autonomy and agency.

“Youth empowerment is central to Soul City’s work, which prioritizes the voices and needs of young people, recognizing them as agents of change,” Zandi noted. “The organisation provides education, support, and opportunities for participation, ensuring that young people can make informed decisions and contribute to their communities. On-the-ground social mobilisers create direct contact with youth, empowering them with knowledge about their rights.”

Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces for Youth

Soul City plays a critical role in educating young people about their sexual and reproductive rights through comprehensive sexuality education. It develops and disseminates educational materials and programmes that provide accurate, age-appropriate information on SRHR, including contraception, safe sex practices, STI prevention, and understanding consent. Advocacy and awareness campaigns further support this work by raising awareness about SRHR, challenging harmful social norms, and fostering a culture where young people feel comfortable discussing these issues and accessing necessary services.

Youth clubs such as Soul Buddyz Clubs and Rise young women’s clubs offer platforms for young people to discuss and learn about their bodies and rights. Soul City Institute also ensures that the initiative reaches marginalized and vulnerable youth by adopting a community-based approach, particularly in areas facing socioeconomic challenges. Social mobilisers build trust and establish relationships within these communities, while targeted interventions address the specific needs of groups such as rural youth, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ communities. Collaborations with community-based organisations, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders further expand the initiative’s reach and accessibility.

Challenging Stigma and Improving Access to Services

Addressing misconceptions and stigma surrounding contraceptive use among young people is another priority. Soul City Institute provides accurate, evidence-based information to dispel myths and misconceptions about contraception. The organisation promotes open and honest dialogue, creating safe spaces where young people can discuss their concerns and ask questions without judgment. Challenging harmful social norms and utilizing peer education strategies ensure that information is relatable and accessible, as young people are more likely to listen to their peers.

Soul City Institute also works closely with healthcare providers to make reproductive health services more youth-friendly and accessible. The organisation advocates for healthcare providers to adopt youth-friendly practices such as offering confidential services, flexible hours, and welcoming environments. Training and capacity-building efforts equip healthcare providers with the skills to communicate effectively with young people and provide culturally sensitive services. Strengthening community-clinic linkages ensures that young people can easily access the services they need. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation further ensure that healthcare services meet the needs of young people and that necessary improvements are made.

A Progressive Approach to Reproductive Health Rights

This initiative represents a progressive approach to reproductive health rights, ensuring that young people in Mangaung have the education, support, and access they need to make informed choices. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, the Mangaung Department of Health, Soul City Institute, and Lovelife are making a tangible impact on the lives of young people, paving the way for a future where reproductive autonomy and gender equality are fully realised.

For reference, please see the reporting on the event: https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/fs-health-contraceptive-program-for-teenagers-must-be-voluntary-hrc/