The Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Africa Trust (SAT) held its fifth edition of Adolescent Activism Awards in honour of the youths that have excelled in SHRH activities in their communities during the past year.
By Patricia Mashiri
The award are meant to appreciate the efforts done by youths in different communities of the country in as far as SRHR issues are concerned.
Speaking during the event, The guest of honour the Child President, Unathi Nyoni represented by Vimbai Jukwa, the child Member of Parliament Zengeza West and also the Minister of Youth, Sports, Art and Recreation commended SAT for the sterling work it has been doing in regards to SRHR and HIV programing.
As a government we appreciate work done by the civil society in such SAT is also one. My government is deeply committed in achieving universal health coverage in line with SDG 3 on good health and well being for all. We are happy with the work that SAT is doing in recognising the outstanding that young activist and advocates are doing in communities in pushing forward Sexual Reproductive Rights Services and ensuring that we meet the 95 targets that we achieve the sustainable development goals.
“The Zimbabwe Adolescent Activism Awards is one platform that shows the importance of acknowledging youths you are doing extraordinary work in promoting access youth friendly, gender and disability sensitivity sexual reproductive health services,” The child President said.
He added that youth leadership and responsibility services is key to addressing the challenges that young people may face in accessing these services.
Meanwhile, Dr Mildred Mushunje, the SAT Country Director said the awards have became a yearly signature event for SAT Zimbabwe and Sat regional as other SAT countries also hosted their Adolescent Activism Awards concurrently.
“It is a monumental day for us as we celebrate young people’s achievements. We take pride in having held this event successfully since 2018. Each year we are seeing more improved submissions which means young people are continuing to improve what they are doing with regards to improving access to SRHR services by young people.
“We are seeing a huge growth in young people that are participating in a lot of our activities around making services accessible to young people,” Dr Mushunje said.
The winner of the 2022 Activism Awards I’m the general category was Precious Kambarani and runner up Lynn Mapiwe whilst the citizen journalism runner up was Takudzwa Mharapara.
Lynn Mapiye, 23 the general category runner up said SAT is the safest place where any young person can ever be.
“SAT is inclusive, I want to thank them wholeheartedly because they appreciate and acknowledge our work as young people. The amazing part is the care so much about our reproductive health,” she said.
Lynn has been doing most of her work in Glennora where she has been addressing the issues to do with SRHR, drug and substance abuse, voter registration education in young people among other things.
