Youth are young, but not invisible. Youth voices carry the stories, struggles, and dreams of a generation, stories that deserve space in every conversation about reproductive health. Too often, decisions are made for the youth without us, as if we do not understand our bodies, challenges, or aspirations. Yet many youth are living the realities of early pregnancies, period poverty, lack of access to accurate information, and the social pressures that shape choices. When youth voices are included, discussions become grounded in lived experience. Without us, policies and programs risk becoming distant and disconnected from the truth on the ground.
Youth voices matter because reproductive health is not only a medical issue, it is about dignity, empowerment, and the right to decide one’s future. When young people speak, we bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and unfiltered accounts of what works and what does not. We know the stigma that comes with seeking contraceptives, the fear of judgment when asking questions, and the silent battles fought to protect well-being. Including our voices means creating solutions that truly work for those who need them, not just for the numbers in a report. It transforms reproductive health from a taboo subject into an open, safe, and empowering space.
When youth speak out, we speak for millions who remain silent because of fear, cultural barriers, or lack of opportunity. We show that young people are not merely recipients of change, we are its drivers. When youth voices are valued, society moves toward a future where reproductive health services are accessible, inclusive, and free from shame. Our voices matter because these are our lives, our bodies, and our futures, and no conversation about reproductive health is complete without us.
Reproductive health needs youth voices, all voices.
Written by :- Hermon Israel
English
Amharic