A rights-based approach offers a framework for addressing sexual and reproductive health, which can be used to guide and inform activities. Working from a rights-based approach does not imply one type of solution, but rather multiple, long-term strategies can and should be used. Adopting a rights-based approach and implementing rights-based programming can be challenging. A rights-based approach is not explained in a manual and cannot be implemented according to a simple plan. Furthermore, ideas about sexuality are often deeply rooted in socio-cultural norms, attitudes and traditions. These established norms and practices may conflict with internationally recognized rights. It is important to identify the challenges and barriers to using a rights-based approach within your organization and in the communities where you work, and then find ways to tackle the challenges in a culturally sensitive manner in collaboration with young people and other stakeholders.
Consider the following actions as steps forward in embracing a rights-based approach to young people’s sexual and reproductive health:
- Assess the willingness and capacity of your organization to use a rights-based approach (Aniekwu, 2006).
- Develop a clear philosophy and support for a rights-based approach within your organization.
- Undertake assessment activities to identify unmet sexual and reproductive rights in the communities where you are working
- Plan programmes targeting the realization of unmet rights that address behavioural factors and environmental conditions
- Involve young people in identifying, designing, implementing and evaluating programmes
- Recognize the strengths of young people and build skills and capacity of youth
- Promote community ownership of programs
- Inform, educate and empower young people about their sexual and reproductive health rights
- Educate communities, including leaders and parents, about the sexual and reproductive rights of young people
- Advocate for the sexual and reproductive rights of young people at the local, national and international levels using existing human rights instruments as a tool for support
- Mobilise communities to advocate for the sexual and reproductive rights of young people
- Build youth-adult partnerships to improve communication and dialogue on sexuality
- Push the boundaries of addressing sexuality by recognizing the right of young people to sexual enjoyment and expression of their sexuality
- Foster partnerships with other stakeholders.
