Youth Champions Lead and Learn at Global Health Conference

In February, Rise Up Youth Champions shared their voices and expertise as emerging leaders in sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) at the Implementing Best Practices (IBP) Initiative Asia Regional Partners Meeting, a three-day convening held in New Delhi.

The semi-annual IBP event gathered participants from more than 7 countries and 45 organizations to strengthen partnerships, share resources, and activate key initiatives to advance family planning in India and greater Asia.

Jasmine George, Youth Champion and enterprising founder of Hidden Pockets, moderated panel discussions on how to effectively engage young people in sexual and reproductive health through games, apps, and other interactive educational approaches.

Among the experts she spoke with was fellow Youth Champion Franklin Paul, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager for Restless Development India. Paul discussed his work with M-Sathi, a comprehensive sexuality education app he developed through the Youth Champions Initiative (YCI), and he also served as Chair for day three of the event.

Ankita Rawat, Youth Champion and consultant for Rise Up grantee Feminist Approach to Technology, spoke on a panel about her own YCI-supported work on digital storytelling for SRHR, and Angana Prasad, a Youth Champion from Project KHEL, led participants in interactive games and networking exercises as the Master of Ceremonies for a youth reception.

Additional Youth Champions and allies from YP Foundation and Love Matters also shared strategies for youth engagement as part of the event’s “Information Exchange Bazaar,” which fostered knowledge and resource-sharing around sexual health and reproductive rights.

Through these and other contributions, Rise Up Youth Champions ensured meaningful engagement of youth and young leaders in this high-level regional family planning meeting. Public Health Institute, the nonprofit where Rise Up is based, was among the event’s organizing partners.

Stay tuned for more news from these young changemakers as they continue to drive conversation, collaboration, and action to advance sexual and reproductive health in India and beyond.