*Warning: This episode contains sensitive content.

The Youth Champions Shreya, Olivia and Lauren discuss the latest initiatives they’re leading in their communities across Canada to speak up and take action on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Olivia shares insights from organizing a student event for ‘Take Back the Night,’ a global movement against sexual violence. Shreya discusses strategies for breaking down barriers to youth political engagement in her community and Lauren shares a story of students speaking up. Together, they explore examples of youth-led activism, how to measure impact, and insights from the youth survey they conducted including the power of stigma to prevent young people from accessing SRHR. They discuss how micro-behaviours can perpetuate harmful attitudes around violence as well as positive social impact, highlighting the need for youth to have honest conversations and hold one another accountable. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their social responsibility and take small but important steps towards fostering inclusive, supportive environments for youth.

*Warning: Please note that this episode contains discussion of sensitive topics including sexual violence, rape and related topics. Please take care and listen only if you're comfortable and decide what's right for you.

SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.

Youth Champions, Shreya, Olivia and Lauren get together in person at THAT Toronto Podcast Studio to record a special campaign edition of the podcast: Be a Sexpert! They recap the youth-led advocacy event they just launched at Toronto Metropolitan University to test students’ knowledge in a sexual health trivia game. The Youth Champions discuss surprising stats around declining condom use among youth, stigma around testing for STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), the real meaning of consent, and more! They share real youth reflections and ask the hard questions on the status of youth sexual health in Canada, while also asking how we can all be more engaged global citizens. Don’t miss this relatable in-person conversation, packed with information and insights to become a true Sexpert.

Check out our new sexual health hub to learn more: care.ca/sexual-health-hub

*SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.

What drives youth advocates to champion Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Canada and globally? Youth Champions, Olivia and Shreya, kick off season 4 with special guest Jeremiah from the SHE SOARS* Youth Advisory Board in Zambia to share their motivations, personal stories and advice for young leaders looking to get more involved in SRHR and youth advocacy. The conversation highlights the importance of inclusive language, the power of youth-led solutions, and the value of engaging men and boys as allies in promoting gender equality. Together, they discuss how the SHE SOARS project is amplifying youth voices in Kenya, Uganda and Zambia, lessons learned, and upcoming youth-led initiatives in Canada you don’t want to miss.

*SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.