*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.

Omaina Ozako, a Nigerian-born mental health professional and storyteller joins host Jacqueline to discuss the close connection between Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and mental health. Together, they have an unfiltered conversation about stigma, trauma, and the role of culture and community in breaking the silence around mental health and SRHR. Omaina shares her journey to social work and insights as a therapist who is passionate about ensuring people feel seen, heard and validated on their journeys. They discuss factors that impact people’s access to SRHR and mental health and share personal stories to normalize opening up and getting support. The conversation highlights the importance of societal approaches to meeting individuals’ needs and recognizing the vital role of mental health in young people’s overall health and well-being.

Resources:

Kids Help Phone: https://kidshelpphone.ca/

Youth Mental Health Canada: https://ymhc.ngo/

Canadian Mental Health Association: https://cmha.ca/

Hope for Wellness: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/

Black Youth Helpline: https://blackyouth.ca/

Suicide Crisis Helpline: https://988.ca/

Child Helpline International: https://childhelplineinternational.org/

*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.

Kristy Van Hoven from the Period Purse joins the Youth Champions to break down period stigma and discuss menstrual equity across Canada. As the advocacy, research and communications manager, Kristy knows all about barriers people face when it comes to their periods and accessing the products, services and information they need. In this packed conversation, Olivia and Shreya swap period confessions with Kristy and shed light on this critical conversation that was missed during sex ed class for most of us. The group unpacks the stigma around periods, shares advocacy tips and trends, and brainstorms ideas to support all types of menstruators on their journeys. They highlight the importance of allies and taking concrete action to create a truly period-friendly world.

*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.

Lydia Collins is a facilitator, content creator and advocate with over 10 years of experience in sexual health education. In this episode, Lydia joins Shreya and new host Lauren to discuss what an anti-racist and intersectional approach to sexual health advocacy means and why it matters. They discuss overlapping identities like race, sexuality, gender and ability, and how these affect young people’s access to the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) they need and deserve. Lydia shares insights about breaking down barriers to SRHR, the necessity of centering community needs and voices, and going beyond tokenism to truly listening to those directly impacted and act on their priorities. The group swaps personal stories about what sparked their passion for SRHR advocacy and shares tips about how youth can get involved.

*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.

Leisha Toory, a passionate young advocate for inclusive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and founder of the Period Priority Project, joins Youth Champions Shreya and Olivia to celebrate International Women’s Day. They discuss the meaning of feminism and intersectionality, highlighting women’s choices and the importance of diverse voices in SRHR advocacy, particularly women of colour. Leisha shares her motivation to distribute over 30,000 free period products across Canada and educational efforts to address period poverty. They explore different roles and options for youth who want to speak up for SRHR and why community building is key to creating change.

*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.

Ziyaan Virji, founder of For The Menstruator and Leaders of Today, a youth-led non-profit organization and global movement of young leaders, joins returning host Shreya for an honest conversation about breaking down stigma, overcoming setbacks and creating meaningful change. At just 23 years old, Ziyaan has confronted global period poverty and reached over 25,000 people across ten countries with menstrual health products and knowledge. He has spoken on some of the world's biggest stages including TEDx and the United Nations. Ziyaan and Shreya discuss the intersection of femtech* innovation and youth-driven Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. He shares personal insights on involving men in menstrual health conversations and the importance of co-creating solutions with communities. They discuss advice for young activists, embracing your “why” and how to build lasting change.

*Femtech refers to technology that focuses on women’s health, including software, products and services.

*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.