The issue of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) has been a major concern globally for many years, particularly in developing countries where access to quality healthcare services is a challenge. Adolescent girls and young women, especially those in marginalized communities, have been the most affected by this challenge, with limited access to SRHR services and information. It is against this backdrop that Raise Your Voice was founded. Raise Your Voice is a community-based organization that was established with the primary aim of advocating for SRHRJ, S/GBV policies and access to services, including safe abortion, for adolescent girls and young women including the marginalized (queer communities), gender equality and equity, social economic justice. The organization was formed to challenge the community towards positive change and work towards the realization of SRHR policies and access to services. The lack of access to SRHR services and information has contributed to high maternal mortality rates, unwanted pregnancies, and unsafe abortions, among other negative consequences. Adolescent girls and young women in marginalized communities are at greater risk due to poverty, lack of education, and inadequate healthcare facilities. They face numerous challenges, including stigma, discrimination, and cultural beliefs that inhibit access to SRHR services and information.
Raise Your Voice recognizes the need to address these challenges and the importance of empowering adolescent girls and young women to make informed decisions about their SRHR. The organization seeks to provide comprehensive and accurate information on SRHR and advocate for the rights of adolescent girls and young women to access SRHR services and policies. This is achieved through community-based programs, awareness creation, and advocacy. The organization's programs focus on providing information on SRHR and creating safe spaces for adolescent girls and young women to discuss and share experiences. Raise Your Voice also work with healthcare providers to improve the quality of services provided and advocate for the inclusion of SRHR in national policies and programs. Raise Your Voice is committed to promoting equity and ensuring that all adolescent girls and young women, regardless of their socio-economic background, can access quality SRHR services and information without stigma, discrimination or fear. The organization believes in collaboration and works with like-minded organizations and individuals toward a common goal of achieving SRHR for all.
Empowerment: We believe in empowering adolescent girls and young women to make informed decisions about their SRHR through education, awareness, and access to services.
Equity: We believe in promoting equity for marginalized groups in accessing SRHR services and information, and advocating for the elimination of gender-based discrimination and violence.
Advocacy: We believe in advocating for the rights of adolescent girls and young women to access SRHR services and policies and for the inclusion of SRHR in national policies and programs.
Respect: We believe in treating everyone with respect, regardless of their socio-economic background, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and in creating a safe and non-judgmental space for all.
Collaboration: We believe in working with like-minded organizations and individuals towards a common goal of achieving SRHR for all, and in building strong partnerships based on trust, mutual respect, and shared values.
Integrity: We believe in upholding the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and transparency in all our activities, and in being accountable to our stakeholders and the communities we serve.