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We believe young people are often better able than adults to identify and articulate their needs regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). To mark International Youth Day, Rutgers is sharing stories from youth advocates around the world, showing how instrumental these young people are in finding solutions that work for them and for their communities. This is the story of Renuka Dhakal, whose work has impacted the lives of many families in the central region of Nepal.
Renuka’s career has swiftly evolved from a social worker in Chitwan, Nepal, to a dedicated advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Her close ties with the community and hands-on experience have equipped her to drive meaningful change, impacting individual families first and now extending her influence to municipalities.
Youth representation in management positions
While early in her career, 23-year-old Renuka has positively impacted dozens of children and their families. In her community in Central Nepal, she works as a social worker for families with children with disabilities and, more recently, as an SRHR advocate. “If we don’t advocate for our rights, then who does?”
Studying psychology, Renuka considered herself lucky, but her perspective shifted when she started working with families with children with disabilities. Their challenges amplified her dedication to positively impact their situation. Through numerous trainings and close engagement with families, she discovered their real needs. “Firstly, many families have no disability identity cards for the children,” she explained. Without these, they do not receive social benefits or subsidies, which can be a basic source of income. Renuka also helped families with birth and marriage certificates, enabling children to enroll in school and access local support. “It changes their lives completely, and I felt: nothing is impossible.”
For the past four months, Renuka has worked as an SRHR local coordinator for YUWA, a youth-led advocacy organisation in Nepal and partner in the Right Here Right Now programme. With YUWA she works on improving access to sexual health, rights, and education for young people. Renuka’s connection with her local community in Chitwan has been instrumental in creating effective solutions. She has witnessed firsthand the failures of externally imposed solutions that did not consider the community’s specific needs. For instance, some income-generating activities were not adopted because they were unsuitable for the local context. “You need close and consistent engagement with the families to understand their perspectives.”
Involving and investing in young people
Working for YUWA meant another steep learning curve in SRHR. She also worked on her advocacy skills. “I realised many people don’t have the right idea of advocacy. We don’t need to beg or demand something extraordinary.” Instead, we look at our constitution and point out that some people at the local level don’t benefit. Then I ask: how can we make sure that we also serve them?”
With YUWA, she investigated whether municipalities, schools, and health facilities had any programmes or non-profits working in SRHR for young people. To her surprise, some municipalities had none. Small-scale surveys quickly revealed that young children and adolescents had extremely limited knowledge of SRHR.
To advocate effectively, Renuka and YUWA used multiple approaches. For instance, they conducted a small survey to highlight the need for better education and resources. They also took policymakers to ‘child clubs’, showing how well these initiatives support young people. This direct exposure helped officials understand the importance of SRHR education. “Often, decision-makers, teachers, and health workers stop at the word ‘sex’,” Renuka explained.
“Many become uncomfortable discussing SRHR for young people, because they think only of sexual intercourse. However, when we explain that it’s about understanding bodies, feelings, relationships, puberty and menstruation cycles, we often create an understanding that it is important.”
Go for Satisfaction: Renuka’s advice for meaningful work
“Most important though is not to get defensive. People’s perspectives are shaped by their upbringing, their culture, and community. I am trying to understand that first, before trying to find some common ground.”
Renuka’s and YUWA’s advocacy has paid off. For the second consecutive year, 16 wards along with municipality in Ratnanagar have committed budget allocations and programme activities to SRHR programmes. “Knowing there was previously no funding, and understanding how it will help young people make better decisions, makes it easy for me to get up every day, and to feel safe. To other young people, I would say: ‘Don’t just choose a job. Go for satisfaction. When you can help others, it will come from your heart, and learning will be easy. It will definitely also serve you in the long run.”