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Embrace the reality of young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, today! That’s the powerful message behind The Heart of the Matter, our ICPD+30 shadow report. This comprehensive document tells us the stories of youth activists from around the globe.
In the lead-up to the CPD57, where the ICPD Programme of Action will be reviewed, Rutgers talked to five young changemakers about their advocacy and what SRHR issues are at the heart of the matter for them.
Dina Chaerani, 27, has a solid blend of experience working directly with youths in need along with a highly accomplished academic record achieved from the International Institute of Social Studies – Erasmus University Rotterdam upon receipt of her Master’s Degree in Development Studies with double specialisations in Children and Youth Studies (CYS) and Public Policy and Management (PPM).
Currently, Dina works as the Programme Associate at the YIELD Hub and runs a youth-led organisation called Sexdugram; an online platform on Instagram to provide comprehensive pre-marital sexuality education for Indonesian children and youth. Her communication strengths and ability to connect with children and youth of all ages and establish trusting relationships position her to thrive in this challenging field. Child and youth participation is always at the forefront of her mind.
Transcription
“ #EmbraceOurRights should also include the rights to heal, to recover and seek justice after experiencing sexual violence.”
Intro of Dina walking up stairs and sitting down in a chair. Text reads ‘Dina Chaerani – Co-founder of Sexdugram, Programme Associate at YIELD Hub – Indonesia’.
“Hi everyone, my name is Dina Chaerani. You can call me Dina. I am 27 years old. I’m from Indonesia.”
What made you get into advocating for better access to SRHR?
“Back in 2008, I faced, encountered a very horrible tragedy in my life. It’s a sexual violence. So I was twelve years old and of course I felt clueless, afraid, and I just felt meaningless as a human being. Seeking help, to online counseling and also school counseling was a harrowing ordeal because all the harsh words and also the mocking and victim blaming just added to my pain.”
“It ignited a passion in me to raise awareness, to share my stories, and also to work towards a world where everybody has equitable access to SRHR services. So at the end of the day, they have the decision informed making for themselves without being interfered by anybody. And at the end, I can say that I work for this so nobody should also experience the same thing as mine.”
What impact in SRHR do you want to see most?
“I want to see the world where the government and policymakers actually prioritise and invest in comprehensive sexuality education, where it is all accessible, it is inclusive, and it’s age appropriate, so that all young people can access that. And for me personally, education is a basic right for human beings. And having the comprehensive sexuality education, it’s very important, especially for young people, to empower them to know about the importance of their lives, their body.”
When it comes to #EmbraceOurRights, what SRHR right has been ignored too long for you?
“The SRHR right that has been ignored far too long, especially in my context, it’s the right to comprehensive and accessible support for survivors of sexual violence. It’s a time to prioritise the needs of the survivor. Too often, survivors of sexual violence face stigma and barriers in seeking help and justice for themselves.”
“#EmbraceOurRights should also include the rights to heal, to recover, and seek justice after experiencing sexual violence.”
What do you want to say to other young people on the importance of speaking out for SHRH?
“To other young people, wherever you are currently, I want to say to you – I want to shout from the top of my lungs, our voice, our experience, is powerful. Speaking about SRHR is not only speaking about your rights, but also ensuring that it’s accessible and it is just for everybody. So don’t be afraid of speaking up and take your rights.”
About the CPD57
At the fifty-seventh session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD57), Rutgers and colleagues worldwide will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action. With various emerging issues globally, such as climate change and health crises, its more timely then ever to turbocharge our efforts to ensure the ICPD agenda is implemented. For young people today and future generations, we need the commitments of United Nations member states to the ICPD agenda, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda.
The Heart of the Matter
Our report, The Heart of the Matter: Embrace the reality of young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights today, gives a comprehensive insight into the reality of young people’s SRHR and how well governments are implementing their commitments made in 2019. It covers 16 countries and 4 regions and echoes the voices of young people. This report will provide perspective and a direction for change for advocates and decision-makers.