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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.
Myriam Skhiri, 30, is a human rights defender and clinical psychologist, and serves as the national coordinator for the Right Here Right Now 2 project in Tunisia within the Tunisian Association for Reproductive Health (ATSR). Specialising in sexual and reproductive health rights, Myriam’s role involves overseeing the implementation of initiatives aimed at advancing these rights across her country.
With her expertise in psychology, she advocates for the holistic well-being of individuals, emphasising the integral connection between mental health and sexual and reproductive health. Myriam is dedicated to promoting gender equality and ensuring universal access to comprehensive sexual education and healthcare services. Through her leadership and commitment, she strives to empower communities and create a more inclusive society, where everyone can exercise their rights with dignity and autonomy.
Translation
Read French transcription below
“I would say the first right, the most fundamental in my eyes, is the right to information. Everyone has the right to access clear and correct information, to be able to make informed decisions and to feel empowered in making them.”
Intro of Myriam walking up stairs and sitting down in a chair. Text reads ‘Myriam Skhiri – Country Coordinator RHRN at the Tunisian Association for Reproductive Health – Tunisia.
“Hello, I am Myriam Skhiri. I am the national coordinator of the Right Here, Right Now coalition for Tunisia.”
What SRHR issues are most important to you and why?
“I condemn the oppressive social norms and the resistance to the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education. This refers to the expansion and generalisation of access to full educational programmes, covering, among other things, the aspects of sexuality in the broadest sense of the term. It is crucial that our Arab-Muslim society recognises sex education as a fundamental right, thereby ensuring that all individuals, particularly young people, have the basic information and necessary informed skills to make decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, and consequently, develop healthy and respected interpersonal relationships.”
What impact in SRHR do you want to see most?
“My wish is to see a Tunisian society that is fair and just in terms of gender, which embraces diversity and encourages individual freedoms. I want everyone to be able to make free and informed decisions regarding their sexuality, without fear of discrimination or judgment.”
“I would like to highlight the advantages of sexual education, which is of fundamental importance for several essential reasons. It provides precise, scientifically founded information, allows individuals to make informed decisions about their sexuality. It contributes to reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. It promotes protection against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/SIDA. It promotes consent and egality between the sexes.”
When it comes to #EmbraceOurRights, what SRHR right has been ignored too long for you?
“I would say the first right, the most fundamental in my eyes, is the right to information. Everyone has the right to access clear and correct information, to be able to make informed decisions and to feel empowered in making them.”
What do you want to say to other young people on the importance of speaking out for SHRH?
“I want to say to young people from all corners of the world: assert yourself, be dynamic actors in your respective societies, dare to step out of your comfort zones, say no to repression and do not be afraid to claim your rights. As Nelson Mandela said so well, “We are not just the leaders of tomorrow, we are the agents of change”. Let us be the engines of progress and build a more promising and inclusive future.”
Transcription
“Je dirais le 1er droit, le plus fondamental à mes yeux ; c’est le droit à l’information. Chaque individu a le droit d’accéder à des informations précises et concises, afin de pouvoir prendre des décisions éclairées et les assumer correctement.”
“Bonjour, je suis Myriam Skhiri, je suis la coordinatrice nationale de la coalition Right Here, Right Now pour la Tunisie.”
Quelles sont les questions de SDSR qui vous tiennent le plus à cœur et pourquoi?
“Je condamne les normes sociales oppressives et la résistance à la mise à échelle de l’éducation sexuelle complète, qui fait référence à l’expansion et à la généralisation de l’accès à des programmes éducatifs complets, couvrant entre autres de manière exhaustive les aspects de la sexualité, au sens très large du terme. Il est crucial que notre société arabo-musulmane reconnaisse l’éducation sexuelle en tant que droit fondamental, permettant ainsi de garantir que les individus, en particulier les jeunes, disposent des informations de base et des compétences nécessaires pour prendre des décisions éclairées sur leur santé sexuelle et reproductive, et, par conséquent, développer des relations interpersonnelles saines et respectueuses.”
Quel impact en matière de SDSR aimeriez-vous voir le plus?
“Mon souhait est de voir une société tunisienne équitable et juste en matière de genre, qui embrasse la diversité et encourage les libertés individuelles. Je désire que chacun et chacune puisse prendre des décisions libres et éclairées concernant sa sexualité, sans craindre la discrimination ou le jugement.”
“Je veux leur souligner les avantages de la mise à l’échelle de l’éducation sexuelle, qui revêt une importance fondamentale pour plusieurs raisons essentielles: Elle fournit des informations précises, scientifiquement fondées, permet aux individus de prendre des décisions éclairées concernant leur sexualité, contribue à réduire le nombre de grossesses non-désirées et d’avortements non-sécurisés, favorise la protection contre les infections sexuellement transmissibles, y compris le VIH/SIDA, promeut le consentement et le respect, et encourage l’égalité des genres.”
En ce qui concerne #EmbraceOurRights, quel droit en matière de SDSR a été négligé pendant trop longtemps selon vous?
“Je dirais le 1er droit, le plus fondamental à mes yeux ; c’est le droit à l’information. Chaque individu a le droit d’accéder à des informations précises et concises, afin de pouvoir prendre des décisions éclairées et les assumer correctement.”
Que voulez-vous dire aux autres jeunes sur l’importance de s’exprimer en faveur de la SDSR?
“J’ai envie de dire aux jeunes de tous les coins du monde: imposez-vous, soyez des acteurs dynamiques dans vos sociétés respectives, osez sortir de vos zones de confort, dites non à la répression et ne craignez pas de revendiquer vos droits. Comme Nelson Mandela l’a si bien dit, “Nous ne sommes pas simplement les leaders de demain, nous sommes les acteurs du changement”. Soyons les moteurs du progrès et bâtissons un avenir plus prometteur et inclusif.”
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.