In a joint effort, the Danish government, partnering with the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), has officially rolled out the Strengthening Adolescents and Youth (SAY) empowerment and rights program in Uganda.
Focusing on the urgent sexual reproductive health and rights needs of Uganda’s youthful population, especially in refugee communities, the initiative aims to address issues such as sexual gender-based violence.
During the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Danish Ambassador to Uganda, Signe Winding Albjerg, underscored the importance of the SAY initiative. Ambassador Albjerg expressed, “This program will empower young people to assert their sexual reproductive and health rights, prevent sexual gender-based violence, and enhance the availability and accessibility of youth-responsive services in Uganda’s refugee communities.”
Emphasizing the commitment to addressing the risk factors associated with sexual gender-based violence, Ambassador Albjerg reiterated Denmark’s support for young people in refugee settlements.
The initiative seeks to empower youth to assert their sexual reproductive and health rights while actively working to prevent sexual gender-based violence. Ambassador Albjerg stated, “Our goal is to create a safer and more supportive environment for the youth, where their rights are respected, and they have access to essential health services.”
UNFPA, the implementing partner, led by Country Representative Gift Malunga, highlighted the vulnerability of young people in refugee camps. Malunga stressed the heightened risks they face, including teenage pregnancies, child marriages, HIV infections, and sexual gender-based violence. UNFPA reaffirmed its commitment to empowering communities in refugee camps to effectively address these challenges.
Gift Malunga, UNFPA Country Representative, stated, “By empowering young people with knowledge and services, we aim to create an environment that protects and promotes their sexual reproductive health and rights.”
The SAY program is scheduled to be implemented in three refugee hosting communities and two refugee-affected districts, including Adjumani, Obongi, Lamwo, Moyo, and Kitgum.
