By Bunmi Yekini
In an era of digital transformation, young Africans are driving a new narrative around Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), particularly for adolescent girls and young women. Experts and activists spotlighted this shift during the “African Voices: Shaping a New SRHR Narrative through Technology” session, held at the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) Forum in Cape Town.
Hosted by Brands on a Mission (BoaM) under its African Voices initiative, the session stressed how young Africans are using the internet and mobile technology to overcome long-standing barriers to SRHR, pushing for solutions that align with their needs and lived experiences.
“African youth are a powerful force for change, and today, they’re emerging not just as consumers of SRHR services but as discerning advocates, demanding culturally relevant solutions,” said Professor Myriam Sidibe, Founder and Chief Mission Officer at Brands on a Mission. “Young people are communication experts shaping our stories and Africa’s future. We need to meet them where they are and expand on their potential. Today, there’s so much hope and excitement about how technology can unlock innovation for SRHR and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on the continent.”
Digital platforms have proven pivotal in amplifying youth-led SRHR advocacy. Angella Summer Namubiru, a Ugandan media personality with a significant TikTok following, noted, “Technology gives young people a chance to share their stories, learn about sexual and reproductive health, and create ways to earn money. When young people have these opportunities, they can make better choices for their lives and health without being forced into situations they do not want.”
Highlighting the importance of integrating tradition with innovation, Fatima Carvalho, Co-founder of Cabo Verde Ecofeminism Movement, emphasized that effective SRHR interventions “lie at the intersection of tradition and innovation. By combining the wisdom of our ancestors with modern technology, we can create holistic solutions that are both culturally relevant and forward-thinking.”
Dr. Mercy Nhamo-Murire, Deputy Chief Impact Officer at Tiko, spoke to the transformative role technology can play in removing barriers to care for adolescent girls and young women. “Adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa are faced with the interconnected triple threat of teenage pregnancy, HIV infection, and sexual violence,” she explained. “Technology and real-time data are proving effective in unlocking community-based, girl-centred solutions, enabling girls to access integrated, safe, and stigma-free health services.”
For Kris Lemon, Senior Associate at Reach Digital Health, accessibility for marginalized communities is crucial. “Where technologies are developed to facilitate people’s goals, evidence shows that digital platforms offer specific benefits for youth pursuing their SRHR aims. Mobile platforms allow users to access educational and supportive content at low cost and anonymously, with AI enhancing the personalization of content to meet individual needs.”
The session also emphasized the need for diverse leadership. Ndiilokelwa Nthengwe, Executive Director of the Voices for Choices and Rights Coalition, stressed, “The future of technology is evolving much quicker than the representation of accountable leadership. We, African women in all our diversity, need to remain cognizant of this reality as we grow into positions of influence and leadership.”