READYCast: Ready Movement Podcast

In this episode of The READY CAST, we explore the growing issue of drug and substance abuse among young people. Join us as youth advocates and experts unpack its impact on mental health, treatment adherence, and overall well-being — and share ways communities can support young people to live healthy, empowered lives.

Welcome to another episode of our podcast. Today we will talk about a topic increasingly present in the lives of adolescents and young people in Mozambique: the role of new technologies in promoting sexual and reproductive health.
We live in a time when social networks, digital platforms and even mobile applications have become part of our daily lives. But are we taking advantage of all this potential to inform, engage and transform behaviors around sexual and reproductive health?
To help us reflect on these issues, we have with us Miguel and Margarida, two special guests who will share their experiences, perspectives and also some inspiring examples.

"Stigma Kills in Silence – Youth, Discrimination and HIV" shares real stories and perspectives from young people in Mozambique, shedding light on how stigma impacts their lives and the fight against HIV.

In this episode, a young woman shares her personal journey of living with HIV, including the challenges she has faced and how she has worked to overcome stigma. She also speaks about the positive impact of the READY project in helping her build confidence and find community support.

This podcast features four young people currently studying in tertiary institutions. They share candid reflections on what they wish they had known earlier about HIV. The discussion touches on common misconceptions, the importance of early and accurate information, and the role of youth-friendly services in supporting young people to make informed decisions about their health.

In this Siswati episode, Simphiwe Vilane and Lunga Vilakati open up about their journey as young people living with HIV. They share their honest experiences of facing unemployment, searching for opportunities, and how peer support has helped them stay hopeful and motivated as they build their future beyond HIV.

In this Siswati episode, we hear from Ncamiso Makhanya, Sibusiso Ngubani and Mthobisi Mdluli as they share their inspiring journeys as young people living with HIV (YPLHIV). From being teen club beneficiaries to pursuing higher education and finding employment, they reflect on the challenges, lessons, and hopes that have shaped their path beyond HIV.

Zero Discrimination Day is observed each year on 1 March. To commemorate ZDD, Y+ Global, in collaboration with READY and the National Emergency Response against HIV/AIDS (NERCHA), examined the Eswatini Stigma Index 2023 from the youth's perspective. The findings reveal that while Eswatini has made progress in combating stigma—dropping from 10% in 2019 to 9% in 2023—this is not a cause for celebration.
This episode with the READY Focal Point highlighted various forms of stigma affecting young people, notably the prevalence of self-stigma, a non-supportive environment for young people living with HIV to disclose their status, and a lack of safe spaces for young adults (ages 20 to 24) to receive ongoing support. They discussed how SNYP+ fosters safe spaces and empowers young advocates to assist their peers at the grassroots level alongside advocacy initiatives led by youth. Despite the progress made in tackling stigma, the analysis indicates that young people still face a significant stigma rate of 45%, higher than that of adults, underscoring the need for increased support for youth at both facility and community levels.

READY and ACTIVE: Country Spotlight dives into how READY beneficiaries and partners are driving impactful projects at the country level. This episode highlights their updates, progress, and innovative interventions, offering a platform to showcase their work and address emerging issues in their communities. Tune in to hear inspiring stories and insights that reflect the heart of the READY Movement's mission to create meaningful change.

The Impact of Youth-led Organisations celebrates the transformative power of youth-led networks in driving change and creating opportunities for young people. This episode shares insights into the journey of a youth-led organization, exploring where it started, its evolution through the READY+ program, and the key achievements driven by capacity-building efforts. By showcasing success stories and impactful outcomes, the episode underscores the vital role of supporting youth-led networks in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.