SHE SOARS

Youth face many obstacles when it comes to accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services and information. Without accurate information, resources and safe spaces to ask questions, myths and misconceptions grow and make it hard for youth to make informed choices about their health.  

In this episode, Youth Champions Madeline and Shannon sit down with Rae, the inspiring young founder and Executive Director of a youth-led organization in Toronto called SRHR Hubs. Like the SHE SOARS* project, SRHR Hubs supports young people’s access to SRHR information and supplies. Rae shares how SRHR Hubs fills a gap in the community and why it is so important for this work to be led by young people. She also helps to break down common misconceptions that young people have shared and how youth can take action. 

This episode wraps up season 2 of the SHE SOARS podcast! Thanks for learning alongside us over the past ten episodes. While you await season 3, let us know which episode was your favorite so far! Stay tuned for our virtual youth advocacy event coming soon!

SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.  

Myths and misconceptions around Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) often stand in the way of youth accessing accurate information and services. Youth around the world are leading efforts to bust myths and advocate for young people’s health and rights. In this episode, Youth Champions, Madeline and Nour speak with Musonda, an inspiring program manager at the Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia (AAAZ), a youth-led organization that is leading advocacy efforts in Zambia through the SHE SOARS* project. Musonda shares some common misconceptions around SRHR and what young people can do to speak up for their rights and influence decision-makers. The group discusses meaningful youth participation, the role of attitudes and beliefs, and the importance of promoting community engagement and awareness for SRHR. 

SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.  

Women and girls’ voices need to be heard in the healthcare system and conversations about their Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Too often, many of us are left to navigate our bodily concerns on our own or face stigma. In this episode, Amal, Lauren and guest Amanda continue to share SRHR stories from women and girls around the world. They discuss young people’s SRHR experiences in the medical system, self-advocacy, and stigma surrounding sexual health and encounters. They share personal stories about their own health and rights and discuss strategies to make the SRHR space more inclusive of women and girls. 

SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.  

Talking about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) can feel uncomfortable and awkward for many people. Many of us have experiences that can be scary, embarrassing, confusing or even funny. In this episode, Youth Champions Amal and Lauren are joined by Amanda, a SHE SOARS* Youth Advisory Board member in Uganda, to share stories they received from women and girls around the world about their first periods and the fear, confusion and stigma they faced. They discuss their personal experiences and insight on the stories, and how we can work towards normalizing conversations about menstrual cycles to help break the stigma. 

SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.  

Men and boys are key players in shifting harmful gender norms around the world and addressing gender-based violence. In this episode, Youth Champion, Mishika, speaks with Josephine and Charles, who are leading this work in Uganda through the SHE SOARS* project. As a male role model, Charles encourages men and boys to learn more about themselves, reflect on their roles and attitudes in family life, and shift social norms towards greater equality. As a Gender Coordinator, Josephine helps develop the curriculum for the boys’ groups and engages communities in the project. They share their experiences and stories about what they have encountered through their work of engaging men and boys in gender equality. Join the discussion leading into the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence!

SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.  

Boys around the world are often raised to believe in gender norms and stereotypes that can be harmful, including expectations about how men and women are supposed to act with each other, how they should express (or not express) emotions, and how to resolve problems. Sometimes, this can lead to negative beliefs about women and girls and even violence towards them. 

In this episode, Youth Champion, Lauren, discusses the importance of engaging men and boys to move gender equality forward with two inspiring leaders in this space, Karen and Rodrigo, who helped develop and facilitate the Mindful Fathering program at Yorktown Family Services in Toronto. They share how they’re supporting fathers to develop healthier views of masculinity and family dynamics, ultimately preventing violence in the home. This work mirrors activities in the SHE SOARS* project to engage young men and boys to break down stigmas and make their communities safer for all.

Join this important discussion leading into the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence!

SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.  

Meet Maryner, an inspiring youth leader in Zambia who speaks up for young people’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). In this unique episode, the Youth Champions are joined by Jeremiah, a member of the Youth Advisory Board, who sat down with Maryner in Chadiza and learned about her work as a youth researcher and girls’ group facilitator. Through a series of clips, we hear from Maryner on the privacy barriers that youth experience when accessing SRHR and how she overcame pushback as an advocate for young people’s health and rights. Maryner shares her passionate message on youth leadership and believing in yourself even when others don’t. Jeremiah also shares his reflections on visiting the SHE SOARS* project and meeting incredible youth and community leaders like Maryner.

SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.  

International Day of the Girl honours girls’ rights and experiences around the world and celebrates the power of girls everywhere to change the world. In this episode, Madeline and Amal, two of the Youth Champions, are joined by Gloria, an inspiring youth advocate from Kenya, to talk about women’s leadership in the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) space. Learn about Gloria’s journey advocating for girls’ health and their rights in Kenya, and how she founded a community-based organization to reach girls with SHR information and services. The group discusses what it’s like to speak up as a young woman in different contexts, the importance of breaking down harmful gender norms, and the role models who have helped shape them into who they are today. 

SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.  

The Youth Champions continue their discussion on inclusive, youth-friendly language with Amanda and Jeremiah of the Youth Advisory Board. They take turns sharing their personal experiences and things to be aware of when meeting people for the first time to ensure everyone feels respected and included. In part 2 of this episode, Amanda and Jeremiah explain resources the Youth Advisory Board are currently working on to make language more inclusive and some youth-friendly initiatives from partner organizations. The group dives into how they have learned to be inclusive and tips for interacting with people from all backgrounds in our daily lives.

SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.  

The way we communicate affects who understands and participates in advocacy and projects. It can either exclude certain groups of young people, or inspire them to take action. To kick off season two, Amal and Nour, two of our Youth Champions, sit down with Amanda and Jeremiah, incredible youth advocates in Uganda and Zambia. Learn about Amanda and Jeremiah’s journeys to becoming members of the Youth Advisory Board on the SHE SOARS* project, and how inclusive language plays a role in their lives and communities. They break down what youth-friendly language means and why it is so important when it comes to sexual and reproductive health and rights. The group also discusses the role of gender in programs designed for youth. They share how together, we can create a climate in which young people are meaningfully engaged in the topics that affect their lives.

SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.