Digital activism refers to the use of electronic communication technologies such as social media, e-mail, and podcasts for various forms of activism to enable faster and more effective communication and mobilising. ATHENA  has been tapping into the power and potential of digital activism to amplify the voices and experiences of AGYW and young gender-diverse people in Eastern and Southern Africa.

We spoke to Afia Simpande from Zambia and Gorata Chengeta from Botswana to find out how they have used digital activism.
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According to UNFPA, The East and Southern Africa region has high rates of sexual violence against girls, women and gender-diverse people. In seven countries, around 20 % of those aged 15 to 24 years reported they had experienced sexual violence from an intimate partner. Sexual violence against early adolescents aged 15 years and below is highest in the conflict and post-conflict countries.

Fahe Kerubo from Kenya and Thoko from South Africa speak about the importance of intergenerational, multilateral, and intersectional partnerships, responses, and proactive interventions to end GBV.

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AGYW and gender-diverse people in Eastern and Southern Africa are among those most affected and vulnerable to HIV transmissions. According to UNAIDS in 2020 they accounted for 50% of people living with HIV and 6 in seven new infections among adolescents between 15 and 19 years. Also, around 4 200 AGYW and gender-diverse people are infected with HIV every week.

Increasing access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care that is targeted at them is critical for ending AIDS as a global health crisis, improving their well-being and protecting their sexual reproductive health and rights.

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The debate on decolonisation of global health and funding has become increasingly prominent over the last couple of years. ATHENA Network’s Director of Programmes Catherine Nyambura spoke to Emma Holten about decolonising aid. What it means within a feminist context. What power works. And rebalancing the power between funders and grantees to ensure that support and resources go to those doing the work. 

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Adolescent girls, young women and gender diverse people in Eastern and Southern Africa experience difficulties in accessing contraception services and a lack of knowledge regarding to the different options available. This is a result of negative social norms and the lack of comprehensive sexuality education. 

#WhatGirlsWant Lilian Benjamin Mwakyosi from the United Republic of Tanzania and Nyasha Museruka from Zimbabwe join us to unpack the experiences of adolescent girls, young women and gender diverse people and accessing contraceptives.

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Although there has been a global rise in advocacy aimed at promoting and protecting LGBTQIA+ people’s rights there is still a lot of work to be done, particularly on the African continent. More than half of African countries have outlawed homosexuality, bisexuality and being trans or gender-diverse. Adolescent girls and young women continue to mobilise and put on governments to acknowledge the unique experiences and needs of LBTQIA+ people.

ATHENA #WhatGirlsWant focal points Elidah Maita from Kenya and our communications lead Mamello Sejake from South Africa joined us to discuss gender and sexuality diversity.

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Across the African continent, menstruation remains covered in shame, ignorance and misconceptions. This reality negatively affects the dignity, education and health of people who menstruate.  Many of them are isolated when they are menstruating, and subjected to harmful cultural and religious practices, and stigma.
ATHENA #WhatGirlsWant focal points Nthabeleng Tsekalle from Lesotho and Robinah Babirye from Uganda joined us to discuss menstrual health.
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Introducing a new podcast, #WhatGirlsWant, hosted by Olaoluwa Abagun and brought to you by Athena network.