In a strategic effort to elevate youth voices in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), the African Youth and Adolescent Network (AfriYAN) Nigeria, supported by Organon, has successfully implemented the SRHR Watch Party Project from January to March 2025 across six states from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria: Abuja, Adamawa, Cross-River, Lagos, Imo, and Kaduna. The initiative was executed in collaboration with youth-led member organizations, including Stand With A Girl Initiative (SWAG), Today for Tomorrow Initiative (TFT), Sustainable Impact and Development Initiative (SID), Community and Youth Development Initiatives (CYDI), and Enhancing Communities Actions For Peace and Better Health Initiative (e-CAPH).

Nigeria, home to the largest youth population in Sub-Saharan Africa, with 22% aged 10–19, faces significant SRHR challenges. Adolescents and young people are particularly vulnerable to early sexual initiation, unintended pregnancies, and high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Many girls initiate sexual activity before the age of 15, often without access to accurate information or youth-friendly services. Also, deeply rooted social, cultural, and religious norms perpetuate misinformation, stigma, and low contraceptive uptake. According to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, 48% of sexually active unmarried women in the country have an unmet need for family planning. In response, the SRHR Watch Party Project adopted an innovative, inclusive approach to address these challenges. Over 600 young people were trained as Family Planning Youth Champions through two-day workshops and engaging digital campaigns focused on SRHR, particularly family planning education, digital advocacy, and peer-led outreach.

“This wasn’t just a project—it was a movement,” said Adek Bassey, National Coordinator of AfriYAN Nigeria. “Youth stepped up as facilitators, advocates, and educators. They brought their stories, questions, and energy to the forefront of community conversations on family planning and reproductive health.”

Each state tailored the Watch Party format to meet local needs. In Abuja, myth-busting sessions and live Facebook streams sparked online conversations. In Kaduna, SRHR education was combined with free HIV testing and menstrual hygiene awareness. Across all locations, the project prioritized the inclusion of marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, people living with HIV, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), ensuring that no one is left behind.

“Before attending the SRHR Watch Party in Lagos, I had very little knowledge about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. Through the training, I learned so much, especially about family planning. Now, I feel more confident discussing SRHR topics and making informed decisions about my reproductive health.” – Anigbata Karen, Physiology Student, Lagos, Nigeria.

As the project concludes, stakeholders are calling for sustained investment in youth-led SRHR programs and the integration of comprehensive sexuality education in schools, media, and public spaces. There is also an urgent call for government action to ensure the consistent availability of family planning commodities and services for young people.

“We believe that when you listen to young people—especially girls—you unlock the power to transform communities,” said Jerry Yem, Access Program Lead, West Africa at Organon. “Organon is proud to support this youth-centered initiative as part of our global commitment to advancing women’s health.”

This project demonstrates that when young people are equipped with the right knowledge, tools, and platforms, they don’t just participate, they lead. They become changemakers, shaping healthier, more informed communities and a brighter future for Nigeria.

The African Youth and Adolescent Network on Population and Development (AfriYAN) Nigeria is a National youth-led network established in 2017, comprising over 100 youth-led and youth-focused organizations in Nigeria that coordinate the efforts and responses made by youth led organizations, adolescents and youth advocates contributing to addressing health, economic, social, developmental, climate issues among others in Nigeria. It serves as a platform for consultation, collaboration, and action among national youth organizations across Africa. It engages with governments and development partners to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the ICPD Plan of Action, and the African Youth Charter. AfriYAN promotes youth participation in policy development, implementation, and monitoring, while fostering partnerships, resource mobilization, and capacity sharing. It advocates for youth-led solutions in population, development, and the demographic dividend.