strategic approach

Meaningful Youth Participation

EngenderHealth recognizes the vital role that meaningful youth participation plays in driving lasting change. Through our youth education programs, we increase youth participation in health systems, support youth empowerment, and expand access to accurate sexual health information for youth to ensure the next generation can lead healthy, informed lives.

Youth Empowerment Through Inclusive Programming

Young people are not just beneficiaries: they are leaders, advocates, and experts in their own lives. At EngenderHealth, we engage youth ages 10 to 24—including adolescents (10–19) and young adults (15–24)—through a participatory, inclusive, youth-centered approach that ensures our programs are shaped by their voices, experiences, and priorities.

Delivering Sexual Health Information for Youth

We believe that real impact comes from collaboration.

Two young women sit on a wall reading comic books.

That’s why we involve youth in every phase of our programming (from design to implementation to evaluation) to ensure the work reflects their realities and responds to their needs. Our adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH) programs are designed to meet young people where they are and empower them with accurate, relevant knowledge.

To support their health and rights, we:

Provide age-appropriate sexual health information for youth via schools, community engagement opportunities, and digital platforms
Expand access to adolescent- and youth-friendly services that are respectful, unbiased, and rooted in evidence-based information
Educate youth on their rights and how to access confidential, high-quality care
Collaborate with local partners to educate young people about their rights and connect them with accurate information and counseling on sexuality, safe sex, and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services

“My passion for SRHR and meaningful youth participation is fueled by my personal and often negative experiences. These experiences serve as a constant reminder of the importance of working with and not just for young people so they can exercise their SRHR and achieve their goals, dreams, and potential.”

–Ana Aguilera

Director of Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Strengthening Youth Education and Leadership for Health Equity

EngenderHealth’s youth programs address the social and systemic barriers that impact young people’s health, rights, and futures.

We promote gender equity, challenge stigma around sexual and reproductive health, and build provider capacity for respectful, youth-centered care. We support young parents and caregivers and engage men, boys, and communities to shift harmful practices.

We also create space for youth leadership—through advocacy, storytelling, and policy engagement—and partner with youth- and women-led organizations to advance lasting change.

Why Youth-Led Change Matters

Young people often encounter significant obstacles when seeking sexual and reproductive health services. Yet when their voices are heard and their needs prioritized, they play a powerful role in advancing health and gender equality. By ensuring access to accurate information, supportive services, and meaningful opportunities to participate, we help youth lead the way toward more just and inclusive communities.