Young people who took part in the consultation spoke of their experiences with sexual and reproductive health services, discrimination and the prevalence of gender-based violence while they were on the move. Violence and discrimination were considered to severely limit their access to education, employment, and the freedom to choose when and with whom to start a family. To combat harmful practices and attitudes and to improve access to healthcare services, the young participants called for a systematic and international approach that both supports women directly and includes continuous awareness-raising efforts among men. Photo: UNFPA BiH.

In March 2023, student activists from across Central Asia gathered in the city of Turkistan in Kazakhstan for a day of consultations. While discussing sexual and reproductive health, the young participants described the prevalence of sexual stigmas and taboos that in turn affect the availability of comprehensive sexuality education, lack of knowledge about HIV and limited access to contraception. They also highlighted the challenges faced in accessing the labour market, such as a lack of job opportunities for young graduates and unequal opportunities for male and female employees. To solve these issues, the youth called for the introduction of comprehensive and age-appropriate education, to ensure access to confidential health services, and to use modern technology and media to disseminate accurate information. Photo: UNFPA Kazakhstan.

Six group discussions took place during the Bank of Ideas 2023 — an event that focused on the active role young people can play, both physically and psychologically, during Ukraine’s recovery process. The conversations covered the main issues young people face in Ukraine including, barriers to realizing their full potential, how to attain key life skills and how best to meaningfully participate in society. Photo: UNFPA Ukraine/Molodvizh.

Between September and October  2023 in Turkmenistan, more than 100 young people, including those living with disabilities, gathered in Ashgabat, Mary and Turkmenabat to discuss sexual and reproductive health issues, including attitudes to and perceptions of family planning and desired fertility. The consultations also covered gender norms, gender-based violence, gender roles and stereotypes, as well as their aspirations, desires and anxieties. Photo: UNFPA Turkmenistan.

In Albania, in September 2023, young people with a history of drug use were consulted in a prison and at a community drop-in centre in Berat. The participants described feeling left behind, both in terms of health care and in decision-making processes. When describing their wish to contribute to their community, one participant said, “We watch community leaders and politicians on TV and other mass media channels, talking about us, trying to develop local policies and programmes, but we have never been asked or even invited to discuss and share our ideas about what a programme or a service should look like." Photo: UNFPA Albania.

Young people from Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities in Kosovo highlighted the urgent need for improved sexual and reproductive health education, better gender equality initiatives, increased youth participation, enhanced educational opportunities and improved job prospects to address the pressing challenges youth in underserved communities face. Photo: UNFPA Kosovo/Arben Llapashtica.