Context:
Sexual health, free family planning services and future opportunities for young women are severely restricted in Tanzania. The reasons for this are frequent teenage pregnancies, a lack of contraceptives and an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections. Access to health services for sexual and reproductive health is limited in many places. Cultural norms, taboos and gender-specific power relations prevent young women in particular from making self-determined decisions. There are further physical, social and institutional barriers to healthcare for women with disabilities. A lack of expertise among healthcare personnel, insufficient education and the limited participation of communities and civil society organisations make it even more difficult to prevent diseases and unwanted pregnancies, and to ensure high-quality healthcare for young women.
Objective:
The reproductive health and self-determination of young women and the health prospects of newborn babies are improved in the long term.
Approach:
The project provides support in organising appropriate health services that are youth-friendly, gender-sensitive and inclusive. It works with the Tanzanian Ministry of Health as well as regional and local authorities to further develop care standards and train specialists and managers. The project improves cooperation between government agencies and civil society and community-based organisations. The aim is for them to work together to remove barriers to services. The project also encourages representatives from the fields of health, education and equality to coordinate their work. It also supports information, education and dialogue formats in order to improve young people’s self-determination. These promote exchange between young people, parents, professionals and civil society organisations.