YK Poudel

In a step towards promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) among young people, Y-PEER Bhutan launched the SHIFT Campaign 2.0 on September 12, engaging students in four schools across Zhemgang.

The campaign aims to empower students through education on critical topics such as consent, gender-based violence (GBV), menstrual health and hygiene, and mental health, among others.

The campaign involved students of Zhemgang Central School (CS), Yebilaptsa CS, Buli CS, and Sonamthang CS.

Chimi Rinzin Wanglee, a 16-year-old student and scout leader at Zhemgang CS, said that this programme will be pivotal in making people aware of sexual health and proper healthcare. “It empowers youth to explore important areas and share knowledge in the community.”

He said that such programmes are crucial for students, especially living in remote areas. “The poverty rate in rural areas is high, which makes it even more important for people to understand sexual health awareness, gender equality, and reducing health risks.”

Jampel Lhamo, one of the facilitators, said that the campaign will train 20 participants from each school as SRHR Champions, who will advocate on these critical issues. “Youth usually are open to their peers during the times of need for which a peer with knowledge on such issues will be in a better position to help.”

Participants are trained on SRHR, Comprehensive Sexuality Education, GBV, and menstrual health management.

So far, the campaign has covered more than 670 students, with 43 of them becoming certified SRHR Champions.

As a part of the advocacy programme, sanitary pads are also donated in each school to highlight menstrual health and hygiene.

The final phase of the campaign ‘Strengthening Linkages’ will bring together local leaders and health officials for an interactive consultation meeting. “During this meeting, we will present our findings and discuss future support for young people,” Jampel Lhamo said.

Y-PEER Bhutan, in collaboration with Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and Save the Children, is committed to a peer-to-peer approach, emphasising youth-led education. Since its inception in 2012, Y-PEER has grown to include over 2,000 young members across the country, focusing on SRHR, mental health, and gender-based violence.

Last year, Y-PEER Bhutan gave orientation to 1,120 students and 101 teachers on SRHR and peer education.

“Our goal is to equip students and local leaders with the knowledge to exercise their rights,” Bhawana Pradhan, a programme mentor, said.   

Despite the progress, many critical topics remain stigmatised in Bhutan. “These issues are still perceived as taboo, leading to significant discrimination,” she said. “Educating young people is essential to avoid severe societal consequences.”

The recently launched State of World Population report 2024 by UNFPA underscores the urgency of these initiatives, revealing that while 83 percent of laws guarantee access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, the adolescent birth rate remains at 10 percent and child marriage instances have increased by 26 percent since 2006. Globally, contraceptive prevalence among youth stands at only 40 percent for general methods.

“Y-PEER Bhutan aims to normalise conversations around SRHR and empower young people to make informed decisions,” Bhawana Pradhan said. 

The SHIFT Campaign 2.0 will end on September 28.