Lahore, December 17, 2022 (PPI-OT):Research-based statistics reveal that adolescents, aged from 15–29 years, which is 27% of the population, are not aware of the essentiality of their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRH). They have poor SRH knowledge and rely on a lot of myths and misconceptions. This gap in information is resulting in deteriorated reproductive health, incorrect use of contraceptives, and much more adversity.
There is a dire need to educate youth on their sexual and reproductive health and rights, for which the University of Lahore (UOL) is extending its efforts. A youth awareness program, “Khud KO Pehchano,” is being implemented with the joint efforts of Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan Ltd.
“Khud KO Pehchano” is a collaboration between the Punjab Population Innovation Fund (PPIF) and Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan (G) Ltd to implement a youth-oriented program for youngsters in Punjab.
The main objectives of this program are to educate youngsters about their sexual and reproductive health and rights, to sensitize them on the difference between sex and gender, to provide an accurate perspective of gender-sensitive definitions, social and gender norms, to empower decision-making abilities amongst the target audience, to increase knowledge and awareness about contraception, to develop skillsets to identify gender-based violence and its mitigation strategies, and to empower youngsters to break gender-based stereotypes, myths, and misconceptions.
This program is being implemented on the basis of a signed MoU between UOL and Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan. It has been agreed that Greenstar will train 20 teachers nominated by UOL, with each teacher further educating and guiding twenty students on reproductive and sexual health. Moreover, UOL will provide input in content development for public awareness and media campaigns for Green star.
UOL will also assist in improving the training modules and Life Skills-Based Education (LSBE) manuals developed in consultation with the Pakistan Medical Association, SOGP, and Population Welfare Department. Last but not the least, assistance will be provided by UOL in disseminating awareness in the communities via the Social Action Project.
For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: info@uol.edu.pk
Website: www.uol.edu.pk