After reading through, go to www.showyourselfie.org and upload your visual petition to tell world leaders to invest in young people!
The #Showyourselfie campaign, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, is mobilizing young people all around the world to show world leaders that the needs and rights of young people matter and MUST be a priority in the future of development. Over the next 7 months, this campaign is highlighting the 6 biggest issues affecting the world’s youth ahead of the largest selfie handover to world leaders at the United Nations in September 2015.
Starting today, to celebrate International Women’s Day, the campaign is placing the spotlight on the universal right to health.
But what does “health,” actually mean?
1. Access to Quality Healthcare
Flicker: Plan International Australia
Access to quality healthcare is a basic human right. When young people have the tools they need to take care of their bodies and make smart choices - such as access to contraception - they are able to lead healthy and productive lives. This means lives uninterrupted by unintended pregnancies, dangerous STIs, and HIV/AIDS.
In many nations, young women who become pregnant, in or out of wedlock, are forced to leave school and stay at home rather than pursue careers. In parts of Africa and Asia, over 60% of youth who want to avoid pregnancy do not have access to contraception.
Adolescent girls are also not physically ready to give birth, meaning pregnancy can be fatal for these young mothers. By giving young women family planning tools, we would reduce maternal mortality by a third.
That’s why one of the most important aspects of healthcare for young people is sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Learn more about SRHR here!
2. Comprehensive Sexuality Education
Flickr: Megan Trace
Comprehensive sexuality education is a key aspect of health education that must be openly talked about and taught, so that young people lead safe and healthy sexual lives.
Yet, sexuality is often a taboo subject, and many cultures choose not to discuss sex before marriage, if at all. Lack of communication and biased information is a dangerous practice that leads to poor decision making.
If we teach young people about sexuality without prejudice, promote respect, empathy and social inclusion, we can reduce sexual violence. Education is also the key to containing the rapid spread of HIV/AIDs and other STIs. Today, more than two million adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 years are living with HIV.
TAKE A HEALTHY SELFIE
Join me on International Women’s Day to show the world that you’re healthy and demand the same for young people worldwide.
How people show that they’re healthy can vary across cultures. Some may flex their biceps and others might smile with their friends and family. You may want to take a selfie while playing soccer or cheering for your favorite team. We accept thumps up too!
Be creative -- we welcome diversity and want you to show us what YOU think is healthy.
Here’s my healthy selfie to world leaders, taken with Elmo and Raya from Sesame Street.
Now on to you!
#Showyourselfie with a Healthy Selfie today on www.showyourselfie.org to tell world leaders to prioritize comprehensive sexuality education and quality healthcare for young people!