For many young mothers, navigating health, relationships, motherhood and personal goals can come with difficult questions and uncertainty. Having accurate information and a safe space to ask those questions can make a meaningful difference.

Young African Women Initiatives (YAWI) believes that knowledge is an important part of helping young women make informed decisions about their health and futures. This belief is at the heart of our six-month Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) learning cohort, bringing together 40 young mothers.

Creating a Space for Learning and Honest Conversations

During the cohort’s second session, participants began by revisiting what they had learned during the first session on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). The recap provided an opportunity to reflect on key concepts, ask questions and strengthen their understanding before moving into new topics.

One of the most important aspects of the session was creating an environment where participants could speak openly, share their experiences and learn from one another.

The conversations went beyond simply sharing information. They encouraged participants to think about how SRHR knowledge connects to their everyday lives, relationships, health and decisions.

Understanding HIV and AIDS

The participants also explored HIV and AIDS, discussing how HIV is transmitted, ways of preventing transmission and the importance of HIV testing.

Having accurate information about HIV can help young people challenge misconceptions and make informed decisions about their health. The session encouraged participants to view health-seeking behaviours, including testing and accessing appropriate services, as important steps towards taking care of themselves.

Knowing Your Contraceptive Options

Another key area of learning was contraception.

Participants were introduced to different contraceptive options and had the opportunity to discuss questions and concerns surrounding their use. The conversations emphasized that access to reliable information is essential for making informed choices about reproductive health.

For young mothers, understanding available contraceptive options can also support conversations around pregnancy spacing, future plans and personal goals.

“I Didn’t Know I Had Choices”

Perhaps one of the most meaningful reflections from the session was the statement:

“I didn’t know I had choices.”

The words capture why spaces like this learning cohort matter.

Sometimes, the challenge is not simply the lack of services, but the lack of information about what options exist, where to access them and how to make decisions confidently.

Through continued learning and open conversations, the cohort aims to help young mothers recognize that they have the right to seek information, ask questions, access appropriate services and participate in decisions affecting their health and lives.

Learning, Sharing and Growing Together

The journey does not end with one session. Over the coming months, the 40 young mothers will continue participating in interactive learning sessions designed around their experiences and needs.

The cohort is more than a training programme. It is a supportive community where participants can learn from facilitators, share experiences with one another, ask questions without fear of judgement and build confidence in navigating issues that affect their lives.

Motherhood is only one part of who these young women are. They also have dreams, ambitions, choices and futures they are working towards.

YAWI is committed to walking alongside them as they continue this journey.

Because when a young mother has the knowledge to understand her rights, the confidence to ask questions and the information to understand her options, she is better equipped to make informed choices and build the future she envisions for herself and her family.

Written by Daisy Yego
Young African Women Initiatives (YAWI)