Fi We Children Foundation, a prominent youth-led non-governmental organization (NGO) focused on advancing social justice for Jamaican children, has launched an ambitious new initiative designed to empower young people with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
The initiative, named “Youth in Reproductive Justice: Digital Advocacy for Change,” is targeted at Jamaican youth aged 16 to 18 and is built around providing them with accurate, non-judgmental, and accessible information about reproductive rights, contraception, and healthy relationships. By using digital platforms and social media, the project aims to foster a culture of open discussion while tackling the stigma and misinformation often surrounding these crucial topics.
Afrika Stevens, the foundation’s executive director and founder, unveiled the project at a micro-launch event hosted by the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS). During the event, Stevens highlighted the importance of addressing the significant barriers Jamaican youth face in accessing reproductive health education, including misinformation, societal stigma, and limited availability of services.
“Education is the key to empowerment,” Stevens remarked. “When young people are armed with the right information, they are in control of their health, their choices, and their futures. This project is about giving them the opportunity to make those decisions confidently and responsibly.”
The campaign’s innovative approach focuses on utilizing digital media tools—such as social media campaigns, podcasts, and online discussions—to engage the youth audience in real-time, offering them both critical information and a platform to discuss sensitive issues safely. The project is also designed to foster collaboration, inviting parents, educators, health professionals, and advocacy groups to work together to promote open conversations about reproductive health.
Nancy Pinchas, Executive Director of CVSS, praised the initiative for its potential to set a new benchmark in youth advocacy in Jamaica. “This initiative is a groundbreaking step forward in ensuring that young people have the tools and knowledge they need to navigate their health choices in a world that is often misinformed and stigmatizing,” Pinchas said. “By embracing digital media, this project ensures that reproductive health education reaches young people directly, where they spend their time, allowing them to make informed decisions and change the future of their health.”
One of the key components of the initiative is a digital booklet that compiles feedback from both focus groups and student workshops held at Kingston Technical High School. The booklet includes valuable insights on reproductive health, policy recommendations, and practical steps for improving access to reproductive health services for Jamaican youth.
The foundation is also leveraging its partnerships with organizations such as UNICEF Jamaica and the Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network, furthering the outreach and effectiveness of the campaign. The initiative is funded through a micro grant from the European Union, part of a broader 30-month intervention aimed at strengthening local civil society’s capacity to promote gender equality, women and youth empowerment, and cultural expression.
As the initiative gathers momentum, Stevens is hopeful that it will ignite a larger movement toward policy reforms that enhance youth access to reproductive health education and services. “This is only the beginning,” she said. “Our goal is to create a lasting impact by advocating for better policies, expanding our digital reach, and ensuring that young people across Jamaica are equipped to make informed, empowered decisions about their health.”
Through this innovative and inclusive approach, Fi We Children Foundation is setting a new precedent for youth advocacy in Jamaica, driving a much-needed conversation about reproductive justice that could shape the future of the nation’s youth for generations to come.
