In South Africa today, girls in public schools face significant barriers to accessing education. From alarmingly high rates of teen pregnancy to escalating violence against young women, these challenges put their futures at risk. The Legal Resources Centre (LRC) has taken a stand against this injustice with our Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Project—an initiative designed to empower high school learners with the knowledge they need to make informed, life-saving decisions about their sexual well-being.
At the heart of this project is our SRHR toolkit, a resource we’ve developed to demystify critical topics like harassment, consent, HIV/AIDS, abortion, and sexual violence. The toolkit isn’t just about providing information—it’s about fostering confidence in young people to know their rights and advocate for themselves in difficult situations. With so many children already exposed to sexual activity and harmful misinformation, we know how essential it is to intervene early and offer them the tools to make positive, informed choices.
Through school workshops, our team has already begun working with learners, unpacking these vital topics in a way that resonates with them. The goal is simple but powerful: to create a safe space where they can ask questions, understand their rights, and take control of their futures. We also recognize the importance of engaging teachers, SGBs, and parents, ensuring that this education happens not only in the classroom but also at home.
But we need your help to reach even more young people.
The SRHR toolkit is available for free in multiple South African languages, designed for easy access and use by learners, educators, and parents alike. By sharing these digital resources, you’re playing a role in curbing teen pregnancy, reducing violence against young women, and promoting a future where every girl has the opportunity to pursue their education and dreams.
Visit https://sa.lrc.org.za/SRHR_Toolkits to download the toolkit and share it with the young people in your life. Together, we can ensure that the next generation grows up informed, empowered, and ready to make the best decisions for their futures.
Join us in spreading the message. Help us empower our youth with knowledge and protect the future of South Africa’s girls—one informed choice at a time.
