At UYP, we believe in meaningful youth inclusion. Through mentorship, we help young people build essential leadership skills, empowering them to address issues that impact them. We involve youth in program development and implementation, fostering ownership and deeper commitment to positive change.

Poverty is a significant driver of high HIV rates, contributing to school dropouts, early marriages, teen pregnancies, and gender-based violence. Our skills training programs equip young people with the means for financial independence, helping them overcome these challenges and reduce HIV-related vulnerabilities. Economic empowerment also improves nutrition, treatment adherence, and positive health outcomes, especially in low-income communities.

Creating lasting change requires community support. Partnering with key stakeholders, UYP mobilizes communities to understand critical issues and take action. Our efforts contributed to policies like the Stigma Index Policy (2021), developed through UYP-led surveys and advocacy, helping communities recognize and address their rights and responsibilities.

We address cultural, social, and religious norms that impact gender roles, SRHR, and HIV-related stigma. By engaging parents, youth, and community members, we inspire personal and social reflection on these issues, fostering a more positive mindset and promoting safer behaviors among young people.

Our peer-to-peer counseling approach ensures young people receive support from relatable mentors who understand their challenges. This method builds trust, respect, and a supportive network, encouraging positive behavior changes, reduced risk-taking, and improved life outcomes.

While much focus has been on empowering young women, sustainable progress requires engaging young men, too. We work to educate and empower young men on gender equality and the unique challenges women face, fostering an environment where empowered young women are respected and gender equity can thrive.