Strengthening youth sexual and reproductive health and rights

A holistic approach: Tackling the ‘CTS nexus’

All young people deserve the right to make their own informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. But this right is often denied due to many interrelated factors, including unintended pregnancy, child marriage, school dropout, gender-based violence, and stigma and restrictive cultural norms around youth sexuality.

To address this complex reality, Ipas develops holistic approaches that empower young people to take the lead and improve youth access to sexual and reproductive health information and care in their communities. We work with partners across all sectors of society to address the interrelated issues of child marriage, teenage pregnancy and school dropout (known as the “CTS nexus”).

Child marriage is a global threat that severely limits girls’ ability to determine their own future, trapping them in poverty and vulnerability to gender-based violence. It also increases their risk of early and unwanted pregnancies, leading to more abortions by unsafe methods. And it deprives girls of education and economic opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of gender inequity.

Ipas tackles the conditions that fuel child marriage, such as gender inequity and the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls. Our research around the world has found an increase in child, early and forced marriages in places where climate change is harming people’s livelihoods. And our work to advance gender equity has proven that with the right information and support, men can play an important role in ensuring women’s and girls’ reproductive rights. We also advocate to prevent child marriage, for example by testifying before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and spurring the Bolivian government to promise action addressing the child marriage crisis in Bolivia.

Teenage pregnancy significantly impacts girls’ health, education, and economic prospects. Early pregnancies can pose serious health risks, including from abortion with unsafe methods, and can trap girls in unhealthy relationships. In addition, young mothers are more likely to drop out of school, limiting their future opportunities.

At Ipas, we address the root causes of teenage pregnancy, such as lack of access to comprehensive sexuality education. We advocate for policies that support young people’s reproductive rights and provide them with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. For example, with our local partner in Nigeria, we brought much-needed sexuality education to college campuses. By working with schools, communities, and digital platforms tailored for youth, we aim to reduce teenage pregnancy and support girls to stay in school and achieve their goals.

School dropout rates for girls are alarmingly high in many parts of the world, due to factors including poverty, gender-based violence, and teenage pregnancy. Plus, stigma around youth sexuality and abortion often prevents girls from accessing the sexual and reproductive health information and care they need to stay in school. Dropping out of school has long-term consequences, perpetuating cycles of poverty and preventing girls from reaching their full potential.

Ipas works to prevent school dropout by promoting policies and programs that keep girls and young women in school. This includes work to prevent gender-based violence, reduce abortion stigma, and provide comprehensive sexuality education in partnership with governments and community organizations. We also fund local groups, such as our Kenya-based partner Entashata, that bridge education and reproductive health gaps for women and girls.

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