SHE SOARS

Meet Sithembile, a youth leader and social worker based in Zambia who shares what Comprehensive Sexuality Education looks like for girls in Zambia who are in school and not in school. Sithembile works at Restless Development, a global organization that supports the collective power of young leaders to create a better world. In part 1 of this episode, Sithembile sits down with CARE Canada’s Youth Champions, Amal, Lauren and Madeline, to provide insight on how youth learn about Sexual and Reproductive Health in Zambia, including her personal experiences. They discuss the lesson plan, access to information and services, and how youth can make informed decisions about their bodies and lives.

*SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject
Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.

Meet Jessica from the Sex Information & Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN), who joins CARE Canada’s Youth Champions to discuss sex education across the country. As a research specialist, Jessica has developed national guidelines and collected youth views on sex education in Canada. She provides insight into the topics covered in Canadian schools, and gaps that still exist. She shares how to improve sex education so it is comprehensive and inclusive. The group explores the meaning of intersectionality, incorporating the views and needs of underrepresented groups, and youth engagement in sex ed curriculums. A variety of intriguing research findings are shared.

*SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject
Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.

CARE Canada’s Youth Champions continue their conversation with Sithembile and discuss what the SHE SOARS* project is doing to increase young people’s knowledge about their health and rights. In part 2 of this episode, Sithembile explains the curriculum that is implemented in the girls’ and boys’ groups, which uses participatory activities for learning and youth leadership. Sithembile explains how gender and social norms, including issues of consent, impact young people’s access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Zambia. The group learns what project partners are doing to engage parents and communities, shift attitudes and build skills to create positive change.

*SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject
Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.

CARE Canada’s Youth Champions, Amal, Lauren and Madeline, chat about what they learned about sex education when they went to school and globally based on their conversations with Jessica from the Sex Information & Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN) and Sithembile from Restless Development in Zambia. They compare and contrast the different curriculums, and share their personal experiences around body image and the gaps they faced in sex ed. They discuss the importance of having honest conversations with teachers and parents, and how gender and culture are incorporated into lessons. The Youth Champions share aspects of the SHE SOARS* project and Canadian guidelines they would like to see implemented in Canadian sex ed and how youth can become involved at school and beyond.

*SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject
Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.

In a special part two episode, Shania Bhopa rejoins Youth Champions Shreya and Paniz to continue their conversation about women’s health and rights. Shania is the founder of @wellbyshania and the Do It All Girl online community, as well as a global health PhD candidate who publicly documented her journey of freezing her eggs at 25 years old. In this episode, Shania discusses her strategies for balancing multiple passions and roles, the importance of the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine, and how her ‘Do It All Girl’ philosophy challenges traditional norms. With actionable tips for avoiding burnout and emphasizing the need for women to redefine success on their own terms, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories to help listeners live their best life.

*SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject
Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.