Story of Change: AGYW+ advancing SRHR in Lesotho

The AGYW+ Foundation Lesotho has spearheaded a transformative initiative to empower Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW+) through advocacy, education, and leadership development. Supported by critical donor funding, the project has amplified AGYW+ voices in policy discussions, improved access to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) services, and combated gender-based violence (GBV). By addressing systemic barriers and fostering community engagement, the foundation has created a sustainable platform for AGYW+ to assert their rights and shape their futures.

Description

The AGYW+ Foundation operates in Lesotho, where adolescent girls and young women face significant challenges, including limited access to SRHR, high rates of GBV, and exclusion from decision-making spaces. Launched in 2023, the Amplifying AGYW+ Voices project employs a holistic approach, combining advocacy, capacity building, and community partnerships. Key activities include SRHR workshops, leadership training, and the establishment of youth-friendly health services. The project also formed community-led GBV prevention committees, uniting AGYW+, traditional leaders, and law enforcement to address violence at the grassroots level. By engaging parents, health providers, and policymakers, the foundation tackles both immediate needs and long-term systemic inequities.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The project’s impact is rigorously tracked through quantitative and qualitative measures. Surveys reveal that 75% of participants now confidently discuss SRHR and GBV, reflecting a shift in attitudes. Over 400 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW+) have attended SRHR workshops, and 36 young women have been trained to participate in high-level forums, including PEPFAR and SADC meetings. Community-led GBV committees have documented increased rates of reporting and intervention. Media campaigns, such as the 16 Days of Activism, have further amplified these messages, reaching broader audiences and solidifying the project’s reach.

Changes that have occurred

At the individual level, AGYW+ report heightened confidence in discussing SRHR and GBV, with many now actively advocating for their rights. Community-level changes include the establishment of youth-friendly health services and GBV prevention committees, which have improved access to care and reduced stigma. Nationally, AGYW+ are increasingly included in policy discussions, exemplified by their participation in PEPFAR and SADC meetings. Cultural resistance to SRHR topics in rural areas has diminished through peer-led dialogues and partnerships with local leaders, demonstrating the project’s adaptability and cultural relevance.

Significance of the change

The foundation’s work has redefined societal norms by centering the voices of AGYW+ in advocacy and policymaking. By addressing SRHR and GBV as interconnected issues, the project has created a replicable model for youth-led change. The inclusion of traditional leaders and law enforcement in GBV prevention ensures community ownership, while media campaigns sustain visibility. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term gender equality, aligning with global goals.

What contribution did your organisation make to this change?

The AGYW+ Foundation has played a pivotal role in driving this change through strategic partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, and advocacy efforts. Key contributions include securing donor funding to expand reach, developing leadership programs for AGYW+, and fostering collaborations with USAID’s DREAMS initiative. The foundation’s emphasis on culturally sensitive interventions, such as peer-led dialogues and community committees, has ensured sustained impact. By documenting best practices and success stories, the foundation provides a blueprint for similar initiatives in other regions.

Next steps

To scale its impact, the foundation plans to expand leadership programs to 10 additional communities and strengthen partnerships with policymakers to institutionalise youth-friendly SRHR services. A mentorship network will support the growth of AGYW+ advocates, while continued media engagement will maintain visibility for these critical issues. Embedding these initiatives into broader systems will ensure lasting change beyond the project timeline, empowering AGYW+ to continue shaping their futures.

Conclusion

The AGYW+ Foundation’s initiative exemplifies the power of youth-led advocacy and community collaboration. By equipping AGYW+ with knowledge, skills, and platforms, the project has transformed both individual lives and systemic structures. As Matseliso Mokitimi, Project Lead, asserts, “AGYW+ are no longer silent—we sit at the table with policymakers to demand our rights.” This model offers a scalable framework for advancing gender equality globally, proving that sustainable change begins with investing in those most affected by inequality.