Her Liberty Malawi Uses YEAH Board Game to Disseminate Sexual and Reproductive Health Messages among Youth

Zomba, Malawi - Her Liberty Malawi, a women-led organization based in Zomba, is making significant strides in promoting sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) through an innovative board game called the YEAH board game, writes Hafsa Twaya.

The organization aims to bridge the information gap on sexual and reproductive health among youth.

Caroline Mkandawire, the Executive Director of Her Liberty Malawi, highlighted the need for the initiative, stating, "After noticing that many youths have misinformation about sexual and reproductive health, we decided to introduce the YEAH board game, which people, especially the youth, can play while gaining valuable health knowledge."

The game aligns with the United Nations' efforts to combat misinformation surrounding sexual and reproductive health. Mkandawire explained that during gameplay, players can access accurate information from the referral book integrated into the game.

Messages in the local dialect are included on the cards players receive as they roll the dice and progress through the game.

Since its establishment in 2022, the YEAH board game has positively impacted thousands of youths across 15 districts in Malawi, including Mangochi, Machinga, and Zomba.

Chifundo Robert, a youth-based in Lilongwe, praised the game as an innovative tool that dispels misinformation about SRHR and provides essential knowledge to young people.

Zakaliya Issah, another youth from Mangochi, testified to the transformative effect of the YEAH board game.

"The initiative has cleared most of the misconceptions we had as youths about sexual and reproductive health. Now we are well informed and know where to report gender-based violence issues," Issah disclosed.

Meria Kasauka, a 14-year-old teen mother, also expressed gratitude for the game, sharing how it has enlightened her about contraceptive methods and preventive measures for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Another youth, Saidi Mbewe, credited the game with saving him from the prolonged suffering caused by an STI, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical attention when infected.

Malawi's youth population, which comprises more than one-fifth of the country's total population, faces significant risks associated with unplanned pregnancies and STIs, including HIV/AIDS, according to a Guttmacher report.

Her Liberty Malawi aims to minimize these risks and secure a healthier future for the youth by providing education on SRHR issues.

"We strive to reduce teen pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, as these have negative repercussions on the Malawian population," Mkandawire emphasized.

Established in 2012 in Namibia and registered in Malawi in 2017, Her Liberty focuses on sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, economic empowerment, and climate change.

Through initiatives like the YEAH board game, the organization continues to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in Malawi.

This story was made possible with the support of Google News Initiative's News Equity Fund. #GNIChallenge