How SRHR empowers the next generation

DAR ES SALAAM: EVERY girl has the right to embrace who she is and choose who she wants to become. On her path to adulthood, she must be protected, respected and allowed to flourish her aspirations heard and her rights safeguarded.

At just 10 years old, Susan Albert, from Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, dreams of becoming a teacher not only to educate others but to empower girls to know their worth and protect their future.

During the Tanzania Health Summit (THS 2025) in Dar es Salaam, Susan, accompanied by her mother, a community health worker, visited the UNFPA booth, where she joined other young girls learning about sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) under the theme “My Body, My Rights.” The UNFPA booth provided a safe and interactive space for adolescents to explore critical topics such as menstrual health management, body autonomy, self-confidence and the prevention of teenage pregnancy.

Through storytelling, discussions and visual learning materials, Susan and her peers gained life-changing knowledge about their bodies, rights and the importance of staying in school.

“I feel so happy and strong after learning that my body belongs to me,” said Susan with excitement.

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“Every girl deserves to know her rights, and I want to share this knowledge with my friends at school.” Inspired by the experience, Susan requested 50 SRHR publications from UNFPA to take back to her school in Kigamboni.

She plans to start small group discussions with her classmates to share what she learnt about making informed choices, delaying early pregnancy and supporting one another to achieve their dreams.

“I want every girl to be confident, healthy and fearless about her dreams,” she added.

“We can end teenage pregnancy if we learn early and support one another.” Susan’s story reflects UNFPA’s ongoing mission to empower adolescents and young people with accurate information and life skills to protect their health and well-being.

With the support of the Government of Sweden, UNFPA is implementing programmes across Tanzania that strengthen comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), expand youth-friendly health services and promote community awareness to reduce teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence.

Sweden’s partnership has been instrumental in ensuring that every girl like Susan can grow up informed, empowered and free to make her own choices. UNFPA Representative to Tanzania, Mark Bryan Schreiner, commended Susan’s courage and leadership.

“Susan’s story reminds us that when girls have access to information and education, they can transform their lives and their communities. With support from the Government of Sweden, UNFPA continues to empower adolescent girls with knowledge, confidence and opportunities to achieve their full potential,” he said.

Through these collective efforts, UNFPA Tanzania, in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania and development partners, continues to champion a future where every girl is healthy, educated and empowered ready to lead change in her community and beyond.

When a girl steps up to meet the challenges she faces, she must be sure that the world stands beside her ready to chart the path forward, not for her, but with her.

Let us commit, on this International Day of the Girl, to advancing the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescent girls, in all their beautiful diversities, wherever they live.

Let us commit to working with and for girls to help them reach their full potential and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities. They deserve nothing less.