1) KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND STAND UP FOR THEM

You have the right to make free and educated choices about your body and your life-including your sexuality and if and when you want to marry and have a child-based on the information and services you need to lead a just and healthy life. These rights are human rights, and therefore apply to people of every age.  Communities based on human rights and equality are only possible when young people fully engage in advocacy and the decisions that concern their sexual and reproductive rights and health.

2) LEARN ABOUT THE ISSUES YOUNG WOMEN FACE

Read about issues that are particularly important for young people worldwide at www.iwhc.org:

• Child marriage and early pregnancy
• HIV/AIDS
• Preventing cervical cancer
• Sex education

3) SPEAK OUT

Tell others what you know and share your perspective on the rights and health of young people:

• Write a letter to the editor when you read a newspaper article that inspires you or seems out of step with what you know. 
  
• Call Congress to encourage legislation that could improve the lives of girls and women worldwide. Call the Congressional switchboard at 202-225-3121 (House) or 202-224-3121 (Senate). To learn who your Members of Congress are, visit www.house.gov or www.senate.gov. 

4) SHARE YOUR VISION

Do you dream of a world where all girls and women are free from discrimination, sexual coercion, and violence? Where they make free and informed choices about their bodies? Join other young advocates from almost 20 countries around the world in sharing your ideas for a healthy tomorrow: www.iwhc.org/youngvisionaries/shareyourvision.cfm.

5) GET INVOLVED

Sign up for news and resource updates, including opportunities for action, from the International Women's Health Coalition at www.iwhc.org/signup.cfm. Check out the Youth Coalition-another organization mobilizing young people worldwide-at www.youthcoalition.org.

Tag it:

?