Knowledge is Power

This paper provides a programme of action developed by participants at the
February 2005 United States-European Union (US-EU) Knowledge is Power Youth Advocacy Conference. 50 youth participants met in Brussels to
discuss sexual and reproductive health issues.




The authors argue that in order for youth to reach their full potential as
adults, they must avoid teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases by
exercising their rights to sexual and reproductive health. They recognise
knowledge and access as keys to this end.



To ensure full sexual and reproductive rights the authors call on young
people to draw attention to three issues:

• Comprehensive sexuality education
• Access to services and supplies
• The HIV/AIDS epidemic

The authors present a description of the needs of young people in these areas, and provide recommendations for meeting those
needs:

To address sexuality education issues, the authors recommend
accountability and evaluation of current sexuality programmes, state or
nationwide standards, and more communication between parents and school boards.
They urge higher standards for teachers in sexuality education, and a
commitment to providing accurate information.



To ensure access to services and supplies, the authors suggest locating clinics near public
transportation and schools, and assuring affordable services. Special attention,
they argue, should be paid to the cultural and linguistic needs of minority
groups.



Recommendations for addressing HIV/AIDS in youth include promoting gender
equality through legislation that ensures equality in issues such as property
rights, and providing protection from abusive relationships. They recommend
promoting female education, employment and female controlled prevention methods. AIDS fatigue,
the authors caution, should be fought through increased public awareness and
youth involvement. Youth involvement and education, they recommend to empower
youth in vulnerable groups, and to aid in developing and implementing
appropriate programmes.