MAPUTO, Mozambique – “It is more important than ever to have young people at the table, bringing their perspectives and ideas,” said Andrea Wojnar, UNFPA Representative in Mozambique, during the launch of DIKA, a mobile application for young people at the launch of the app on 21 June. The even was led by the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Ana Flavia de Azinheira.
ensuring that young people are included, at the launch of DIKA
mobile application. © UNFPA Mozambique
DIKA is an application created by young Mozambicans to disseminate information about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and serves as a consultation tool for Mozambican adolescents and youth, with support from the UNFPA Mozambique Innovation Team.
Access to information and reproductive health services is essential for the empowerment not only of young people but also of women.
The empowerment of adolescents and young people can lead to reduced fertility rates and facilitate the rapid demographic transition required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It is, therefore, important to find new and innovative ways to provide access to youth-friendly SRH information and services.
Celebrating 25 years of the ICPD
UNFPA Mozambique began the commemorations of the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), using the occasion to showcase UNFPA support to various innovative initiatives led by young entrepreneurs and aimed at increasing the knowledge and skills of adolescents and young people, enabling them to participate actively in the socio-economic development of the country.
The event provided a platform for different interested parties - government, youth, donors and innovators - to reflect on the positive changes and challenges in accessing information on sexual and reproductive health and rights and access to information for young Mozambicans in the past 25 years. A fruitful discussion took place on the role of technology and innovation as a tool for youth empowerment, with the participation of almost 100 people.
The event received wide media coverage, allowing for greater knowledge of and access to the DIKA application, which will boost access to youth-friendly services and essential information for the sexual and reproductive rights of Mozambican youth.
To download the application, click here.
- Epidauro Manjate
