🚨 NEWS UPDATES 🚨 Adolescent Girls in Oyam Speak Out on Reproductive Health Rights. Adolescent girls from across Oyam District have today taken centre stage in a powerful dialogue on sexual and reproductive health rights, calling for greater support, understanding, and empowerment from families and communities. The engagement, held at Rainbow Hotel, brought together young girls in an open and interactive session aimed at amplifying their voices and addressing the challenges they face. The discussion was led by Sister Sidonia Akello, Assistant District Health Officer Oyam district, who guided participants through critical issues surrounding their health rights, access to services, and informed decision-making. Unlike traditional workshops, the session created a safe space for adolescent girls to openly share experiences, concerns, and solutions. Many participants emphasized the urgent need for a shift in parental attitudes, particularly when girls face unintended pregnancies. One participant, Scovia, stressed the importance of compassion, urging parents to support rather than stigmatize their daughters. She noted that harsh treatment often worsens the situation, pushing girls into isolation and fear. Echoing similar concerns, Auma Beatrice called for respectful and open communication within families. She highlighted that when parents engage their daughters positively, it reduces the likelihood of unsafe decisions such as abortion, which often stem from panic and lack of guidance. The girls also made a strong appeal to development partners and organizations to go beyond awareness campaigns and invest in practical support. They emphasized the need for life skills training, economic empowerment, and psychosocial support for adolescent mothers to enable them to care for their children and rebuild their futures. Organized by @jane_acilofdtn in partnership with the daughter to Late Nelson Mandela, Ndileka Mandela, founder of @TMFSOUTHAFRICA, the event underscores a growing recognition that adolescent girls must not only be protected but actively involved in shaping the policies and programs that affect their lives. As the dialogue continues, the voices from Oyam send a clear message: empowering adolescent girls with knowledge, dignity, and support is not optional. It is essential for building healthier families and stronger communities. 📷 @CalvinOtimD