Introduction

Adolescence and youth are critical periods for identity formation, yet for many young people, exploring their gender and sexuality is met with societal stigma, discrimination, and a lack of accurate information and supportive environments. Entrenched patriarchal norms, cultural taboos, and discriminatory laws often deny young people their fundamental sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), leading to increased vulnerability to gender-based violence, unintended pregnancies, STIs, and mental health challenges. Recognizing and upholding the rights of young people concerning their gender identity and sexual orientation is not just about protection; it's about fostering agency, well-being, and empowering a generation to live authentically and contribute fully to a more just and equitable world. This essential training course focuses on Youth, Gender and Sexuality Rights, equipping participants to champion the rights and well-being of young people.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip youth workers, educators, health professionals, policymakers, human rights advocates, and civil society organizations with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to advance youth, gender, and sexuality rights. Participants will gain a deep understanding of evolving concepts of gender identity and sexual orientation, explore international and national frameworks safeguarding these rights, and learn how to create inclusive and supportive environments for young people. The course will delve into topics such as comprehensive sexuality education, youth-friendly SRHR services, addressing stigma and discrimination, promoting youth leadership in advocacy, and working with diverse youth populations including LGBTQIA+ young people. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Youth, Gender and Sexuality Rights, participants will be empowered to dismantle barriers, foster inclusion, and build a future where all young people can exercise their rights and realize their full potential.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Youth Workers and Counselors
• Educators (Teachers, School Administrators, Curriculum Developers)
• Public Health Professionals and Healthcare Providers serving adolescents
• Social Workers and Child Protection Specialists
• Human Rights Advocates and Legal Professionals working with youth
• Civil Society Organizations focused on Youth, SRHR, and LGBTQIA+ rights
• Policymakers and Government Officials (Youth, Education, Health Ministries)
• Parents and Community Leaders interested in youth development
• Peer Educators and Youth Leaders
• Researchers in Adolescent Health, Gender, and Sexuality

Course Objectives

• Understand the core concepts of gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and their intersections.
• Comprehend the human rights framework applicable to youth, gender, and sexuality rights.
• Analyze the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by diverse young people concerning their gender and sexuality.
• Learn to design and implement comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) programs.
• Explore strategies for providing youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.
• Acquire skills in addressing stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence affecting young people.
• Understand the importance of meaningful youth participation in policy and programming.
• Identify methods for supporting and affirming LGBTQIA+ young people.
• Examine global best practices and successful initiatives in youth, gender, and sexuality rights.
• Develop a practical action plan for integrating these principles into their work.
• Enhance advocacy skills for policy reform and social change to uphold youth rights.

Course Content

Module 1: Understanding Youth, Gender, and Sexuality

• Defining key terms: sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation.
• The developmental stages of youth and adolescence and their relevance to identity formation.
• Exploring the diversity of gender identities (e.g., cisgender, transgender, non-binary) and sexual orientations (e.g., heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, asexual).
• Societal norms, stereotypes, and cultural influences on youth's understanding of gender and sexuality.
• Introduction to the human rights principles relevant to young people.

Module 2: Human Rights Frameworks for Youth, Gender, and Sexuality

• Overview of international human rights instruments (e.g., Convention on the Rights of the Child, CEDAW, ICCPR, ICESCR) and their application to youth rights.
• The principle of "evolving capacities" and its implications for youth autonomy.
• Legal and policy frameworks relevant to SRHR and LGBTQIA+ rights for young people.
• Addressing discriminatory laws and policies impacting youth on the basis of gender or sexuality.
• The role of national human rights institutions in protecting youth rights.

Module 3: Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) for Empowerment

• What is CSE? Debunking myths and understanding its benefits.
• Components of age-appropriate and culturally sensitive CSE curricula.
• Pedagogical approaches for delivering effective CSE in various settings (schools, community).
• Engaging parents, communities, and religious leaders in supporting CSE.
• Addressing challenges and resistance to CSE implementation.

Module 4: Youth-Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Services

• Characteristics of youth-friendly health services: accessibility, confidentiality, non-judgmental.
• Specific SRH needs of adolescents and young people (e.g., contraception, STI prevention, maternal health).
• Addressing barriers to SRH service access for young people, including stigma and cost.
• Integrating mental health support into SRH services.
• The role of peer educators and youth advocates in promoting SRH.

Module 5: Addressing Stigma, Discrimination, and Gender-Based Violence

• Understanding the forms of stigma and discrimination faced by youth, especially LGBTQIA+ youth.
• Preventing and responding to bullying, harassment, and violence based on gender or sexual orientation.
• The health and psychosocial consequences of discrimination for young people.
• Developing inclusive school policies and safe spaces for all youth.
• Strategies for challenging harmful gender norms and stereotypes in youth environments.

Module 6: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth

• Creating affirming environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual young people.
• Understanding gender affirmation and supporting gender transitions for youth.
• Addressing specific mental health challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth (e.g., depression, anxiety, suicide risk).
• The importance of family acceptance and community support for LGBTQIA+ young people.
• Resources and networks for supporting LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies.

Module 7: Youth Participation and Leadership in Advocacy

• Principles of meaningful youth participation in gender and sexuality rights.
• Strategies for empowering young people to advocate for their rights.
• Youth-led initiatives and movements for gender equality and SRHR.
• Building capacity of young leaders in advocacy, communication, and organizing.
• Creating platforms for youth voice in policy-making processes.

Module 8: Intersectionality and Vulnerable Youth Populations

• How gender and sexuality intersect with other factors (e.g., disability, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, displacement) to create unique vulnerabilities.
• Addressing the specific needs of adolescent girls and young women in humanitarian settings.
• Supporting young people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions.
• The role of social protection and inclusive policies for vulnerable youth.
• Ensuring equitable access to information and services for all young people.

Module 9: Current Issues, Best Practices, and Future Directions

• Emerging trends and challenges in youth, gender, and sexuality rights (e.g., online safety, digital literacy).
• Successful programs and policies from around the world that have advanced youth rights.
• Building partnerships and collaborations for systemic change.
• The role of data and research in informing youth-centered interventions.
• Developing a personal commitment and action plan to promote the rights and well-being of all young people.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training