Driving Health and Social Action

Yash fellow Shreya Singh (center, in white kurta) visits a community center in Madhya Pradesh. (Photograph courtesy USAID MOMENTUM)

Engaging youth in social and health initiatives in India is crucial given the country’s young demographic, where 65 percent of the population is below the age of 35. Involving youth not only helps ensure the initiatives address their unique challenges and aspirations, but also helps them develop leadership skills and critical thinking.

With this in mind, a 10-month fellowship supported by USAID/India engaged youth from five states to contribute to innovative solutions to complex problems within sexual and reproductive health rights, and enhance their capacity for grassroots level research and policy advocacy. Aligned with USAID/India’s goal of improving the health and resilience of marginalized populations, the Yash Fellowship Program focuses on the reproductive health needs of youth in Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.

“The Yash Fellowship Program provides a platform for young leaders to contribute across various sectors, addressing critical challenges that directly impact the well-being of young people,” says Moni Sinha Sagar, USAID/India’s division chief for family health. “Investing in youth leadership and the passion of youth will have a multiplier effect on achieving broader development goals outlined in the USAID Youth Policy.”

Implemented by Jhpiego through The International Center for Research on Women, the first cohort of the Yash Fellowship Program started in November 2022. It provided capacity strengthening, knowledge building and skill development through mentorship, interactions with thematic experts, open house sessions, and collaborative assignments for 22 fellows from diverse backgrounds, aged between 20 and 29 years.

The fellows developed policy briefs and publications on topics like access to sexual and reproductive health services during natural disasters, outreach to out-of-school girls on sexual and reproductive rights, men’s role in family planning, and the impact of gender and masculine norms. The impact and outcomes of the first fellowship round are currently being evaluated to establish a foundation for curating future cohorts.

“‘Nothing for them without them’ acknowledges the importance of actively involving young people to ensure that the solutions are relevant and resonate with the lived experiences of the youth, fostering a sense of responsibility and civic engagement,” says Abhijeet Pathak, country lead—family planning, gender and youth, at Jhpiego.

All the fellows belong to grassroots organizations, which will help translate the insights gained during the program into local action. “Leveraging their lived experiences and professional skills, these young individuals can actively contribute to creating positive change in their community,” says Sagar.

Meet three Yash fellows and learn about their inspirations, takeaways and plans.

Namrata Pandit, Ranchi, Jharkhand

I am currently working on: Science education accessibility at the intersection of formal and informal learning, through my role as a science educator at Yuwa India. I work with adolescents from tribal communities in rural Jharkhand. My goal is to generate a long-term impact of retaining girls in school instead of falling prey to child marriage.

I wanted to become a Yash Fellow because: I wanted to learn more about reproductive health rights for young women and their impact on mental health. I was keen to learn how to analyze data efficiently to create implementable policy briefs; how to conduct research in social sciences and learn the development process of scalable projects at the grassroots level.

The fellowship taught me: About the challenges in creating time-bound scalable grassroots projects, the importance of engaging men in sexual and reproductive health programs and leadership skills. I also developed skills in research and data handling. Most importantly, it taught me to unlearn personal biases to understand the scenario of sexual and reproductive rights and health in the country.

My biggest takeaway from this experience is: To live my life through a rights-based lens instead of a fear-based outlook. I have also learned to be more inclusive.

One impact of my work I am most proud of: Observing adolescents assert their right to access sexual and reproductive health information across various platforms. Their awareness of these rights and effective articulation of demands, particularly in the context of opposing child marriage, is truly commendable.

My future plans are: To engage in science education policy, with a focus on fostering inclusivity and accessibility for marginalized communities. I aspire to primarily contribute to the implementation of education policies in schools at the grassroots level by providing support to teachers. I also aim to facilitate the availability of diverse science education resources for adults and adolescents outside of the traditional school setting through collaboration with local stakeholders.

Yash fellow Namrata Pandit interacts with a student and guardian during the Term Report Card Day. (Photograph courtesy USAID MOMENTUM)

Shreya Singh, Begusarai, Bihar

I am currently working: As a full-time research consultant and a part-time trainer on menstrual health management and prevention of sexual harassment.

I wanted to become a Yash Fellow because: I wanted to interact with fellows working in similar fields, to engage and to learn. Even though I had conducted training on gender, gender-based violence and laws for women, through this fellowship, I hoped to learn how to engage with the youth on topics such as sexual reproductive rights.

The fellowship helped me: Build on my existing knowledge and gain insights into the formulation of policies protecting sexual and reproductive rights. The fellowship provided the opportunity to interact with experts in the field, enhancing both my understanding of the complexities surrounding sexualities and my research writing skills.

My biggest takeaway from this experience is: The study objective we formulated, which centers on insights and observations gathered from diverse regions across India. Reviewing the findings is enlightening, revealing the pervasive influence of patriarchy on family decision-making among men in society.

One impact of my work I am most proud of: The joy derived from the smiles following my training sessions is unparalleled. Witnessing participants initially express skepticism and later observing their transformation as they become at ease, asking questions and sharing experiences, is immensely rewarding. This serves as my primary motivation.

My future plans are: To delve into action-based research to help strengthen the policy of inclusion and equity for women and the marginalized.

Shreya Singh (second from right) interacts with women from rural communities on menstrual health and hygiene. (Photograph courtesy USAID MOMENTUM)

Swatirekha Dash, Kendrapada, Odisha

I am currently working on: Preventing child, early and forced marriages, and protecting the rights of girls with the Centre for Catalyzing Change based in the Nayagarh district of Odisha.

I wanted to become a Yash Fellow because: I want to venture into a new direction within my field that aligns with my passion and enables my work to have a broader impact.

The fellowship taught me: To be a confident social mobilizer. I’ve undergone significant transformation in the past year, channeling my creative ideas and fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations within the fellowship program. This experience has honed my skills in coordination, cooperation, communication and community participation.

My biggest takeaway from this experience is: I fearlessly engage with the community, having gained the confidence to adeptly handle interpersonal interactions.

One impact of my work I am most proud of: Gaining acceptance from the community which reflects that my efforts have resonated positively with the people involved.

My future plans are: To establish enduring partnerships with the community, fostering collaboration, diversity and flexibility. I aim to contribute to the creation of a society characterized by responsive governance and a steadfast commitment to eradicating violence against children.

Yash fellow Swatirekha Dash (second from left) leads a training program for adolescents on child, early and forced marriages. (Photograph courtesy USAID MOMENTUM)

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