By Staff Reporter
My Age Zimbabwe Trust has launched the Sarudzo hotline to empower young people in Zimbabwe with critical counseling services and accurate information on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
My Age Communications Officer Veeslee Mhepo said the hotline was a game changer and a critical tool towards revolutionizing access to SRHR services by youths in Masvingo and beyond.
“The Sarudzo hotline is a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s youth. By providing a safe, anonymous, and accessible space for young people to discuss sensitive SRHR issues, we are bridging a critical gap in support services,” said Mhepo.
The Sarudzo hotline, meaning which means choices in Shona, is designed to be user-friendly and culturally relevant, reflecting the unique needs and dynamics of Zimbabwean youth.
She said My Age saw the need and importance of giving SRHR support hence the birth of Sarudzo hotline which she said will be manned by trained counselors who engage callers with empathy and understanding, ensuring they receive both factual information and emotional support.
“At MyAge Zimbabwe, we recognize the importance of prioritizing SRHR support for young people. The Sarudzo hotline is a vital resource that will help empower Zimbabwe’s youth to make informed choices about their bodies and lives.
“The hotline will be manned by professional counselors who would be ready to assist in any way and provide counselling services as well as important information they may need,” said Mhepo
By establishing partnerships with local health service providers, the hotline ensures seamless access to vital services, furthering the journey toward well-informed choices in SRHR.
Mhepo went on to say the hotline was set to promote making of informed decisions as to allow youths to get all information on SRHR.
“The Sarudzo hotline is a beacon of hope for Zimbabwe’s youth, affirming their right to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. We are proud to support this initiative and look forward to its continued impact, she said
The hotline was launched at a time where there is rampant misinformation and stigma that often deter youths from seeking for help and would help to dismantle the barriers.
The hotline offers a safe space for individuals to discuss sensitive issues related to sexual health, family planning, and reproductive rights.
Inuka Women of Zimbabwe Trust Project Manager Shumirai Celta Chakaora said the hotline was a crucial step empowering youths by providing a confidential space to seek guidance.
“The launch of this hotline is a crucial step towards empowering youths with accurate and unbiased information on SRHR. This platform provides a safe, confidential, and accessible space for young people to seek guidance, ask questions, and access support.
This hotline is more than just a resource, it’s a lifeline for young people navigating complex issues and making informed decisions about their bodies and health,” said Chakaora.
Nomazwe Macebo from Adult Glam Divas said the hotline will break barriers for marginalized communities like youths and those with disability get to access correct information timeously.
“The development indeed came at the right time because the world has shifted to a digital age. It will help demystify myths and challenge misinformation.
“It bridges the gap of stigma, most youth are shy to go and ask for information in clinics because they fear being stigmatized, but now MyAge has brought the information directly to one’s phone because in many Zimbabwean societies, open discussions about sexuality contraception and reproductive health are considered a taboo especially for the youth,” said Macebo.
She said the hotline also advances Sustainable Development Goal 3 and 5 and help encourage responsible sexual behavior amongst youths.
“The hotline advances SDG 5 gender equality by providing youths especially young women with knowledge to make informed decisions and SDG 3 which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well being as it will improve youth SRHR outcomes.
“Access to reproductive health services is limited for young people due to geographical, financial, and social barriers, the hotline will be able to direct them to youth friendly places where they can access these services.
“The hotline encourages responsible sexual behavior and this will foster healthier relationships and more responsible attitudes towards their sexual health, it can also help the youth facing sexual violence, it can offer immediate confidential advice on how to escape or seek legal and medical support,” said Macebo.
Conscious Development for Empowerment Trust (CODET) Programs Officer Fortunate Black said the hotline was a development to help youths who were suffering in silence a chance to get help.
“Having a dedicated SRHR hotline for the youths is actually a groundbreaking move. It gives a more secure, confidential, and easily accessible platform for young people to acquire vital information, guidance, and support on sensitive topics. Many youths end up not getting help because they are afraid if they seek help their secrets will be exposed hence they suffer in silence.
”MyAge Zimbabwe’s initiative can empower youths with trustworthy information, alleviate the stigma surrounding SRHR issues, expand access to essential healthcare services and resources,” said Black.
