Omaina Ozako, a Nigerian-born mental health professional and storyteller joins host Jacqueline to discuss the close connection between Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and mental health. Together, they have an unfiltered conversation about stigma, trauma, and the role of culture and community in breaking the silence around mental health and SRHR. Omaina shares her journey to social work and insights as a therapist who is passionate about ensuring people feel seen, heard and validated on their journeys. They discuss factors that impact people’s access to SRHR and mental health and share personal stories to normalize opening up and getting support. The conversation highlights the importance of societal approaches to meeting individuals’ needs and recognizing the vital role of mental health in young people’s overall health and well-being.

Resources:

Kids Help Phone: https://kidshelpphone.ca/

Youth Mental Health Canada: https://ymhc.ngo/

Canadian Mental Health Association: https://cmha.ca/

Hope for Wellness: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/

Black Youth Helpline: https://blackyouth.ca/

Suicide Crisis Helpline: https://988.ca/

Child Helpline International: https://childhelplineinternational.org/

*SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.

Kristy Van Hoven from the Period Purse joins the Youth Champions to break down period stigma and discuss menstrual equity across Canada. As the advocacy, research and communications manager, Kristy knows all about barriers people face when it comes to their periods and accessing the products, services and information they need. In this packed conversation, Olivia and Shreya swap period confessions with Kristy and shed light on this critical conversation that was missed during sex ed class for most of us. The group unpacks the stigma around periods, shares advocacy tips and trends, and brainstorms ideas to support all types of menstruators on their journeys. They highlight the importance of allies and taking concrete action to create a truly period-friendly world.

*SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.

Lydia Collins is a facilitator, content creator and advocate with over 10 years of experience in sexual health education. In this episode, Lydia joins Shreya and new host Lauren to discuss what an anti-racist and intersectional approach to sexual health advocacy means and why it matters. They discuss overlapping identities like race, sexuality, gender and ability, and how these affect young people’s access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Lydia shares insight about breaking down practical barriers to SRHR for marginalized groups, the necessity of centering community needs and voices, and going beyond tokenism to truly listen to those directly impacted and act on their priorities. The group swaps personal stories about what sparked their passion for SRHR advocacy and shares tips about how youth can get involved.

*SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health and Economic empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project. Learn more at: https://care.ca/shesoarsproject

Episode transcripts are available in French and English at: care.ca/shesoars.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.