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.

Leisha Toory, a passionate young advocate for inclusive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and founder of the Period Priority Project, joins Youth Champions Shreya and Olivia to celebrate International Women’s Day. They discuss the meaning of feminism and intersectionality, highlighting women’s choices and the importance of diverse voices in SRHR advocacy, particularly women of colour. Leisha shares her motivation to distribute over 30,000 free period products across Canada and educational efforts to address period poverty. They explore different roles and options for youth who want to speak up for SRHR and why community building is key to creating change.

*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.

Ziyaan Virji, founder of For The Menstruator and Leaders of Today, a youth-led non-profit organization and global movement of young leaders, joins returning host Shreya for an honest conversation about breaking down stigma, overcoming setbacks and creating meaningful change. At just 23 years old, Ziyaan has confronted global period poverty and reached over 25,000 people across ten countries with menstrual health products and knowledge. He has spoken on some of the world's biggest stages including TEDx and the United Nations. Ziyaan and Shreya discuss the intersection of femtech* innovation and youth-driven Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. He shares personal insights on involving men in menstrual health conversations and the importance of co-creating solutions with communities. They discuss advice for young activists, embracing your “why” and how to build lasting change.

*Femtech refers to technology that focuses on women’s health, including software, products and services.

*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.

Youth Champions, Shreya and new host Olivia, reflect on trends and key issues in the Sexual and Reproductive Health space in 2024, and their own journeys into advocacy. The hosts discuss moments that impacted them, including concerns around menstrual product safety, and highlights from the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) on the SHE SOARS* project in Kenya, Uganda and Zambia. Hear stories from YAB members, Maryner, Gloria and Derrick about youth leading change and starting small businesses to support their Sexual and Reproductive Health needs and empower their communities. The episode concludes with tips for young changemakers on being your authentic self, goal-setting and self-care in the new year.

*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.

In a special part two episode, Shania Bhopa rejoins Youth Champions Shreya and Paniz to continue their conversation about women’s health and rights. Shania is the founder of @wellbyshania and the Do It All Girl online community, as well as a global health PhD candidate who publicly documented her journey of freezing her eggs at 25 years old. In this episode, Shania discusses her strategies for balancing multiple passions and roles, the importance of the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine, and how her ‘Do It All Girl’ philosophy challenges traditional norms. With actionable tips for avoiding burnout and emphasizing the need for women to redefine success on their own terms, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories to help listeners live their best life.

*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.

Shania Bhopa, founder of @wellbyshania and the Do It All Girl online community, joins Youth Champions Paniz and Shreya for an inspirational conversation about young women’s fertility choices and empowerment. Shania shares her personal experience with freezing her eggs at the age of 25 and how it impacted her views on women’s reproductive health. They discuss Shania’s PhD studies in global health, women’s role and voice in health care, and the impact of artificial intelligence on personalizing women’s health care. Shania challenges the status quo and encourages young women to live confidently, explore their health rights and become global citizens.

*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.