Since 2018, PCI Media's Let's Talk campaign has helped reduce unintended pregnancy in 21 countries across Southern and Eastern Africa through classroom and public dialogue that educates young people about sexual and reproductive choices. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has halted these in-person programs. With your support, we can pivot Let's Talk to reach girls and boys through social media, radio dramas and call-in shows that would create a safe space at home for girls and young women.
Economic insecurity is a key driver of early and unintended pregnancy for many adolescent girls and young women. Existing factors which lead to financial hardships are worsening due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused shutdowns and job losses. This could result in 7 million additional early and unintended pregnancies in low income and developing countries, according to the United Nations Population Fund.
Let's Talk is a multimedia campaign that spreads awareness of the magnitude and impact of early and unintended pregnancy. It fosters discussions among adolescents using real stories from local champions to personalize the issue and address attitudes towards toxic masculinity, female sexuality, gender roles, and social stigma around these topics. To date, the campaign has over 660,000 impressions on social media. With enhanced social media and a radio drama, we can reach even more at-risk youth.
Early and unwanted pregnancy impacts an adolescent or young women's health and education, limits their future opportunities, and often ostracizes them from their families and local communities. Providing access to education about sexual and reproductive choices has a profound impact on changing the course of a young woman's life.
