Take a Lead…Make your Way
and of those who are Astray
Spread the Light of SRHR
that’s the Least, to the World you can pay

Almost 50 % of the total population of Pakistan comprises energetic and motivated youth aged between 15-29 years. In any society youth serves as a strong driving force towards nation’s development. YAN is taking the initiative to harness this driving force’s potential by providing them with an enabling environment to deal with the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) issues, which can ensure positive and effective contributions to the nation’s development.

The transformation from a carefree childhood to a responsible adulthood is a natural experience that every person goes through. The age of adolescence is not only marked by physical changes in ones’ body but it is also a change of social roles, expectations and responsibilities. How many of us faced difficulties, and did not have prior knowledge to cope with these issues and did not have the confidence to seek advice from our elder? According to a survey conducted by the Population Council in 2001-02, a very few percentage of youth both rural and urban youth had prior knowledge of puberty, with the primary source of knowledge being either friends or elder relatives of the same sex.

Since open discussion of sexuality is discouraged, little is also known of sexual attitudes and behavior of young people in Pakistan. The dilemma of unchecked media revelation and the absence of right information and guidance exposes the youth to numerous risky behaviors.

Why YAN needs Youth?

YAN alone cannot reach out to 52 billion of the young population. It needs your support as young leaders of change. By becoming a member you can ensure meaningful youth participation. It is then to be made sure that this participation of young people reaches the policy level and bring about a genuine change in the policies and systems that would automatically reach the youth of even the remotest communities.

Why be a YAN member……a quick glance!!

• We at YAN believe that the access to right information can reduce the vulnerability of the youth to drugs abuse, HIV/AIDS, unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion etc. However it is often misperceived as introducing and encouraging the use of different methods of risky behavior to the youth.

• Being a member of YAN, you can take part in trainings which will not only increase your knowledge on SRHR issues, but also improve your skills on advocacy and awareness-raising. You shall be able to help and guide your community members, and prevent the emerging youth of Pakistan from facing the difficulties of going through the age of adolescence and being exposed to risky behavior. A mentally and sexually healthy youth will result into a healthier and more progressive nation.

• YAN provides you with a platform for your voices to be heard. It can provide you the opportunity to initiate policy level advocacy campaigns and dialogues with state authorities to strengthen the legislations in support of SRHR of young people in Pakistan and to build partnerships with other youth networks and stakeholder like media networks to strengthen the policy dialogues for reforms of national policies for youth.

YAN strives for young people to keep shining and shedding the light of awareness on SRHR issues to build a healthy nation. So join YAN….and be a part of YAN, the only youth organization by the youth and for the youth

So come and join the most vibrant and energetic Youth Network of Pakistan. Click on “Become a YAN member”, fill out a simple form and submit it!