The iHEARD Project (2021–2025), funded by Global Affairs Canada, is a transformative initiative aimed at dismantling barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) for Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) aged 10–24 in Lilongwe, Ntchisi, and Dowa districts of Malawi.
Led by a consortium of CODE, FARM Radio Trust, and MSI Reproductive Choices, the project recognizes that improving SRHR access is not just a health issue, it’s a pathway to poverty reduction, gender equality, and educational retention.
Why SRHR Matters
- Access to contraceptives reduces unplanned teenage pregnancies
- Fewer pregnancies mean more girls stay in school
- Informed SRHR decisions empower AGYW to take control of their futures
At the heart of the project are iHEARD Clubs—safe, inclusive spaces within schools where 40 learners (28 AGYW and 12 Adolescent Boys and Young Men) meet weekly to:
- Discuss SRHR topics relevant to their lives and communities
- Share experiences and build peer support
- Learn from trained matrons and patrons (teachers oriented by the project)
These clubs foster dialogue, challenge harmful norms, and build a generation of informed, confident youth ready to advocate for their rights.
