TaYA

Every story of courage begins with someone who dared to dream.

On this International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent, we celebrate the women and girls whose resilience, leadership and determination continue to shape our communities and inspire generations.

Their contributions remind us that progress is built when girls are given the opportunity to learn, lead, innovate and make their voices heard. By investing in their potential today, we are creating a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous tomorrow.

This day is not only a celebration of achievements but also a call to continue breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes and ensuring that every girl has the chance to reach her full potential.

Here's to the women and girls who continue to rise, lead, and inspire.

💡 Did You Know?

Menstrual health is more than a health issue, it is closely linked to education, dignity, and equal opportunities for girls.

Across many parts of Africa, girls continue to face challenges in managing their menstruation due to limited access to menstrual products, inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, and persistent stigma. These barriers can affect school attendance, participation, and overall well-being.

On this week's , we highlight findings from WHO and UNICEF to raise awareness about the importance of creating supportive environments where every girl can manage her period safely and with dignity.

🟢 Wellness Wednesday | Myth vs. Fact

Does talking about sexual and reproductive health encourage risky behaviour among young people?

No. Research shows that providing young people with accurate, age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) information empowers them to make informed decisions, build healthy relationships, and protect their well-being.

Knowledge doesn't encourage risky behaviour—it encourages responsible choices.

Swipe through today's carousel as we debunk a common SRHR myth and highlight why access to reliable information matters.

Happy World Youth Skills Day!

Under the theme “Skills for a Shared Future,” we celebrate the power of skills in empowering young people to innovate, adapt, and lead in a rapidly changing world. At TaYA, we remain committed to strengthening youth skills, digital literacy, and access to learning opportunities that enable young people to build a more inclusive and sustainable future.

The closing event of the 3rd National Hiber Forum took place on June 13, 2026, bringing the whole journey full circle at Yeka Woreda 07 Youth Center.

The day opened with a photo exhibition on climate change, where attendees voted on their favorite shots. Our Executive Director took the stage to reflect on a week filled with bold conversations and real action, and a recap video brought every moment back to life, from the opening webinar to the school SRHR session, the YFS comparative visit, and the eco hiking and cleaning activity.

Then came the celebrations. 🏆 The winners of the essay and photography competitions were awarded right at the event. The essay competition on youth and gender equality drew 48 submissions in Amharic, English, and Afan Oromo, and the photography competition on climate change brought in 45 powerful entries. Top performers in both were honored on stage for their creativity and advocacy.
Youth-led booths rounded out the day, connecting participants with resources, opportunities, and each other.

Six days. So many voices. One forum that proved, once again, that young people are ready to lead the way.

UNFPA Ethiopia Afriyan Ethiopia

As part of the 3rd National Hiber Forum, on the fifth day of the National Forum Week, we got a little bit of everything. Creativity, competition, and connection.

The day opened with a photography exhibition on climate change, where young photographers shared their lens on one of the biggest issues facing our generation. Every photo told a story, and every story added to the bigger picture of why climate action matters.

Then came the fun. In partnership with Grassroot Soccer, the Yeka Woreda 7 and Lemi Kura Woreda 8 football teams faced off in a spirited match, bringing the energy up and giving young participants a well-earned break from the week's deep conversations.

UNFPA Ethiopia

Three young-led teams just won real backing to fight a real problem: teenage pregnancy in Ethiopia.

On June 11, TaYA and UNFPA Ethiopia named the winners of the Youth-Led Adaptive Innovation Solution Labs. This program does not look for new ideas. It looks for solutions that already work and gives them what they need to grow further.
Meet the winners:
🏆Knotifyapp, digital tools that reach young people right where they already are online
🏆 Pure Joy, adaptive digital education closing the information gap on teen health
🏆 Pads, Power, Purpose, reusable sanitary products paired with confidence-building programs for young girls
Each winning team received a cash award, and TaYA is committed to helping them build stronger connections with the Ministry of Health and gain the visibility their work deserves.
Read the full story here: https://tayaeth.org/news/three-youth-labs-win-cash-awards-to-fight-teenage-pregnancy-in-ethiopia/

UNFPA Ethiopia

Day 4 of the 3rd National Hiber Forum took us to Gulele Botanical Garden in Addis Ababa, where young people traded conference rooms for open trails and turned their energy toward the environment.

Participants took part in an eco hiking and cleaning activity, combining movement with purpose. As they hiked through the garden, they collected waste along the way, leaving the space cleaner than they found it and showing exactly what climate action looks like when young people lead it.

This is what environmental responsibility looks like in action. No long speeches needed. Just young people, showing up for the planet they call home.

UNFPA Ethiopia Afriyan Ethiopia

Day 3 of the 3rd National Hiber Forum took us on a field visit that revealed exactly what young people deserve from health services.

TaYA led a learning exchange to two Youth-Friendly Service Corners, a Model site at Arabsa Health Center and a Routine site at Chefe Health Center. Youth representatives, peer educators, and health professionals walked through both facilities using a standardized checklist to assess quality, accessibility, and how welcoming each space truly was for young people.

The Model Corner offered dedicated youth-only hours, trained and friendly providers, and a private space designed with young people in mind, setting a strong benchmark for youth-friendly care. The visit to Chefe Health Center highlighted real opportunities to grow and improve.

Ministry of Health,Ethiopia and Sub-city Health Bureau representatives joined the visit and committed to pushing for the model approach across more facilities, because every young person deserves access to care that respects them.

UNFPA Ethiopia Addis Ababa Health Bureau

As part of the 3rd National Hiber Forum, Day 2 took us to the classroom. On June 9, TaYA hosted a youth-led SRHR awareness session at Ula Dula Secondary School in Addis Ababa, opening honest conversations on gender-based violence, menstrual hygiene, and cervical cancer prevention.

A nearby health center joined the session and shared exactly where students can access confidential SRHR consultations, GBV support, and the HPV vaccine. Teachers committed to keeping the conversation going through school health clubs, and every student left with a brochure to learn more at home.

UNFPA Ethiopia