WARDC, CRR unveil online hub to empower adolescent girls, women on SRHR

In an age where the internet often shapes how young people learn about their bodies, the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has taken a bold step to provide safer, accurate, and youth-friendly access to information on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). In partnership with the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR), WARDC has launched the National SRHR Hub for Adolescent Girls and Women (AGW), an online platform called SRHR Naija Hub, aimed at creating a digital safe space for young women and girls to access information, resources, and support services on sexual and reproductive health. The web-based platform, unveiled during a recent event in Lagos, also featured a live demonstration that drew excitement from participants, including persons with disabilities. Many described the hub as a timely intervention to address misinformation and the growing risks young people face online. Speaking at the launch, the Acting Executive Director of WARDC, Dr. Princess Olufemi-Kayode, described the hub as a collaborative initiative designed to empower adolescent girls and women with accurate, accessible, and inclusive SRHR information. “The SRHR Naija Hub is not just a website, it is a safe space and a movement toward dignity, autonomy, and informed choice. It offers peer-led education, digital resources, legal support, and referral pathways for SRHR services. For WARDC, this is a strategic investment in the next generation of feminist leaders.” She said. Dr. Olufemi-Kayode explained that the platform was developed in close collaboration with youth advocates, health professionals, and community stakeholders to ensure it meets the real needs of adolescents and young women across Nigeria. Participants at the launch hailed the initiative as a major step in addressing the challenges of misinformation about sexual and reproductive health. One of them, a Social Work student at the University of Lagos, Kehinde Oyagha, noted that many young girls often rely on the internet for answers but end up encountering misleading or harmful content. “Many girls, especially preteens, are naturally curious, but because of the internet, they often access wrong or harmful information about their bodies. This leads to digital abuse and miseducation about reproductive health.” Oyagha said. Oyagha called for a more interactive approach, where young girls can learn from one another through online mentorship and peer education. “We want a space where girls can learn from each other’s experiences, almost like a mini mentorship programme,” she said, adding that social media can play a powerful role in changing perceptions. “If influencers talk about these issues, consent, contraceptives, and health, it normalises the conversation,” she added. “We also need collaboration with government and health professionals to make youth-friendly centres visible and accessible.” With the launch of the SRHR Naija Hub, WARDC and CRR are leveraging technology to bridge the information gap, empowering adolescent girls and women to make informed choices and advocate for their rights in a digital age where misinformation often thrives.