“I have condoms in my hostel.”
That was one of the first things Lydia, one of our Campus Health Ambassadors, shared during one of our SRHR Bonfires.
The SRHR Bonfire is an intimate space where young people gather outside around a fire to have honest conversations about sexuality, pleasure, relationships, bodily autonomy, and sexual and reproductive health. They share experiences, debunk myths and misconceptions, ask difficult questions, and share a loud laugh, just like in the golden days of sitting around a fireplace.
As the conversation unfolded, Lydia shared that she keeps condoms in her hostel room because fellow students know they can come to her whenever they need one.
“I feel proud when someone comes to ask me for a condom,” she said. “It feels good knowing they’re taking steps to protect themselves while enjoying their relationships.”
Her words reflect exactly what the SRHR Bonfire is all about.
Young people are already navigating relationships, love, intimacy, sex, and the realities that come with them. What they often lack is a safe space to ask questions, challenge misinformation, and access accurate, evidence-based information without shame or judgment.
At Voices, we believe that creating these spaces doesn’t encourage young people to have sex. It empowers them to make informed decisions, exercise bodily autonomy, reduce their risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, and seek support when they need it.
