The ASAP Youth Advocacy Institute is back!!

Attention: Deadline for application postponed to July 19. Application forms are free. Write to discussions.asap@gmail.com for more details.

ASAP invites applications from young persons living and working in Asia to join the 2nd Advocacy Institute for Safe Abortion Rights to be held in Mumbai, India from 4th Sept to 6th Sept 2013.

We conducted our first youth Institute in Mumbai, India between Oct 31 and Nov 3, 2012. You can read about it here (A QUICK RECAP OF YOUTH ADVOCACY INSTITUTE).

Course Content: 

There is a growing need for young champions to take on the role of promoting, protecting and expanding the sexual and reproductive rights of women, men and youth in Asia. The most challenging of these issues is the right to access safe abortion services. Young people need to be able to challenge conservative interpretations that allow cultural practices to be used to restrict the rights of young people, especially young girls and women.

Understanding the gender and human rights dimensions of this struggle are important in building the capacity to be able to hold governments accountable for fulfilling programmes they are signatory to. Building alliances with communities and key stakeholders is possible through the use of social networking platforms as well as off line activities.

This institute will cover the following topics:

• Social construct of Gender
• Human rights and women’s rights
• Sexual and reproductive health and rights
• Safe abortion access as a human right
• Values clarification
• Communication skills including social media
• Use of Facebook, Twitter and blogs for networking

The Institute will encourage leadership skills and engage in strategic planning to develop ongoing involvement. Participants will have further opportunities to work in close collaboration with ASAP country partners through small grants awarded.

Who you are:

• You are a young person between 18 and 25 years of age, living and/or working in Asia.
• You have a working knowledge of English.
• You have at least 3 years experience working with issues of sexual and reproductive health in any capacity and you are passionate about the sexual and reproductive rights of young people.
• You have a good social network of other young people
• You have good communication skills and know how to use the Internet and smart phones for Facebook, Twitter and blogs.
• You believe that every girl and woman should have the right to choose if and when she wants to be pregnant and if she wants to continue a pregnancy or not.
• You can demonstrate how you will use what you learn at the Institute in your work and how you will continue to participate in follow-up activities

What this institute will be:

•  An exciting and challenging 3 days with intense interactions!
• In depth engagement with issues of sexual and reproductive health and rights in Asia from a gender and human rights perspective.
• Learning how to use communication tools and social networking platforms.
• An opportunity to interact with other young people from across Asia, for an enriching exchanges and sharing of experiences.
• A chance to make a difference as a champion in your own country
• Ongoing networking and mentoring support from the ASAP team beyond the workshop
• Creation of an alumni network to stay involved with the issues and expand your sphere of influence!

Last date for applications: 19th July 2013 (Friday)

Write to us on discussions.asap@gmail.com for application forms and for more information.