Aahung

Sheena Hadi, director of Aahung, at presentation of Human Rights Tulip, 2013

Aahung is a non-profit organization based in Pakistan that focuses on sexual health and reproductive health education and advocacy. Established in the early 1990s, Aahung aims to improve the sexual health and well-being of individuals, particularly women and young people, by promoting access to comprehensive and rights-based sexual education, enhancing the quality of health care services, and advocating for policy changes that support sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR).

Mission and Vision

Aahung's mission is to empower individuals, especially the youth and women, by providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. The organization envisions a society where all individuals have access to high-quality sexual and reproductive health information and services, and where their rights in this regard are fully respected and protected.

Programs and Activities

Aahung's work encompasses a range of programs and activities designed to address various aspects of sexual and reproductive health:

• Sexual Health Education: Aahung develops and disseminates comprehensive sexual health education materials targeted at young people and adults. These resources aim to provide accurate information on topics such as puberty, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and consent.

• Training for Health Professionals: The organization conducts training programs for health care providers to improve the quality of SRHR services. These trainings focus on enhancing providers' communication skills, understanding of SRHR issues, and ability to deliver non-judgmental and empathetic care.

• Advocacy and Policy Work: Aahung engages in advocacy efforts to influence policies and practices that impact sexual and reproductive health rights. This includes working with government bodies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to promote the integration of comprehensive sexual education into national curricula and to ensure that SRHR services are accessible and youth-friendly.

• Community Outreach: Aahung also conducts outreach activities in communities to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health issues, challenge stigma and discrimination, and promote healthy behaviors and attitudes.

Impact

Over the years, Aahung has made significant contributions to the field of sexual and reproductive health in Pakistan. Its educational materials are widely used by schools and other organizations, and its training programs have equipped numerous health care providers with the skills to offer improved SRHR services. Through its advocacy efforts, Aahung has also played a role in shaping policies that support the health and rights of individuals.

Challenges

Despite its achievements, Aahung faces several challenges in its work. These include cultural and societal barriers to discussing and addressing sexual health issues, limited access to SRHR services in certain areas, and resistance from some quarters to the integration of comprehensive sexual education into school curricula.

Conclusion

Aahung continues to be a leading voice in the promotion of sexual and reproductive health rights in Pakistan. Through its comprehensive approach to education, training, advocacy, and community engagement, the organization strives to create a more informed, healthy, and equitable society.