The transformative power of information on sexual and reproductive health—especially for young people—is something we see every day in our work. 

For Sabina Shahi, a 25-year-old woman in rural Nepal, a training on family planning and safe abortion opened her eyes to how misinformation had harmed her. 

“I had undergone multiple unsafe abortions because I was told that using family planning methods before having children would make me infertile,” she explains. “I didn’t know any better, and now, because of my lack of awareness back then, I have had to visit multiple clinics for treatment.” 

Sabina attended an education session led by a trusted community member who trained in Ipas’s Natural Leaders program, which equips women with the knowledge and skills to be community educators and advocates on sexual and reproductive health and rights.  

These leaders offer young women like Sabina invaluable information—and it has a ripple effect. 

“For the first time, I understood the different family planning devices and, importantly, when and where to get a safe abortion,” she says. “After attending the session, I am committed to raising awareness in my community. My husband and I have decided to work together to educate others about family planning, safe abortion, and reproductive health so that no other woman must go through what I experienced.” 

You can read more of Sabina’s story on our website: Rising together: How grassroots leaders are lifting the next generation in Nepal 

Here’s to the next generation—and the power of repro health information!