In a strategic response to the growing imperative for integrated approaches to global development challenges, Her Dreams Initiative, in collaboration with Empojamii and the Tanzania Red Cross Society – Morogoro Office, convened a comprehensive capacity-building training at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). This initiative assembled 50 youth leaders selected for their demonstrated commitment to community advancement, intending to enhance their capacity to engage meaningfully at the intersection of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and climate change.


The training was grounded in recognising that climate change is not merely an environmental concern but a profound social determinant with direct implications for health systems, gender equity and human rights. Participants were systematically introduced to the foundational principles of SRHR and climate science, followed by a critical analysis of their interdependencies. Special emphasis was placed on the disproportionate impacts climate variability and environmental degradation have on access to SRHR services, particularly among rural populations and marginalised groups.

Key thematic areas addressed included:

  • SRHR frameworks and policy context
  • Climate change impacts on public health infrastructure
  • The link between climate-induced displacement and gender-based violence
  • Youth-led climate adaptation and mitigation strategies
  • Leadership development and policy advocacy for inclusive climate action


The program prioritised practical skill-building in leadership, policy engagement and advocacy, enabling participants to transition from informed learners to strategic actors. Through scenario-based learning and participatory workshops, youth developed competencies to advocate for gender-sensitive, youth-inclusive climate adaptation policies that safeguard reproductive rights and health access.

A central outcome of this initiative was cultivating a cohort of youth champions, equipped to influence and contribute to national and local planning processes. These young leaders are now positioned to drive forward intersectional, community-led solutions that integrate SRHR within broader climate action frameworks.

This training represents a critical investment in the next generation of climate and health leaders. As the dual crises of environmental instability and inequitable health access converge, fostering youth-led, contextually-informed responses is no longer optional; it is imperative. The initiative sets a compelling precedent for how institutions and civil society actors can collaborate to ensure that no demographic is sidelined in climate resilience planning.