Session-15: Equitable access for youth to sexual, reproductive and mental health: Rethinking funding towards integrated models
30th April, 12noon Melbourne
Speakers:
- Nikita Kathayat, Nepal: Nikita has been working with Aawaaj focused on Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and the protection and rights of women and children, since 2021. Aawaaj operates in Karnali and Lumbini Provinces of Nepal, addressing child protection, child development, and gender justice. Nikita is a Psychosocial Counselor, and provides survivor-centred support to women and children affected by violence, harmful practices, and rights violations
- Adoukonou Geraude Maribelle, Benin: Adouknou is a young Beninese feminist leader from sexual minority communities, identifying as a lesbian woman, and is deeply engaged in advancing human rights, democracy, and gender justice. She is a law fellow in Human Rights and Democracy, as well as a communicator and President of Ado Reporters Africa, where she leads advocacy, training, and awareness initiatives for the rights of women, girls, and gender-diverse people. She is the founder of WASSÉ, a digital initiative focused on preventing gender-based violence and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) through accessible content, including local languages
- Ibula Melchie Bwanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A medical doctor by training, Ibula is a feminist activist and social advocate advancing the rights of women and girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in conflict-affected settings. She serves as the National Coordinator of YouthFIM, where she strengthens young women’s leadership and their active participation in development initiatives. Through her flagship community initiative "My Health, My Responsibility," she promotes sexual and reproductive health, including access to safe abortion, for marginalised communities
- Kalpana Acharya, Editor-in-Chief of Health TV Online, Nepal and Host of Health First podcast (host)
Please be welcome:
- Onsite: D03 Exhibition Space, Women Deliver Conference, Narrm (Melbourne), Australia
CNS is the official media partner of Women Deliver Conference 2026.
Be welcome to meet onsite Shobha Shukla along with Kalpana Acharya (Editor-in-Chief of Health TV Online Nepal and Host, Health First Podcast), Jasper Davis and Saher Siddiqui.
This SHE & Rights LIVE session @ WD2026 is co-hosted by Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI) and CNS with partners like Women Deliver Conference 2026, International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW), Asia Pacific Media Alliance for Health, Gender and Development Justice (APCAT Media) and Health TV Online Nepal.
Thanks
Team CNS and SHE & Rights
