In the vast Pacific, our young people face many challenges when it comes to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). These include limited access to healthcare, high rates of teenage pregnancies, and rising sexually transmitted infections (STIs). On top of that, cultural and religious stigmas often keep young people from openly discussing these issues, leaving them in the dark when it comes to finding the information and services they need. 

That’s why Youth OCEANs (Youth Oceanic Consortium for Engagement, Advocacy, and Networking in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Justice) was created. This network was created in May 2024 with one big goal: to amplify youth voices and take charge of SRHR and justice issues. Nine passionate young leaders from the member associations lead the network, and it’s all about empowering youths of the Pacific to make a real difference. 

Tabwena Atata from the Kiribati Family Health Association (KFHA) puts it perfectly. She says Youth OCEANs is crucial because it lets young people tackle the issues that directly affect us. “It creates a space for peer learning and experience sharing, fostering solidarity and collaborative solutions suited to our regional context.” This means our youths are not just talking about problems—they are also learning from each other and working together to find solutions that really fit our needs. 

Cathreen Tu'itupou from the Tonga Family Health Association (TFHA) highlights why this network is so important. She explains, “Having a youth network directly confronts the struggles young people face in accessing SRH services.” She says many youths are afraid to speak out because of the stigma, but Youth OCEANs provide a safe and empowering space for youths to be heard and make change. The network is here to break down those barriers and ensure youths have the information to make informed choices. 

Our challenges aren’t just cultural—they’re also environmental. The Pacific is at the forefront of the climate crisis, which makes our SRHR issues even more pressing. Natural disasters like cyclones and rising sea levels disrupt essential health services, leaving youths even more vulnerable. Ashlie Sale from the Samoa Family Health Association (SFHA) emphasises the need to address these growing challenges; she says SRHR is a sensitive topic in our region but must be discussed broadly. Our youth must be prepared for the realities they face in these crises.  

Youth OCEANs isn’t just a network—it’s a movement fuelled by youths’ passion and desire for change. Nishalni Chand from the Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji (RFHAF) shares her excitement about seeing a stronger youth movement across the Pacific. “I am excited to see a stronger, more connected youth movement across the Pacific, where young people feel empowered and recognised as equal decision-makers so that our insight and ideas drive meaningful and lasting change in the SRHR space,” she says. 

In a region as vulnerable as ours, youth voices aren’t just important—they are critical. Youth OCEANs are our young leaders making waves to create a Pacific where every young person can live with dignity, health, and hope: a future that honours our Pasifika strength, resilience, and the beauty of our collective voice.