Young Lives (@yloxford.bsky.social)

Understanding Youth Experiences Amid Multiple Crises in Ethiopia: FGM/C, Early Marriage, SRH and MCH At the launch of Young Lives Ethiopia’s Qual 6 research report, Nardos Chuta (Assistant Qualitative Researcher) presented powerful evidence on how harmful practices, health access and conflict-related shocks continue to shape the lives of young people in Ethiopia. The findings highlight that while progress has been made in reducing FGM/C, child marriage and early parenting, these practices persist, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas, driven by deeply rooted social norms, economic pressures, and insecurity. The research also shows how war, displacement and inflation have disrupted access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and maternal and child health (MCH) services, placing young women at heightened risk. Importantly, the study points to emerging shifts: greater awareness of SRH among young people, changing marriage practices and the critical role of health extension workers, schools, media and community programmes in improving outcomes. Read the full report: https://www.younglives.org.uk/publications/experiences-young-lives-during-crises-ethiopia-initial-evidence-sixth-wave-qualitative https://bit.ly/4cwyE0b