JATAN began work on sexual and reproductive health by spreading awareness in the communities that we serve. In the years we’ve been active, we’ve provided opportunities for young people in various communities to design and implement programs that best fit their health needs. Gender discrimination and female feticide have been some of the key issues of intervention. Every year, Jatan organizes public hearings, media workshops, youth competitions as well as campaigns in order to sensitize Panchayti Raj members, students and the community at large.

Capacity building of youth has been a prominent focus area. Jatan has been providing a platform for young people to vote their concerns, understand their problems and find solutions accordingly. We provide regular opportunities for young people to participate at all levels in conventions related to sexual and reproductive issues and rights. In 2005, Ranveer, a member of Jatan participated in the Asia Pacific Conference on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health held in Malaysia.

In addition, JATAN is a member of SRIJAN - a national level network of NGOs working on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights. Its staff members have been capacitated as trainers and implementers of programs on gender, sexuality and reproductive and sexual rights. In partnership with CHETNA, Jatan has provided various opportunities to young people in the area to design and implement various programs.

Due to Jatan’s active work with adolescents in Southern Rajasthan, Integrated Population Development invited us to prepare and lead various sessions on Life Skills for young people, so that it could be integrated into the state’s educational curriculum in primary and secondary schools. We’ve been humbled by this opportunity and consider it a rare honor.