Lucia’s Story
Preventing Teen Pregnancy: The Power of Stories to Shift Social Norms
Lucia, a mother living in rural Mozambique, is creating new social norms by talking to her daughter early about her sexual and reproductive health.
I have a 13-year-old daughter but never considered talking to her about sexual health. Listening to these [radio] programs I learned I need to open a conversation with her.
— Lucia*, Rising Impact Radio Listener, Mozambique
*Name changed for privacy
Before listening to our Access Without Barriers’ radio shows, Lucia never considered talking to her daughter about pregnancy, contraception, or sexual health. Access Without Barriers challenges harmful norms and connects listeners to sexual health information.
Learn about Access Without Barriers
Connecting teens with and without disabilities to sexual and reproductive health services
Inspiring Open Dialogue about Sexual Health for All
Lucia’s newfound openness with her daughter shows the profound impact that programs like Access Without Barriers have on audiences and those around them. Lucia’s new perspective is just one of many ways attitudes around sexual health are changing in her community.
Access Without Barriers trains community health workers how to better communicate with teens with and without disabilities, so that when girls like Lucia’s daughter feel safe and empowered to seek sexual health services.
In Mozambique, where 38% of teen girls give birth, pregnancy poses serious health risks and often leads to school expulsion, cutting off future opportunities and economic independence.
