SHE SOARS
The SHE SOARS podcast is a space for passionate young people to discuss why Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) matter and how you can take action! What barriers do young people around the world face in accessing contraception and other health needs? How can youth voices lead to improving their choices and lives? Join CARE Canada’s Youth Champions (YPEC) to explore SRHR challenges and solutions in Kenya, Uganda and Zambia through the SHE SOARS* project, and how this relates to our lives here in Canada. Hear from exciting speakers including youth advocates, project partners and participants. Support ‘Her Rights. Her Voice.’
*SHE SOARS, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is the Sexual and reproductive Health & Economic empowerment Supporting Out of school Adolescent girls’ Rights and Skills project.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the SHE SOARS podcast are the speakers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, standards and policies of CARE Canada. The SHE SOARS podcast is a youth-led initiative that provides space for young people to discuss global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights with the purpose of raising awareness in Canada. Listeners acknowledge that the material and information presented in the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice or services. The podcast is for private, non-commercial use and speakers do not necessarily reflect any organization they work for.
Episodes
38 episodes
The new era of periods: Sustainable products and innovations you need to know
The Youth Champions, Jacqueline, Paniz and Shreya unpack period product options and sustainable menstruation – what it means and why it matters to young people’s wellbeing and the planet. They share personal experiences and insights with their ...
Inside the United Nations: Youth delegates share their experiences from New York
The Youth Champions, Shreya and Olivia, share their recent experiences attending the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations (UN) in New York City. They offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like ...
Dating in 2026: The girl talk everyone needs to hear
In this unfiltered episode, Youth Champions, Paniz, Lauren and Shreya dive into an honest conversation about dating, relationships, and the impacts of patriarchy and harmful gender norms on young women's lives. Drawing from personal stories and...
SHE SOARS changes the conversation on youth sexual health
In this inspiring episode, Youth Champions Oliva and Lauren sit down with Lynn Chinene, Chief of Party for the SHE SOARS project, to discuss youth-led initiatives that are driving Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), financial lite...
Youth-led activism and the power of micro-behaviours
*Warning: This episode contains sensitive content.The Youth Champions Shreya, Olivia and Lauren discuss the latest initiatives they’re leading in their communities across Canada to speak up and take action on Sexual and Reproductive Heal...
Be a Sexpert: SHE SOARS live edition
Youth Champions, Shreya, Olivia and Lauren get together in person at THAT Toronto Podcast Studio to record a special campaign edition of the podcast: Be a Sexpert! They recap the youth-led advocacy event they just launched at Toronto Metropolit...
Youth advocates unite: Breaking barriers in global sexual health and rights
What drives youth advocates to champion Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Canada and globally? Youth Champions, Olivia and Shreya, kick off season 4 with special guest Jeremiah from the SHE SOARS* Youth Advisory Board in Zambi...
Unfiltered: Your mental health matters to your sexual health
Omaina Ozako, a Nigerian-born mental health professional and storyteller joins host Jacqueline to discuss the close connection between Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and mental health. Together, they have an unfiltered convers...
The period conversation you missed in school
Kristy Van Hoven from the Period Purse joins the Youth Champions to break down period stigma and discuss menstrual equity across Canada. As the advocacy, research and communications manager, Kristy knows all about barriers people face when it c...
Lydia Collins on intersectionality and transforming sexual health advocacy for all
Lydia Collins is a facilitator, content creator and advocate with over 10 years of experience in sexual health education. In this episode, Lydia joins Shreya and new host Lauren to discuss what an anti-racist and intersectional approach to sexu...
Feminism and inclusion in health advocacy: Insights from Leisha Toory
Leisha Toory, a passionate young advocate for inclusive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and founder of the Period Priority Project, joins Youth Champions Shreya and Olivia to celebrate International Women’s Day. They discuss th...
Ziyaan Virji breaks down taboos around menstrual health in new ways
Ziyaan Virji, founder of For The Menstruator and Leaders of Today, a youth-led non-profit organization and global movement of young leaders, joins returning host Shreya for an honest conversation about breaking down stigma, overcoming setbacks ...
2024 Wrapped: Trends and highlights in the Sexual and Reproductive Health space
Youth Champions, Shreya and new host Olivia, reflect on trends and key issues in the Sexual and Reproductive Health space in 2024, and their own journeys into advocacy. The hosts discuss moments that impacted them, including concerns around men...
Part 2: Shania Bhopa on doing it all, women’s well-being and cervical cancer prevention
In a special part two episode, Shania Bhopa rejoins Youth Champions Shreya and Paniz to continue their conversation about women’s health and rights. Shania is the founder of @wellbyshania and the Do It All Girl online community, as well as a gl...
Shania Bhopa on freezing her eggs at 25, artificial intelligence and women’s health
Shania Bhopa, founder of @wellbyshania and the Do It All Girl online community, joins Youth Champions Paniz and Shreya for an inspirational conversation about young women’s fertility choices and empowerment. Shania shares her personal experienc...
A journey home: a young woman takes on sexual health in refugee settlements in Uganda
Danie is a young social entrepreneur working to improve girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights in refugee settlements in Uganda where she once called home. In this inspiring conversation with Jacqueline, one of CARE Canada’s Youth Cha...
New youth hosts speak about their Sexual and Reproductive Health journeys
Meet CARE Canada’s new group of Youth Champions who are speaking out about their Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) experiences and welcoming youth to share their stories. In the first episode of season 3, co-hosts Jacqueline and Paniz share ...
Myths and misconceptions around Sexual and Reproductive Health: Canada edition – Part 2
Youth face many obstacles when it comes to accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services and information. Without accurate information, resources and safe spaces to ask questions, myths and misconceptions grow and make it ...
Myths and misconceptions around Sexual and Reproductive Health: Zambia edition – Part 1
Myths and misconceptions around Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) often stand in the way of youth accessing accurate information and services. Youth around the world are leading efforts to bust myths and advocate for young people...
She speaks out: Sexual and Reproductive Health stories around the world – Part 2
Women and girls’ voices need to be heard in the healthcare system and conversations about their Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Too often, many of us are left to navigate our bodily concerns on our own or face stigma. In this ...
She speaks out: Sexual and Reproductive Health stories around the world – Part 1
Talking about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) can feel uncomfortable and awkward for many people. Many of us have experiences that can be scary, embarrassing, confusing or even funny. In this episode, Youth Champions Amal and L...
Engaging men and boys in gender equality – Part 2
Men and boys are key players in shifting harmful gender norms around the world and addressing gender-based violence. In this episode, Youth Champion, Mishika, speaks with Josephine and Charles, who are leading this work in Uganda through the SH...
Engaging men and boys in gender equality – Part 1
Boys around the world are often raised to believe in gender norms and stereotypes that can be harmful, including expectations about how men and women are supposed to act with each other, how they should express (or not express) emotions, and ho...
Girls lead in Sexual and Reproductive Health – Part 2
Meet Maryner, an inspiring youth leader in Zambia who speaks up for young people’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). In this unique episode, the Youth Champions are joined by Jeremiah, a member of the Youth Advisory Board, who s...
Girls lead in Sexual and Reproductive Health – Part 1
International Day of the Girl honours girls’ rights and experiences around the world and celebrates the power of girls everywhere to change the world. In this episode, Madeline and Amal, two of the Youth Champions, are joined by Gloria, an insp...