A sexual health programme in Ratanda, Heidelberg, has made a significant impact on the lives of over 120 teenage girls since its launch in Gauteng six years ago. The programme, known as Girls Act, was established in 2020 and has been providing girls with information about their sexual and reproductive health, including contraception, HIV, and teenage pregnancy. Organisers report that there have been no pregnancies among participants since the programme began. The initiative currently has 35 active participants.
The Girls Act programme goes beyond just providing sexual health education. Participants also receive academic guidance, career support, mentorship, and counselling, all aimed at developing practical and leadership skills. Palesa Tsotetsi, who joined Girls Act in 2023, is a testament to the programme's success. When she first joined, she was extremely shy and struggled to interact with others. However, through the programme, she has gained confidence, leadership skills, and has even become the programme's deputy president.
Tsotetsi's experience is not unique. Many girls who have participated in the programme have seen significant improvements in their lives. Palesa Mosia, a 17-year-old participant, says that the programme has helped her a lot, not just with sexual health education but also with academic and career support. The programme even arranged a tutor for her when she was struggling at school. Mandisa Mahlaba, a 19-year-old who joined the programme at 14, says that it helped her gain confidence and take control of her life, body, and mind.
The programme's success has been acknowledged by Diana Hoorzuk, a board member of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation South Africa (AHF), which funds the programme. Hoorzuk says that Girls Act has seen teen girls grow in confidence, improve academically, and take on leadership roles. She believes that the progress being made is inspiring and that many girls are becoming advocates for change.
One of the key achievements of the programme is the absence of reported pregnancies among participants since its inception. AHF nurse and mentor, Simon Thebe, attributes this to the education and empowerment provided by the programme. The programme monitors participants through routine engagement and follow-ups and provides ongoing sexual and reproductive health education, contraceptive information, and referrals to health services.
The programme has also introduced a Boys to Men club to include boys in conversations and mentoring initiatives about gender-based violence, sexual health, and other challenges facing teen boys. Hoorzuk says that the club started in 2025 and currently has 30 participants in Ratanda. The programme also allows participants who have gone on to university or found jobs to return as alumni and help facilitate the programme.
Teenage pregnancy remains a significant public health concern in South Africa, with government figures showing that one in every 24 girls aged 15 to 19 gave birth in 2024-2025. However, programmes like Girls Act are working to address this issue by providing education and empowerment to young girls. With its holistic approach to sexual health education, academic support, and leadership development, Girls Act is making a positive impact on the lives of teenage girls in Ratanda.
Key points
- The Girls Act programme has mentored over 120 teenage girls since its inception in 2020, with no reported pregnancies among participants.
- The programme provides a holistic approach to sexual health education, including academic guidance, career support, mentorship, and counselling.
- A Boys to Men club has been introduced to include boys in conversations and mentoring initiatives about gender-based violence, sexual health, and other challenges facing teen boys.
