Constanta, 21 May 2026
PRESS RELEASE
Young people from Constanta took part in the “Y‑Caring Democracy” Forum dedicated to sexual and reproductive health and rights policies
On 21 May 2026, Novapolis Association – Center for Analysis and Development Initiatives organized in Constanța the event Y‑Caring Democracy – Youth Participatory Forum on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), held within the European project Y‑Turnout EU – Youth Tackling UnderRepresentation by uNiting citizens in stigma-free pOlicymaking on sexual and reproductive health righTs, funded by the European Union.
The event brought together over 30 young people, representatives of public institutions, health specialists, and local actors involved in promoting democratic participation and SRHR.
A valuable contribution to the forum’s discussions was made by representatives of the public institutions and organizations participating in the event, who emphasized the importance of intersectoral cooperation in promoting the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people.
The National Agency for Equal Opportunities between Women and Men (ANES) highlighted the essential role of gender equality policies in reducing vulnerabilities and increasing the civic participation of young women, while the Constanța County Public Health Directorate presented relevant information regarding access to SRHR services and the challenges encountered at the local level.
Representatives of the Constanța County Employment Agency (AJOFM) discussed the link between social inclusion, access to the labor market, and the well‑being of young people, while the Constanța County School Inspectorate emphasized the role of education in shaping a culture of health and responsibility.
The General Directorate of Social Assistance Constanța and DGASPC Constanța brought attention to the needs of vulnerable youth and the importance of integrated services, while the Red Cross, the National Youth Forum, and other civil society representatives shared experiences from their information, prevention, and community support activities. The contributions of these institutions strengthened the dialogue and offered a broad perspective on how public policies can more effectively respond to the real needs of young people.
The forum thus created an open space for dialogue in which young women and men discussed how sexual and reproductive health and rights policies influence young people’s well‑being, access to information and services, as well as equal participation in decision‑making processes.
The day’s agenda included dialogue sessions, thematic presentations, and a participatory workshop in which young people analyzed access to SRHR information and services, the role of local institutions in developing public policies, the gender dimension of civic participation, and concrete ways in which young people’s voices can be integrated into decision‑making processes.
Participants emphasized the importance of reducing stigma, increasing access to sexual and reproductive health education and services, and the need for the active involvement of young women in civic life. Through the exchange of perspectives and interactive activities, the event helped strengthen young people’s confidence in their ability to influence public policies that affect their daily lives. The forum concluded with a Q&A session, final remarks, and networking.
The Y‑Turnout EU project aims to reduce the gender gap in civic participation, promote inclusion, and support young people in democratic processes through participatory activities, structured dialogue, and European cooperation. For more information, please contact Ms. Narcisa Alexe, project expert, mobile: 0766.304.610, asociatianovapolis@gmail.com.
