Sexual health programme in Ratanda reaches more than 120 Teen girls

A sexual health programme called Girls Act in Ratanda, Heidelberg, Gauteng, has reached more than 120 young girls since it began six years ago in 2020. The programme, funded by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation South Africa (AHF), educates girls about sexual and reproductive health, including contraception, HIV, and teenage pregnancy. It also provides academic guidance, career support, mentorship, and counselling to help participants develop practical and leadership skills.

One former participant, Palesa Tsotetsi, joined the programme in 2023 and has transformed from a shy girl to the deputy president of Girls Act. She credits the programme for teaching her leadership skills and encouraging her to take on leadership roles at her school. Another participant, 17-year-old Palesa Mosia, says the programme has helped her academically and has also improved her public speaking and advocacy skills.

The programme has also seen 19-year-old Mandisa Mahlaba gain confidence and take control of her life and body after joining at 14. A board member of AHF, Diana Hoorzuk, says the programme has led to major behavioural changes among participants, with no reported teen pregnancies since its inception. The programme also includes a Boys to Men club, which started in 2025 and has 30 participants in Ratanda.

The club aims to involve boys in conversations and mentoring about gender-based violence, sexual health, and other challenges facing teen boys.