Empowering Refugee Communities Through SRH Education

Capacity Building
Written By Dr. Harizah Hatim

Access to reliable healthcare and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education is a fundamental human right — yet for many refugee communities, it remains out of reach. Recognizing this critical gap, the Refugee Emergency Fund (REF) delivered a transformative Training of Trainers (TOT) program focused on SRH for refugee community focal points. This training was funded by the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) and was presented at the Mercy Malaysia Humanitarian Conference in May 2024.

Why SRH Education Matters

Through years of working closely with marginalized and displaced communities, REF identified an urgent need: to empower refugees with accurate knowledge about contraception, informed family planning, and reproductive rights. Cultural beliefs, misinformation, and barriers to healthcare access have long hindered this effort — especially for women and youth.

A Community-Led Approach

The program brought together 25 participants from diverse refugee backgrounds. Using qualitative methods, including focus group discussions, the training created a safe space to explore sensitive topics such as:

  • Misconceptions around contraceptives

  • The role of men in family planning

  • The impact of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)

  • Teen marriage

  • Challenges accessing healthcare services

Key Takeaways

  • Intersectional approaches matter: Health interventions must reflect the cultural, gender, and social realities of refugee communities.

  • Shared learning is powerful: When community members train each other, knowledge spreads more effectively and respectfully.

  • Equity in healthcare access is essential: Both men and women must be equally involved and informed to make empowered reproductive choices.

Moving Forward

The success of this training shows that community-based, culturally sensitive SRH education can have a lasting impact. Continued support, dialogue, and inclusive programming will be essential to closing the health equity gap for refugees.

Poster Presentation at the Mercy Malaysia Humanitarian Conference 2024

Dr. Harizah Hatim