Collaborative Workshop at Jimma University Addresses Student Sexual Health and Academic Success

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Jimma University recently hosted an important workshop titled “Empowering University Students: A Collaborative Meeting on SRH and Academic Success.” This event, organized in partnership with MSI Ethiopia, brought together university leadership, student representatives, and key stakeholders to discuss pressing issues impacting student well-being and academic performance.
The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Jemal Abafita, who expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to lead this vital conversation. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the workshop’s main goal: to foster safe, informed, and supportive environments within universities by empowering young women and enhancing collaboration among decision-makers and stakeholders to effectively tackle Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) challenges.
The core of the event featured two insightful research presentations. The first, titled “Overview of Teenage Pregnancy in Ethiopia,” was presented by Dr. Aster Teshome, Founder and President of the Centre for Adolescent Girls Health. Dr. Aster highlighted the interrelated issues of child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and school dropout rates in Ethiopia, arguing that these challenges are mutually reinforcing and necessitate multi-sectoral, girl-centered interventions for effective resolution. Her presentation made a compelling case that educating and empowering girls is not only a moral obligation but also a critical strategy for alleviating poverty and promoting national development.
The second presentation was delivered by Dr. Asresash Demissie, an Ethiopian Female researcher Association, JU branch president, and instructor, who explored the specific “SRH Challenges Among University Students.” Dr. Asresash’s research called for proactive interventions at the university level to address a variety of issues. Her recommendations included enhancing prevention and support mechanisms against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), addressing barriers to HIV prevention such as fear and stigma, and improving menstrual hygiene management facilities and resources to better support students’ health and overall well-being.
Following the presentations, the workshop transitioned into an interactive plenary session and group discussions. Participants, including university leadership, student council members, and gender and youth focal persons, engaged in meaningful dialogue aimed at transforming research findings into actionable strategies.
The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Mulumbet Abera, who stressed the importance of maintaining the collaborative momentum generated during the event.
We are in the Community!
E-mail: ero@ju.edu.et