Introducing ANA – a special chatbot for young people to confidentially access information about sexual reproductive health and rights. Developed with inputs from young people in Malaysia, ANA is designed for 13-24 year olds in the country.
The ANA Chatbot kicks-off the ‘CHUP! JOM SEMBANG SEKS’ campaign by the Federation of Reproductive Health Associations, Malaysia (FRHAM), R.AGE and UNICEF. The campaign will also include virtual youth townhalls from August to November 2021.
“Young people are calling for an end to sexual violence. We need to empower them with the knowledge and tools to protect their health, well-being and dignity. It is our duty to find more ways to reach children, offline and online, with good quality comprehensive sexuality education, so that we leave no one behind”, said Dr Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, UNICEF Representative to Malaysia and Special Representative to Brunei Darussalam.
Read: 9 in 10 teens want education to protect against sexual abuse
Dual Language Chatbot
The ANA chatbot hosts some 260 questions!!! And it can respond in both Malay and English. Topics include Sexuality, Gender Identity, Consent, Pregnancy and Sexual Grooming. The chatbot also shares steps on making police reports and connects victims to helplines such as Talian Kasih and Befrienders.
FHRAM Executive Director Nora Murat believes that comprehensive sexuality education helps to prepare young people for a safe, productive and fulfilling life.
“FRHAM is aware that there is a lack of accurate, unbiased, non-judgment views on SRHR, online or offline. In today’s connected world, digital technology provides another entry-point for sexuality education although this information may not be correct. FRHAM is here to provide accurate information!”
Towards Ending Child Marriage
The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development highlights comprehensive sexuality education as a contributing factor to ending teenage pregnancy. This is highlighted in the “National Strategy Plan In Handling The Causes Of Child Marriages“ in Malaysia.
While ANA is a digital-info tool, it hopes to promote the need for school-based age-appropriate reproductive health education for young persons.
ANA is available to chat on WhatsApp at 03-5633 7514. It is also available on:
- FRHAM’s website (www.frham.org.my)
- UNICEF Malaysia’s Children4Change blog (children4change.unicef.my)
- R.AGE’s website (www.rage.my/jomsembangseks).
The ANA Chatbot does not capture or store personal data and private information on the platform.
