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The present formative research study reviewed existing literature relating to adolescent rites of passage and initiation ceremonies in East and Southern Africa (ESA), with a focus on Eswatini, Malawi, South Africa and Zambia to assess the impacts of these rites on youth in these countries. Research was conducted entirely online using Google, Google Scholar and the Widener University (US) database. The research found different cultures maintain a range of customs and practices to prepare young people for their roles and responsibilities as adults, and that some initiation practices have negative impacts on the physical, emotional and psychological health and well-being of adolescents. The research supports the conclusion that it is important to have policies and programmes that are designed to protect the rights and welfare of young people in ESA, and that local leaders and stakeholders play invaluable roles in determining and maintaining any changes to existing practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whilst significant progress has been made in recent years with respect to advancing health and education, the ESA region's young people still experience challenges in relation to their SRHR. This study brings together learning from the available data and reports, as well as the experiences of those closely connected with the process of affirmation/endorsement and implementation of the ESA Commitment between 2013 and 2018. Whilst challenges remain – particularly in relation to monitoring and accountability – the ESA Commitment has instigated notable progress, made possible in part by the emphasis on multisectoral collaboration between health and education sectors nationally and regionally. Sustained political, technical, and financial investment in young people's health and rights will ensure that the countries of the region are able to build upon these successes and deliver on their commitments to young people during this decade of action towards the realisation of the SDGs and harnessing the demographic dividend for Africa for years to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]