GUYANA has some of the most comprehensive sexual health and rights policies in the Caribbean. Despite this, challenges and barriers remain that infringe on the sexual rights of Guyanese people. Professionals such as Kobe Smith work tirelessly to ensure that these policies are adhered to while advocating for further advancements in sexual rights.

Kobe obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Guyana, and was the recipient of the Guyana National Youth Award in 2017. He is a stalwart in sexual health and reproductive advocacy in Guyana. His journey into sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy began as a deeply personal one when he lost his beloved mother.

Kobe explained that he witnessed first-hand the consequences of limited access to quality health information and services following his mother’s passing. For Kobe, this tremendous loss accelerated his decision to become an advocate. He realised that countless others were experiencing similar, preventable tragedies due to gaps in Guyana’s healthcare system. Over time, his activism evolved from personal motivation into a professional mission.

The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) is the leading sexual and reproductive healthcare provider in Guyana. Today, Kobe serves as the organisation’s Executive Director. In this role, he is responsible for steering the organisation towards meeting critical health needs across diverse communities. This dynamic position enables Kobe to lead a talented, dedicated team while working alongside government and international partners to expand GRPA’s network and reach.

Kobe wanted to do more than advocate for access to SRHR services; he also felt a pressing need to address the broader social factors that hinder people, particularly young people and vulnerable communities, from exercising their rights. In his current role, he strives to create a healthcare landscape where all individuals can access essential services without fear of discrimination or stigma.

This influential SRHR advocate has also sought to highlight one of the most pressing yet under-recognised challenges in the field: The need for culturally and contextually sensitive SRHR education, particularly in Guyana’s hinterland and Indigenous communities. “These areas are often underserved, and face unique cultural barriers, making it difficult to provide consistent, high-quality SRHR education and services. Additionally, gender-based violence remains prevalent, exacerbating barriers to accessing SRHR services. Tackling these issues demands not only policy changes but also community-driven approaches that respect and involve the people affected,” said Kobe.

Kobe’s work and influence have extended beyond Guyana’s borders. He has represented Guyana and the GRPA at numerous regional and international forums, which have been vital in creating global solutions. These include the ICPD30 Global Dialogue on Demographic Diversity and Sustainable Development in Bangladesh, the UN Women Gender Equality Forum in Antigua, and the Women Deliver conference in 2018. There are both social and structural barriers in SRHR work, ranging from societal stigma surrounding sexual health to inadequate funding and infrastructure. According to Kobe, in many communities, SRHR remains a taboo topic, which makes open discussions and access to services difficult. From an organisational perspective, navigating funding restrictions and ensuring project sustainability are constant challenges. “To overcome these, we prioritise community engagement and advocacy, working directly with community leaders to foster understanding and buy-in,” Kobe explained.

Additionally, under Kobe’s leadership, the GRPA has focused on capacity-building initiatives such as Training of Trainers (TOT), which empowers local leaders to continue the work long after specific projects have concluded. This approach creates a more sustainable impact that ensures the continuation of their mission. One of Kobe’s greatest achievements as Executive Director has been overseeing mobile health outreach efforts to provide SRHR services to Indigenous communities and other underserved areas. Through initiatives like the Global Affairs Canada-funded Rights from the Start project and UNFPA’s EQUAL SRHR project, he is working to ensure that women, young people, and migrant populations have access to vital information and services, including abortion care, contraceptives, cancer screening, and HIV/STI testing, which would otherwise be out of reach.

Kobe’s work has been described as highly successful by his peers and colleagues. He is regarded as a trailblazer in project planning within the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights. The Pepperpot Magazine was keen to learn how Kobe measures success in his role at the GRPA. He emphasised that success is not measured solely by quantitative metrics, such as the number of individuals reached, or services provided, but also by the qualitative impact on the communities served. “For example, we track the increase in knowledge, shifts in community attitudes, and the improved capacity of local health workers. Success is also reflected in our ability to sustain services and expand reach – particularly in remote areas. By fostering partnerships and engaging community members as leaders, we ensure that our initiatives have a lasting and meaningful impact,” Kobe stressed.

When asked by The Pepperpot Magazine what he foresees for the future of SRHR advocacy in Guyana, and how he plans to align his efforts with this vision, Kobe responded: “I envision a future where SRHR is universally recognised as a fundamental right in Guyana, with equitable access across all communities. The key to this future lies in partnerships, both locally and internationally, as well as in advocating for policies that support SRHR at every level of society.” He added: “To align with this vision, I plan to continue my advocacy efforts both within GRPA and through regional networks, leveraging my role in organisations like the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition.”

As Guyana progresses with more diverse approaches to addressing the challenges relating to sexual health and reproductive rights, Kobe hopes to build an inclusive movement that not only addresses immediate health needs but also tackles underlying social issues, creating a healthier, more empowered society for all.