By Simon Nzigu
HORD believes that all children, adolescents and young people have the right to have control over their sexual and reproductive health and lives, free from coercion, violence, discrimination, and abuse. Yet, one in every five girls are denied this right as they are married before reaching the age of 18. We know that girls’ ability to make their own decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, including whether to have children, will only happen when we address child, early, and forced marriages. HORD programmes lead to long-term, gender-transformative change for girls’ and women’s lives if they address the subject of sexuality. But still have a long way to go until these issues are routinely intertwined in programmes and policies. What is preventing truly gender-transformative. Why are we still struggling to recognise that most girls are not looking for “family planning” services? Is it the stigma and taboo related to girls’ sexuality, is it the fear of giving power to young people themselves, or is it the reluctance that we all face to step outside our comfort zones and fight patriarchal power systems? How often have you heard the statements below?
- “The family honour is dependent on the girl’s purity”
- “Marriage will protect girls”
- “Girls and women belong in the home”
- “Motherhood and marriage are essential for girls in our religion”
- “All girls are heterosexual”
- “It is a girl’s fault if she is sexually harassed”
Negative gender bias and harmful social norms are all too common. HORD can only enable girls’ control of sexual and reproductive health if we address these beliefs and social norms. We seek to embrace the positive, pleasurable and healthy aspects of young people’s sexuality development and first sexual experiences. A positive approach to sexuality education challenges the myths and negative norms which often reinforce the stigma and shame on adolescent sexual activity which focus on negative consequences such as unintended pregnancies and sexual violence. We need a more holistic, comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach to support girls to make their own decisions for their own wellbeing and to expand their opportunities in life as they reach adulthood. In my region working with traditional leaders of authority is instrumental for they are the custodians of our beliefs and customs. We have found that transforming harmful norms can start with transforming chiefdom by-laws. This is supported by our work with young people, establishing mechanisms for monitoring, accounting and reporting at all levels from community to national. Adequate support, training and flexible funding must be provided to young people engaging in advocacy and activism, and strong safeguarding measures must be put in place.