Breaking taboos: Unravelling African parents' struggle with reproductive health education

While modernization has brought forth significant advancements in various aspects of life, discussions surrounding sexual health and education still largely remain off-limits within families. This reticence can lead to adverse consequences, leaving children ill-prepared to navigate the complexities of relationships, sexuality, and reproductive health.

One of the primary reasons for the reluctance to discuss sex education lies in deeply entrenched cultural and religious beliefs. Traditionally, African societies have considered discussions about sex to be private matters, only to be discussed between married couples.

Furthermore, religious norms often dictate that sexual matters should be treated with modesty and even abstained from entirely before marriage.

Some parents find it easy to communicate to their children about sex education and sexual health.

However, Joy Kiende, a student at KCA University, says her parents talk to her openly.

“My mum finds it very easy to talk about sex and how I should handle myself in campus,’’ she told Wananchi Reporting.

“She often asks me to take my boyfriend home so that she can talk to both of us,” Joy added.

This communication is not only done by parents, as some youths find it embarrassing to talk about sex with their parents or even tell them about their relationships. This has led to many of them indulging in irresponsible sexual behaviour.

“I cannot talk to my mum or my parents about sex, I find it disrespectful,” Edwin Kariuki said.

The consequences of avoiding sex education can be far-reaching. Uninformed youths may engage in unsafe sexual practices, leading to unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections [STIs], and emotional turmoil.

The lack of knowledge can also perpetuate harmful gender norms and contribute to a lack of respect for consent and boundaries within relationships.

According to World Health Organization[WHO], more than 1 million STIs are acquired every day. In 2020, WHO estimated 374 million new infections with 1 of 4 STIs: chlamydia (129 million), gonorrhoea (82 million), syphilis (7.1 million) and trichomoniasis (156 million).

More than 490 million people were estimated to be living with genital herpes in 2016, and an estimated 300 million women have an HPV infection, the primary cause of cervical cancer and anal cancer among men who have sex with men.

An estimated 296 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B globally. 

Recognizing the urgency of the matter, some educators, activists, and health professionals have been working to break down the barriers to sex education in African communities. Schools are also increasingly becoming spaces where comprehensive sex education is being introduced, providing young learners with vital information in a formal setting.

Dr Geoffrey Wango,  a psychologist, says it is very important for parents to talk to their children while still young to avoid future regrets.

“Parents should talk to their children openly without fear to avoid future regrets,” he explained.

Addressing the issue of sex education in African communities requires a concerted effort to overcome deeply rooted taboos.

By acknowledging the cultural and religious significance attached to these matters, and seeking common ground with modern realities, communities can empower their youth with essential knowledge. Equally, embracing sex education not only fosters responsible decision-making but also paves the way for healthier relationships, improved reproductive health, and overall well-being. Breaking the silence is a significant step towards a brighter and informed future for the youth of Africa.