The Tweet that got me into Sex Education
Sometimes sharing your crazy thoughts gets you to unexpected places.
A single tweet introduced me to one of the most enriching programs I have been part of in a while.
A program on SEX! 😏 yes SEX! And everything in-between.
As much as I would love to unfold the story behind the said tweet and how I became part of this program, I think it’s best I cut to the chase and tell you all about my experience; what I learned in those two extremely mesmerizing days.
Growing up in Africa is extramundane. However, when it comes to information on sexual and reproductive health and rights, we are sadly not the most even-handed continent to depend on.
Our parents and educational systems give little or no information on these issues. As inquisitive beings that we are, getting drawn to the forbidden is soul-stirring. This most especially holds true when it comes to sex and other sensitive topics hidden from us. With little or no information from our parents, we experiment to learn for ourselves; or get unassembled information from peers. These experiments and or false information usually lead to unwanted pregnancies, STIs etc.
That said, it’s no doubt that youths need to be enlightened more on these issues. Informing youths about sex and how to go about it is the best way to prepare them for the act (if and when they chose to indulge in it).
As a curious cat, this program was just right for me, I wanted first-hand knowledge from Africans who were more open to these subjects.
The workshop was focused on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights. It aimed at educating young people on the laws and healthy practices surrounding sex, and the rights of youths in this domain. Its goal was to share information that prepares young people for sex and it’s related outcomes (pregnancy, STIs etc). A lot was tackled in two days, but, I will focus on what resonated more with me.
1- Breaking stereotypes among young people
Sex is considered a taboo by many and spoken about by a few. Most times, those sharing pertinent information about sex are young people and their peers, who have little or inadequate knowledge on the subject. The workshop helped encourage young people to discuss sex among themselves, break stereotypes and share the valid information which we were given.
The first stereotype to break is the belief that ‘talking about sex or having contraceptives makes you perverse or promiscuous’. These are a few of the beliefs we need to change in our society by speaking out.
“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts”
— Bertrand Russell
Basically speaking, this is to avow that; those who are knowledgeable sit quietly in doubt while the ignorant share their dopiness. We are all thus encouraged to be confident about what we know and speak up without fear of reproach; if not those who know less will keep derailing the masses.
2- Creating awareness on important first Aid measures after rape
Rape is common in our society today. As sad as it might be, it is an inevitable happening; men, women and children have been victims of rape. In cases of rape, before trying to figure out who the perpetrator of the act is, the victim should first be rushed to the hospital for clinical assistance. This involves administering drugs to prevent unwanted pregnancies, HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as soon as possible; preferably the day of the incident.
3- An awakening on Contraceptives, abortion etc.
There are different contraceptive methods including Male and female condoms, abstinence, diaphragm, Intrauterine device (IUD), Oral contraceptives etc.
Condoms, in particular, help prevent HIV, other STIs and unwanted pregnancies. They are a multi preventive method and should be used by ALL; most especially those with multiple sex partners. The best news is contraceptives are affordable and most often distributed by NGOs and Mobile Clinics. GO GET ONE TODAY.
Abortion, on the other hand, is illegal in Cameroon, it is permitted however in cases of rape, medical emergencies such as ectopic pregnancies etc. Even though it is illegal, there are many cases of unsafe abortions among young girls which sometimes cause damage to the cervix, scarring of the uterine lining, infection or sepsis and in worst cases death.
4- The effect of religion and culture on sexual practices
Africa in general and Cameroon, in particular, is both a religious and extremely cultural environment with aged beliefs and practices when it comes to sex and reproduction.
Some religions forbid the use of contraceptives which in one way or another encourages the increase in unwanted pregnancies, HIV, other STIs and unsafe abortions. In the same light, other cultures encourage constant reproduction from a tender age (through child marriages) which also causes an increase in maternal and infant mortality.
5- SRHR practices during a crisis
In the face of a crisis like the case of the North West and South West parts of Cameroon, apart from humanitarian aid like food, shelter, money; there is a huge need for sexual and reproductive health services and personnel. More condoms have to be shared in these areas, and health personnel sent to sensitize the masses and also provide sexual and reproductive health services to those in need.
6- Female Genital mutilation (FGM)
FGM is a procedure performed especially as a cultural rite that typically includes the total or partial excision of the female external genitalia and especially the clitoris and labia minora
— (Merriam Webster).
This is a common practice in Africa most prominently in Ethiopia, Asia and the middle east. In 2016, UNICEF estimated that about 200 million women have undergone FGM; in Cameroon, about 2.7 million girls have been victims.
Even though it is believed that this procedure is done mainly to please men, worthy of note is the fact that 85% of boys and men in Cameroon think FGM/C should not be continued (source UNICEF infographic data report).
This practice has sadly claimed (and is still claiming) the lives of many young women today and should be discouraged among other barbaric acts. Thanks to the efforts of UNICEF and other NGOs/advocacy groups, FGM is illegal today in most countries.
7- Gender Based violence (GBV)
This was my main reason for attending the workshop, to get views on GBV and how to prevent it in our society. I’m glad I got what I went for and much more.
Gender-based violence is violence directed against a person because of their gender. Both women and men experience gender-based violence but the majority of victims are women and girls (EIGE).
Forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence include Physical violence (physical assault, trafficking), Emotional and psychological violence (Abuse, confinement), Sexual violence (rape, child sexual abuse etc.),Harmful traditional practices (FGM, early marriage etc.), socio-economic violence (discrimination, social exclusion etc.) (Source: UNHC Gender Based Violence module).
This is an important issue that affects many within and without Africa. More African and Cameroonian women have to be educated on their rights and encouraged to report all forms of GBV.
Apart from the enriching and educative content shared, one of the things I loved most about the program was its engaging form. Everyone was given an opportunity to talk. It wasn’t one of those workshops where one man talks and the others listen.
Enthralling Highlights
Games
The games we had just made us laugh out and it barely even felt like a tense environment, everyone was all smiles and laughs.
Debates
This is basically my best part; we were given a chance to debate on SRHR issues. This was not one of those traditional debates, it was way more invigorating. Done in the form of a game, participants took opponents out of their chairs before making a point;… I LOVED IT!
Group Sessions and Presentations
Participants were divided into groups and given topics to ponder on and later on make presentations based on our findings. We had focus groups on female genital mutilation, Gender based violence etc.
Food and Selfie Moments!
I won’t be doing this review justice if I don’t mention the food and selfie moments. We had enough to eat and took pictures at the slightest instant.
I learned new things, met new people and experienced a whole new ambiance quite different from what I am accustomed to.
A huge shout out to the entire organizing team and all participants at the workshop; can’t wait for another episode.
(All photo credits go to Community Centre for Integrated Development (CCID)who are the organisers of the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) workshop CCID)
About Host
Community Center for Integrated Community Development (CCID) is a Non-Governmental Organization registered in Cameroon. Its mission is to advance the rights of communities, women, girls and young people in Cameroon while strengthening community leaders and community-based organizations to respond to the needs of indigenous people. In order to realize this mission, it supports integrated development initiatives in the areas of Gender Equality and Equity; Sustainable Livelihoods as well as Participatory Leadership, Governance and Accountability. More information about the organization can be found on www.comuceid.org
Community Centre for Integrated Development is leading coordinator of the Youth Partnership Network. Youth Partnership Network from Cameroon (YPN Cameroon) is a network of youth-led organizations that have come together to mobilize and build the capacity of young people to be strong advocates for the promotion and monitoring of human rights in Cameroon and make recommendations and advocate to relevant authorities. The network is formed to support the member organizations to:
· Eliminate discrimination of women and ensure Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights.
· Empower young people and support them to become active actors of change in society.
· Advocate for proper state policies in the field of Human Rights, Public Health, Education and Youth Participation.
The membership of the network includes Community Centre for Integrated Development, Girls Excel, Vision in Action Cameroon (VIAC), iBuild Africa, Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development Pan African University for Development West African Chapter (YALDA PAIDWA), AYEF (Akaseng Youth Empowerment Foundation).
