Parents report imbalance in sex education for boys and girls – KT PRESS

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In recent years, the topic of early pregnancy has dominated local news, with parents complaining that adolescent girls are highly exposed.

Culturally, Rwandan society does not openly discuss sexual reproductive health with its children.

However, in most cases, parents said that even when they try, their focus is on the girl.

In doing so, they hand over the task of educating the boy to the teachers and social media.

“ I always advise my daughter to be aware that boys can lure her into sexual practices that would lead to early pregnancy. That’s why I warn them against their tricks,” said Silas Nteziryayo, father of three boys and a girl.

“When it comes to boys, they need to learn sexually Orientation of alreadyoil.”

Mother of three children out of Gasabo district Those who spoke on condition of anonymity said this She usually discussesit sexually reproductive health is important with their daughters because they are the ones who face serious consequences compared to boys.

Dr. Richard Niyongabo, responsible for sexual reproductive health in adolescence In Sfh-Rwanda, young people were initially defined as young people aged 15 to 19 years. They are neither children nor mature adults, but tTheir bodies function like adults.

According to Niyongabo, at the age of 9 to 10, a girl has no hormones, but from the age of 13, her body begins to develop six hormones.

““With this change in the body, thorough and detailed education should be done with various people like specialists to provide clear real life information to help a youngster get comfortable with his new body,” added Dr. Niyongabo added.

But the country is currently struggling to address the problem of early pregnancy, which affected 7% of all adolescents in 2020. Some parents see interventionNg in sex education with their children as a shameful thing. They commission the schools to offer this training alone.

“Traditionally, girls received sexual education from their aunts and discussed it with my daughters, which is a shame. I usually just warn my daughters to avoid boys,” said Agnes Nyirahabimana, a mother of three daughters and two boys.

However, some parents are aware that the risk of early pregnancy can affect both boys and girls and therefore education is needed for both.

A mother of two boys in Gasabo District, Kimihurura Sector, said she usually talks to her two boys about their physical changes, especially when it is time to go back to school.

“I remind them to be careful and avoid impregnating a girl because that would mean they would become fathers prematurely,” the lady said.

Women who were fortunate enough to have parents who openly shared important information about sexual reproductive health said the information they received accompanied them through puberty and beyond.

“MMy mother always discussed detailed information about sexuality with me Health. I always asked them for advice on how to guide me. This strong bond was formed at a young age and made me happyel It is comfortable to share my thoughts and experiences regarding my body changes with my mother,” said a charry during a Twitter space.

Discussing sex education before puberty prepares a child with the knowledge necessary to understand the changes that take place in their body.

Dr. Evode Niyibizi from Minisante said that IThere is a comprehensive sex education program in schools that is taught to children to gain knowledge about the changes in their bodies during puberty.

“SSex education begins in the family with parents who should discuss with your children before school. Together, families and schools can guide young people and provide them with the necessary knowledge,” said Niyibizi said.