By Youth Hub Africa,
As we dive into Sexual Harassment Awareness Month this April, let’s talk real talk about sex education in Africa. You know, that topic we’ve all whispered about or avoided in school? It’s time to break the silence and get real about how we can empower ourselves and our communities.
Picture this: from the colorful streets of Lagos to the bustling markets of Nairobi, conversations about sex often hit a dead end before they even begin. Why? Well, let’s just say our cultures have a few rules when it comes to what’s okay to talk about. But guess what? Times are changing, and so are we.
Take Nigeria, for example, in many communities, talking openly about sex is a no-go. It’s like trying to discuss the latest Nollywood movie at a family gathering—it just doesn’t happen. But over in Ghana, there’s a bit more wiggle room through The Dipo Rites which is arguably one of the most popular yet criticized puberty rites and practices in Ghana.
The rite is performed by the people of Odumase Krobo in the Eastern region of Ghana. The rite is performed in the month of April every year. The rite is used to usher virgin girls into puberty or womanhood, and it signifies that a participating girl is of age to be married.
Parents, upon hearing the announcement of the rites, send their qualified girls to the chief priest. The girls are then housed for a week, where they are given training on cooking, housekeeping, and childbirth and nurture. The ritual mothers give them special lessons on seduction and how their husbands will expect to be treated.
However, these girls would have to go through rituals and tests to prove their chastity before they qualify to partake in the festival. Some tribes celebrate puberty rites, embracing the transition from child to adult, while others keep things hush-hush.
Let’s keep it real, talking about sex ain’t easy. But guess what’s even harder? Dealing with the consequences of not talking about it. From unplanned pregnancies to STIs, the stakes are high when the info is low. That’s why we’re flipping the script and taking charge of our sexual health.
Here’s the deal:
We’ve got the power to change the game. From youth-led workshops to online resources, there are tons of ways we can get the info we need. And hey, why stop there?
Let’s demand better from our schools, our communities, and ourselves. Because when we know better, we can do better.
Some of our work here in YouthHubAfrica is hinged on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) as well as boys’ and girls’sensitization.
