With an ongoing debate in Parliament on age appropriate comprehensive sexuality education, health, wellness, sex and sexuality education remain very important topics to avert the increasing social and health issues that the adolescents and young people in Kenya continue to face.
Equipping young people with this information will support their decision-making processes on whatever social and health issue. With kids being exposed to a lot of misinformation from media, internet, peers and friends, the move to enact a law that ensures we empower the adolescents and young people for the present and future through comprehensive sex and sexuality education is appropriate.
Programmes need to be availed to ensure that the state is able to support this process and offer the correct, factual information.
As the world continues to evolve, so too does the need for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in our schools and communities. Far beyond the confines of traditional sex education, CSE equips individuals with knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. It means CSE is vital for fostering healthier, more empowered and responsible individuals.
CSE also equips young people with accurate information about contraception and safe sex practices. By understanding how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies, adolescents can take charge of their sexual health, promoting responsible behaviour.
At the core of sexuality education lies the emphasis on respectful and consensual relationships. By instilling values of empathy, communication and mutual understanding, comprehensive sexuality education lays the foundation for healthier connections and reduced instances of abuse and harassment.
Misinformation and stigma surrounding sexuality often lead to fear, shame and discrimination. CSE dismantles these barriers by providing factual information, debunking myths and fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding for diverse sexual orientations and identities.
With a comprehensive understanding of sexual health, adolescents can confidently make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships. This empowerment cultivates a sense of personal agency, enabling them to navigate life's complexities with greater resilience and autonomy.
CSE challenges traditional gender norms and stereotypes, promoting equality and respect among all genders. By educating students about the importance of gender equity, CSE helps create a more inclusive society that values diversity and recognises the rights of all individuals.
Sexuality is deeply intertwined with mental and emotional well-being. Sexuality education addresses topics like emotional intimacy, self-esteem and coping mechanisms, contributing to improved mental health outcomes and overall well-being.
Access to comprehensive sexuality education has been linked to lower rates of teenage pregnancies. By educating young people about responsible sexual behaviour and contraception, sexuality education plays a significant role in reducing early parenthood and its associated challenges.
CSE plays a crucial role in preventing sexual violence by teaching about consent, boundaries and recognising signs of abuse. By promoting a culture of consent and respect, CSE contributes to safer environments for everyone.
In an era where online information is abundant and explicit content is easily accessible, CSE equips students to navigate the digital world responsibly. Understanding the potential risks and consequences of digital interactions is essential for safeguarding their well-being.
Therefore, CSE is not a mere addition to the curriculum; it is an essential investment in our future. By providing young people with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to navigate their sexual and reproductive lives responsibly, it empowers them to make informed decisions, foster healthier relationships, and lead fulfilling lives.
Parents, educators and policymakers should make it their own collective responsibility to embrace comprehensive sexuality education and advocate for its integration into our educational systems.
By doing so, we can ensure that our youth step into adulthood with the tools they need to create a more equitable, respectful and responsible world for generations to come. Let us stand united in supporting comprehensive sexuality education, for it is a key that unlocks the potential of a brighter and empowered future.
This discussion is long overdue considering the data on the negative health outcomes that young people continue to face. The move by MPs to enact a law to introduce sex and sexuality education to be taught in schools as a core subject is vital and should be adopted.
Social commentator
