Sex Education in Homa Bay: Young Leaders Show the Way
RFSU supplements school sex education not only in Sweden but also abroad. Around the world, committed young people from RFSU's partner organizations talk to their peers about the body, relationships, and consent. Join us for a sex education session outside Homa Bay in Kenya!
We have traveled a long way to reach Homa Bay, a small town on Lake Victoria in western Kenya. About 45,000 people live here, most of whom make their living from farming and fishing. The area has long been severely affected by the HIV pandemic. Today, the HIV prevalence in the county is about 11 percent, compared to the national average of about 3 percent. There are many other challenges as well: 23 percent of all pregnant women are teenagers, and over half of all women have been subjected to sexual or gender-based violence.
There is therefore a great need for sex education with a focus on HIV prevention and sexual health. One of the organizations that has received support for this work is RFSU's partner organization CSA – Centre for the Study of Adolescence and Sexuality. Over the past year, their 30 peer educators have reached 1,500 young people and 40 local leaders.
The sex educators not only talk about sexual health. They also give young people a sense of context and inform them about their rights. They inspire parents and young people to talk to each other as well. “Now, for example, adults accept that their teenagers can access condoms. Previously, they thought it would encourage more sex,” says Jane Nyanjom from CSA.
Condom Lesson with Laughter and Seriousness
On this day, about 30 young adults have gathered for a session on condom use. Some already have children running around between the plastic chairs, while others say—via the interpreter who translates from Swahili—that they have not had sex yet. However, when one of the sex educators shows how to use a condom, no translation is needed. This is universal: “Check the date to make sure it hasn't expired. Don't use your teeth when opening the package. Leave a little air at the top when rolling it on.”
At the end of the session, everyone receives a condom from the bag we brought with us from RFSU. The rest are saved for the next meeting.
“It's a Passion”
After the meeting, we have the chance to talk to some of the sex educators. They all speak with pride and joy about their motivation:
“I wanted to inspire other young people and share the knowledge I've gained. It's a natural passion,” says Florence.
“Being a peer educator is educational, boosts your self-confidence, gives you a platform for leadership, and provides a safe place where others can turn. You get the opportunity to influence both your community and the world at large,” says Hero.
“I love young people. I love making an impression on people's lives. I want to make a difference, so that one day they can say, ‘It's thanks to you, Lavenda, that I never gave up!’” says Lavenda.
The Law That Could Change the Future
Right now, Homa Bay County is hopefully on its way to adopting a Reproductive Health Bill. Several of RFSU's partner organizations have been driving forces in the process, which has involved many bureaucratic twists and turns. The new law will address challenges related to sexual and reproductive health and rights, reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and gender-based violence.
But a change in the law alone is not enough. People also need to understand the laws and how they apply, and the laws need to be enforced effectively. This is not always the case today.
“For example, many people are unaware that you have the right to say no to sex with your partner—that rape can occur within marriage. So far, no one has been convicted of this,” says Jane Nyanjom.
RFSU's partner organizations are therefore working with the local Ministry of Health. At the national level, it is difficult to push issues such as abortion, sex education, and non-discrimination. At the local level, it is easier, and change happens more quickly.
As we leave Homa Bay, it is clear that the work on both political influence and sex education is making a difference. The new bill strengthens everyone's right to sexual and reproductive health. The young sex educators not only raise awareness of these rights but also build trust in their communities. It is a long-term effort that is gradually changing norms and giving more people the opportunity to shape their own lives.
Text and photo: Ulrika Hammar