What young people need is Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Kenya is a youthful nation. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Kenya has a population of over 40 million people. 45% of the Kenyan population is young people below the age of 15 years and 15% of the Kenyan population is young people between the ages of 15-24 years. But how many of these young people are getting comprehensive sexuality education? Why is it that in 2016 there are there still so many taboos and myths around sex? Why is it that new cases of HIV infection, teenage pregnancy and sexual gender based violence among young people are so high in 2016?

I believe that comprehensive sexuality education is the key to ending new cases of HIV infection, harmful gender norms, sexual and gender based violence, gender inequality and unintended pregnancy among young people. Moreover, it can increase confidence, and when young people feel empowered, they can choose when and who they have sex with.

Many people think that comprehensive sexuality education is about teaching young people on how to have sex and it promotes promiscuity but the truth is comprehensive sexuality education promotes the fundamental principles of a young person’s right to education about their bodies, relationships and sexuality and the full range of information, skills and values to make informed decisions about their health and sexuality and with setting the stage for future sexual health attitudes and behaviors.

Universal access to comprehensive sexuality education for young people both in and out of school is a human right. Denying young people their right is denying them their hopes and aspirations. All young people have the right to know, to make informed choices, to have answers to their questions and doubts and to know how to keep themselves safe from abuse, sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. When young people get the right information about their sexuality, they will make right choices. Comprehensive Sexuality Education is essential to help young people to prepare for healthy and fulfilling lives