Is it African for parents to talk to their children about sex education? Is it a taboo? It is a complicated topic and a rather neglected issue in most African households. I don’t know whether it is shame for African parents to talk about sex to their children but this has made a void in many youngsters and many are making decisions that can be avoided.
In typical societies all we are taught is that sex is a bad thing and that it is not moral for women to lose her virginity before marriage. Such a cliché right? This was a few decades ago but with the current trend, things are far much different and sex talk has become even more important. As much as many African parents would like to avoid this talk, it is vital for the children to know and we can’t depend only on clinics counselors. It has to start from home but other families are out of touch with the importance.
Our generation has become extremely sexually active that the importance of teaching youngsters how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases is now far more important than preaching the gospel of virginity. . With the advent of blessers and blesses it is rather more important to teach protective ways to curb this vile behavior. Unwanted pregnancy among teenagers is on the rise and sexually transmitted disease in universities are rising with the larger demographic being mostly the youth.
The question still stands is it African for African parents to do sex education or it is the duty of counselors in our local hospitals. Is it really a matter of what is or not African? Should we let our children and sisters fall into difficult situations just because we hold on to ancient doctrines or should we just accept what is present and help our children as much as we can.
This is a outcry for help and we have been letting this issue slide for a long time. It is high time we face the music and develop mechanism that will help. A few families have embarked on this journey and some even give their girl children family planning pills which has raised a debate but that is a story for another day. But just a personal thought, what is better to let your child fall in unthinkable circumstances or just implement measures that avoid an unnecessary bad decision in your child’s life?
Munashe Chakaonda
Main image: huffpost.com
