Paul Kimumwe
On Wednesday July the 11th, the world commemorated the World Population day, with this year’s theme focusing on men’s involvement and participation in making a difference in women’s lives, with emphasis on the young people.
In her statement the UNFPA Executive Director, Thoraya Obaid, remarks that, "All over the world, young people want to be heard and involved. They possess the ideas, determination and energy to accelerate effective action to reduce poverty and inequality....
In her statement the UNFPA Executive Director, Thoraya Obaid, remarks that, "All over the world, young people want to be heard and involved. They possess the ideas, determination and energy to accelerate effective action to reduce poverty and inequality....
"It is clear that the Millennium Development Goals will not be met unless young people are actively involved in policymaking and programming, their voices are heard, their needs are met and their human rights are respected".
One area however that has been lacking in support to the young has been in their sexual and reproductive health. Many young people engage in risky sexual behaviours with little or no knowledge about how to protect themselves against the risks of infection or unwanted pregnancies.
A 2004 national survey of adolescents in Uganda by the Makerere Institute of Social Research and Guttmacher Institute revealed that in Ugandan, many adolescents are sexually active and are aware of the risks of unprotected intercourse.
The report further says that while many are interested in obtaining sexual and reproductive health information and services related to family planning, HIV and AIDS and other STIs, pregnancies, etc. from reliable sources such as the formal health care system, they express a number of problems with doing so under the existing health care system.
These include; fear, embarrassment, confidentiality of information shared, distance/ease of access to the facility, client handling, and affordability of services.
This year’s theme couldn’t have any timely. While the gender equality and equity crusade has come of age now, its effects are yet to take root, mostly because men, to the larger extent, have not yet been embraced as partners in this noble cause.
To borrow Obaid’s words, "We (need to) see men and women as partners in a relationship built on mutual respect, trust and commitment.
One area however that has been lacking in support to the young has been in their sexual and reproductive health. Many young people engage in risky sexual behaviours with little or no knowledge about how to protect themselves against the risks of infection or unwanted pregnancies.
A 2004 national survey of adolescents in Uganda by the Makerere Institute of Social Research and Guttmacher Institute revealed that in Ugandan, many adolescents are sexually active and are aware of the risks of unprotected intercourse.
The report further says that while many are interested in obtaining sexual and reproductive health information and services related to family planning, HIV and AIDS and other STIs, pregnancies, etc. from reliable sources such as the formal health care system, they express a number of problems with doing so under the existing health care system.
These include; fear, embarrassment, confidentiality of information shared, distance/ease of access to the facility, client handling, and affordability of services.
This year’s theme couldn’t have any timely. While the gender equality and equity crusade has come of age now, its effects are yet to take root, mostly because men, to the larger extent, have not yet been embraced as partners in this noble cause.
To borrow Obaid’s words, "We (need to) see men and women as partners in a relationship built on mutual respect, trust and commitment.
Partnering with men promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity."
Fathers (men) often decide whether a daughter will marry young or have a chance to complete an education.
Fathers (men) often decide whether a daughter will marry young or have a chance to complete an education.
They have the financial power to take their pregnant wives to health centres; often make the decisions on how many children they should have, the list goes on.
Addressing adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health needs is an important and urgent policy and programmatic concern in Uganda.
Addressing adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health needs is an important and urgent policy and programmatic concern in Uganda.
But to address young peoples’ needs effectively, it is imperative to have a better understanding of the various aspects or adolescent sexual and reproductive health and needs.
As family heads, fathers need to appreciate that adolescents face many huddles in the course of juggling with unfamiliar body changes, temptations, inaccurate or complete lack of information relating to sexual reproductive health, and the challenge of living in an era of HIV and AIDS, on top of other STIs.
It is therefore important for a countrywide campaign that promotes parental participation, especially fathers (or father figures), in ASRH issues and equips them with information to effectively deal with their children’s concerns.
As family heads, fathers need to appreciate that adolescents face many huddles in the course of juggling with unfamiliar body changes, temptations, inaccurate or complete lack of information relating to sexual reproductive health, and the challenge of living in an era of HIV and AIDS, on top of other STIs.
It is therefore important for a countrywide campaign that promotes parental participation, especially fathers (or father figures), in ASRH issues and equips them with information to effectively deal with their children’s concerns.
This is because, while the mothers are making attempts to fill the gaps, in light of the new ASRH challenges, particularly those posed by HIV and AIDS, they need to be equipped with accurate information and appropriate skills to establish an effective dialogue with their children.
And of course, sensitise and persuade fathers to appreciate their roles and responsibilities so that they can become more proactive in the lives of their children.
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