Sexuality education in our clime is erroneously viewed as promoting unhealthy sexual relationships among young people which unfortunately is not the case. Sexuality education seeks to equip young people with life skills and values needed to determine and enjoy their individuality.
It views femininity/masculinity holistically as a part of young people’s emotional and social development while also recognizing that information alone is not enough as young people need to be given the chance to develop positive attitudes and values – critical factors necessary for actualization of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
If properly adapted, sexuality education can be a very powerful tool in making young people obtain faultless information about sexual reproductive health and rights, build vital skills such as critical thinking, effective communication and negotiation, self-development and decision-making; sense of self; confidence; assertiveness; ability to take responsibility; ability to ask questions, analyse issues from a balanced point of view, bolster unfaltering attitudes and values, including open-mindedness, respect for self and others, positive self-worth/esteem, comfort, non-judgmental attitude, sense of responsibility in addition to understanding antics of sexual predators who use subtle means in carrying out acts of sexual violence.
Open discussions on sexuality is imperative for not only the health and wellbeing of young people but also linked to the breaking of biases which tend to limit their competencies.
• Oluwatoyin Olabisi,
WGCEO NGO
