DIRI DIEPRIYE argues that comprehensive sex education empowers adolescents and young people to make informed decisions
Reproductive health is a critical aspect of overall health and well-being. Yet, misinformation and lack of education on this topic continue to cause significant health challenges in Nigeria, especially for women and girls. Comprehensive sex education plays a crucial role in addressing reproductive health misinformation and equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive lives.
Picture this: students in a devotion hall and a health education teacher sing about abstinence being the key to a better life while the children sing alongside her. This is a clear example of what happens in Nigeria, with a lack of comprehensive sex education in schools and communities, which has contributed to widespread misinformation about reproductive health. Many young people are not adequately informed about topics such as contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy prevention. Often, abstinence is the message preached. This lack of education can lead to harmful practices such as early marriage, unsafe abortion, and the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Misinformation about reproductive health can also perpetuate harmful myths and misconceptions, such as the belief that using contraception can lead to infertility or that you can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex. These myths can have serious consequences, including unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and adverse health outcomes.
I once went to a school and had a girl talk with adolescent girls and boys, and when I asked them if they used condoms for those who were sexually active, they said they would usually pray to God to keep them from getting pregnant.
Comprehensive sex education goes beyond traditional approaches that focus on abstinence. Education and information on a wide range of topics related to sexual and reproductive health, including contraception, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy prevention, are very important. Comprehensive sex education empowers adolescents and young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and helps to dispel myths and misconceptions about reproductive health by providing accurate information about topics such as fertility, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections, helping to combat harmful myths and misconceptions that can lead to adverse health outcomes.
In addition to providing accurate information, comprehensive sex education teaches essential skills such as communication, assertiveness, and decision-making. These skills are vital in navigating sexual relationships and making informed choices about sexual behaviour.
Comprehensive sex education has numerous benefits by providing accurate information about reproductive health. It can help to improve overall health outcomes and reduce the prevalence of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, empowering individuals, particularly young people, to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, equip individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices, help to reduce stigma and shame around topics such as contraception and sexually transmitted infections.
To improve reproductive health outcomes in Nigeria, it is essential to prioritize comprehensive sex education in schools and communities. Policymakers, educators, and parents need to recognize the importance of sex education in addressing reproductive health misinformation in Nigeria and not leave it alone to teachers in schools. Likewise, teachers should not leave it to parents alone. By investing in comprehensive sex education programs and ensuring that individuals have access to accurate information and support, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, ultimately improving overall health outcomes and promoting gender equality in Nigeria.
Diepriye is head of programs and advocacy at the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation
