Adolescence is a period of transition
from childhood to adulthood that happens between the ages of 10-19
years. This is the stage when most young people begin to explore their
sexuality and have intimate relationships. Engaging in sexual activities
at this stage is risky as it exposes adolescents to early pregnancies,
unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted infections, and sexual violence.
It has been reported that problems
associated with pregnancy are a leading cause of death among the
adolescents. In addition, sexual coercion is a widespread phenomenon as
evidenced by the fact that in some countries between 20% and 48% of
young women aged 10-25 years have been forced to have sex.
Most young people cannot protect
themselves since they lack information on where to go for adolescent
sexual reproductive health care, and the majority are not empowered
enough to negotiate for safe sex with their partners. In addition, most
youth particularly the girls are under pressure to marry and produce
children at such an early stage in their life.
Government needs to invest heavily in
adolescent sexual reproductive health. Taking a look at the Uganda
national budget, adolescent reproductive health is majorly funded by
donors. Adolescent reproductive health should be integrated into the
government sectors of education, and justice because it is a cross
cutting issue. It is also vital to involve the young people in providing
information to break the silence about sexual coercion and violence,
stepping up the fight against female genital mutilation and preventing
early pregnancy. It is only when the productive health of young girls is
prioritized that we will begin to see transformation in the lives of
the young women in this country.
The writer is from FOWODE young leaders Alumni Association
