Title: Sexual and reproductive health in the DRC: breaking the taboo and promoting dialogue
Introduction :
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, discussions on topics such as education, cooking or domestic work are common. However, issues related to sexual and reproductive health remain a taboo subject. Parents and children rarely talk about it, creating a lack of dialogue about these crucial aspects of life. In this article, we will explore the reasons for this lack of dialogue and the importance of breaking this taboo to promote better sex education.
The different perspectives of parents:
Lack of reliable and contradictory information:
Tina Lozalia, mother of eight children, stresses the importance of talking with her children about managing their puberty and sex life. According to her, the flow of information available is significant, which can lead children to come across erroneous or contradictory information. This reality discourages some parents and encourages a lack of dialogue.
Waiting for the right moment:
For Israela Ntiete, mother of three children, the issue of sexuality is approached gradually, depending on the age and development of the children. She believes it is best to wait for the right time to talk about it with them, while checking what they are watching on television. She also encourages her children to come to her if they feel strange sensations in their bodies.
The need for precautionary measures:
Nénette Atako, police officer and mother, shares a different perspective by emphasizing the importance of subjecting one’s children to contraceptive methods to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Living in a military camp where sexual abuse is common, she chose a contraceptive method for her daughters to protect them from potential risks.
Respect for traditional values:
Justine Muanji, attached to her traditional values as a member of the Luba community, considers that talking about sexuality before marriage with children is a taboo subject. She says it’s an integral part of their values and she plans to broach the subject only when her daughters are ready to get married.
Break the taboo and encourage dialogue:
It is essential to break the taboo around sexual and reproductive health in the DRC in order to guarantee adequate sexuality education for young people. The lack of dialogue on these topics can have a negative impact on the health and well-being of individuals, including increasing the risks of unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and sexual abuse.
Parents and educators play a key role in providing accurate, age-appropriate information to children. It is important to create an open environment where children feel comfortable asking questions and getting clear, caring answers. Schools and institutions must also integrate comprehensive sexuality education into school curricula, emphasizing consent, healthy relationships and mutual respect.
Conclusion :
By breaking the taboo and promoting dialogue on sexual and reproductive health in the DRC, we can offer young people the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed and responsible decisions. It is time to tackle this important topic and work together towards a society where sexual health is approached in an open, respectful and educational manner.