Fatshimetrie, July 13, 2024. In the heart of the Kitoko district in the commune of Barumbu in Kinshasa, young girls meet for a crucial awareness session. The challenge is high: addressing fundamental rights in matters of sexual and reproductive health for responsible conduct of their sexuality. This exchange workshop, led by Ms. Varlette Mampasi of “Educonect”, aims to prevent early and unwanted pregnancies. Its message is clear: to inform and consent are inalienable rights. Paying particular attention to their future, she encourages them to be wary of the manipulations of boys, to rely on adults when necessary, and to train themselves to gain autonomy.
Dr Letick Vaka supports this approach by emphasizing the importance of responsible and well-informed sexuality. It highlights the dramatic consequences of abortion, reminding us that socio-economic issues play a major role in this often tragic outcome. The risks to physical and mental health are considerable, with long-term implications such as STIs and infertility. Prevention then appears to be the key to a fulfilling and secure sex life.
Through the “Informez-vous” program, imagined by “Equateur magazine” and initiated on this occasion, the young girls present benefit from essential training. Focused on raising awareness of sexual and reproductive health rights, this initiative equips them to better understand their intimate lives. In short, it is about providing them with the knowledge and means to make informed and responsible decisions for their well-being.
The session ends on a positive note with the distribution of donations of sanitary napkins, thus encouraging young girls to take care of themselves and their reproductive health. This action symbolizes the concrete commitment of organizations involved in the protection and empowerment of women and adolescent girls facing the crucial issues of sexuality and reproduction.
Ultimately, this moment of awareness in Kinshasa reveals the crucial importance of education and information for fulfilling and safe sexuality. It embodies the hope of a future where every young girl can fully enjoy her rights and live her life with confidence and dignity.