In an effort to scale up sexual and reproductive health rights issues for adolescents and young people, Southern African HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service and Padare/Enkundleni, a men’s gender forum, recently organised a meeting in Ward 10. The Patsime Edutainment Trust, a drama club, took the audience through numerous scenarios where older men impregnated young girls, women had abortions and communities responded to sexual issues.
“From what you saw in the drama, information gaps still exist among young people and the older generation. I urge parents to teach their children about sex so they can make informed decisions,” said Irene Zvenyika, the District Health Promotion Officer from the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare. Speaking at the same occasion, Chief Gambiza challenged the belief that traditional leaders would not embrace new cultural dynamics.
“Culture is dynamic. When we were young boys it was taboo for parents to discuss sexual matters with their children, but we must now move with the times. The HIV pandemic has claimed many of our young potential leaders and it is high time that parents get involved,” he said.