25 Mar 2019

Young girls have been encouraged not to shy away from reporting incidents of rape and sexual abuse to parents, teachers, community leaders or any elder without fear.

Speaking during the sexual health awareness day organised for Phatlhogo Primary School pupils in Francistown recently, an official at Greater Francistown DHMT, Ms Caroline Setshego explained that girls were mostly victims of sexual abuse.

As a result, she called on parents and teachers to always keep a close eye on young girls.

Also, she highlighted that it was important for parents and teachers to always talk to adolescents about sexual health issues.

She said some parents find it difficult to discuss sexual issues with their children, which could put those children in danger of involving in sexual relationships at young ages.

She further said children, who were about to reach puberty stage, should be taught about body changes experienced and how to take care of themselves during the stage.

“Girls experienced much body changes during poverty among them having menstruation periods and if they are not taught about that they can be uncomfortable and scared,” she explained.

Ms Setshego added that adolescents should be taught about the dangers of being involved in sexual relationships including teenage pregnancy and being infected by sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS.

She also said adolescents should be taught how to use a condom but insisted that abstinence was the best way of prevention for them.

Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development district coordinator, Ms Minkie Bokole said the office decided to partner with Francistown DHMT to educate adolescents about sexual reproductive issues so that they could be able to know about their body changes leading to adulthood and have knowledge on how to take care of themselves.

She said the facilitation came at the right time as March was month of youth against HIV/AIDS.

She added that teenage pregnancy was a major concern in Francistown as this financial year, 90 teenage pregnancy cases were recorded involving girls between 15 years and 19 years.

She further stated that 1 510 cases of sexually transmitted infections were recorded among teenagers aged 15 to 19 still this financial year, which was also a concern as it showed that teenagers were involved in unprotected sex.

As the ministry, she said they would continue to tour schools educating students about sexual health issues in partnership with Francistown DHMT.

The event, which was was organised by the ministry in partnership with Greater Francistown DHMT  was attended by students, parents, teachers and authorities such as community elders and area councillor.

On the day, students were taught on how to use sanitary pads while the ministry of youth also donated sanitary pads to three primary schools namely Phatlhogo, Our Lady of the Desert and Nyangabwe. ENDS