A recently released UNICEF report paints a grim picture of violence against girls and women in sub-Saharan Africa, igniting an urgent call by Nguvu Change Leaders for the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in Kenyan schools. The report reveals staggering statistics that highlight a crisis in sexual violence: over 79 million girls and women more than one in five across sub-Saharan Africa have been raped or sexually assaulted before turning 18. These statistics are part of an even more daunting global figure of 370 million girls and women who have experienced some form of sexual violence, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing the brunt of this crisis.
For many Kenyan girls and women, the figures in this report reflect their lived experiences of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Sexual violence is not an unfamiliar topic in Kenya, where femicide has also left its scars. In a tragic incident this September, Kenyan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei lost her life after her boyfriend doused her in petrol and set her on fire at her home in western Kenya. Her death is a chilling reminder of the pervasive and deadly nature of GBV in the country.
In light of these alarming statistics, Nguvu Change Leaders, a collective of advocates for social change, are renewing their appeal for the inclusion of CSE in Kenya’s school curriculum. Tasline Otieno, Sylvia Awinja, Claris Oyunga, Sharon Ingato, and Ermiyas Males, all passionate advocates for girls’ rights, believe that CSE would be instrumental in empowering vulnerable girls by providing them with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from sexual violence and make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
The Role of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Preventing GBV
Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is a rights-based approach to teaching young people about sexuality and reproductive health. It goes beyond the basic biology of sex and reproduction, incorporating critical lessons on consent, body autonomy, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and respectful relationships. CSE has been shown to equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed choices, avoid risky behaviors, and protect themselves from sexual predators.
In Kenya, the call for CSE has been met with resistance in some quarters, with critics arguing that it could encourage promiscuity among young people. However, advocates like the Nguvu Change Leaders strongly believe that ignorance, rather than education, leaves young girls vulnerable to sexual violence and exploitation. The reality of sexual violence, as revealed in the UNICEF report, calls for a paradigm shift in how sexual and reproductive health is addressed in schools.
The Petition for CSE in Kenyan Schools
The Nguvu Change Leaders have been vocal in their demand for the Ministry of Education to implement CSE in schools. They argue that CSE will help address the root causes of sexual violence, such as lack of knowledge about sexual health, power imbalances, and harmful gender norms.
Tasline Otieno, one of the leading petitioners, has directed her appeal to the Cabinet Secretary of Education, Julius Migos Ogamba, urging him to incorporate CSE into school curricula, particularly in rural areas like Kosoko in Homabay County. According to Otieno, teenage pregnancies are rampant in these regions, with many girls unaware of the dangers of early pregnancy, including disrupted education, birth complications, and increased risks of contracting HIV/AIDS.
“Teenage girls in rural areas are especially vulnerable,” says Otieno. “They need to be educated about their bodies, their rights, and how to protect themselves from sexual violence and unplanned pregnancies. CSE is not about encouraging promiscuity; it’s about giving girls the tools they need to make informed decisions and stay safe.”
Sylvia Awinja, another Change Leader, echoes Otieno’s sentiments. In her petition, she cites the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022, which reveals that Kenya records thousands of adolescent pregnancies annually. Many of these teenagers lack basic knowledge about sexual health and the risks of HIV, further exacerbating their vulnerability.
“These girls are having sex without understanding the risks involved. They’re getting pregnant, they’re contracting HIV, and they’re dropping out of school. We need to empower them with knowledge so they can make better decisions about their sexual and reproductive health,” Awinja argues.
Claris Oyunga’s petition goes a step further, calling for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) education to be included in the junior high school curriculum. She believes that CSE will not only help girls recognize abuse but also give them the confidence to access support systems in times of crisis. “If girls are educated about their rights and the resources available to them, they are more likely to speak up when they face abuse. CSE can help them break the cycle of silence and victimization.”
Change Leader Sharon Ingato is advocating for a wide range of topics to be covered in high schools in Kakamega County, including consent, contraception, STD/STI prevention, and sexual orientation. “We cannot afford to shy away from these topics,” Ingato asserts. “Young people are already exposed to sexual content through the internet and social media. We need to guide them with factual, science-based education that helps them navigate these challenges responsibly.”
In his petition, Ermiyas Males emphasizes the need for age-appropriate, science-based, human sexuality education in Kenyan schools. He argues that such education aligns with Kenya’s constitutional rights and policies on education, protection from abuse, and reproductive health care. “CSE is about more than just preventing pregnancies and STIs,” says Males. “It’s about promoting gender equality, fostering inclusivity, and addressing diverse sexual orientations. It’s about giving young people the tools to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.”
CSE and Its Potential Impact on Kenyan Society
The Nguvu Change Leaders believe that the implementation of CSE in Kenyan schools would not only reduce the incidence of sexual violence but also have a ripple effect on other societal issues. By educating young people about consent, respect, and healthy relationships, CSE can help change the harmful gender norms that perpetuate GBV. Additionally, CSE can empower young girls to take control of their sexual and reproductive health, reducing the rates of teenage pregnancy, maternal mortality, and HIV transmission.
In their joint statement, the Nguvu Change Leaders reiterated the urgent need for CSE in light of the UNICEF report. “The harrowing statistics compel us to reignite the conversation about the urgent need for comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education. No one can afford to stay silent in light of these staggering findings. Research shows that such education can effectively reduce child sexual abuse by teaching body ownership, recognizing abusive situations, and empowering children to report to trusted adults.”
The Change Leaders are also calling on Members of Parliament to join them in advocating for the integration of CSE into the school curriculum. “This is not just a matter for the Ministry of Education. It’s a national crisis that requires the attention of all stakeholders, including lawmakers, parents, and educators.”
Overcoming Resistance to CSE
While the push for CSE has gained momentum, resistance remains from conservative groups and parents who fear that discussing sexuality with children will lead to moral decay. However, evidence from countries that have implemented CSE shows that it can have the opposite effect reducing risky sexual behaviors and delaying sexual activity among young people.
The Nguvu Change Leaders are committed to overcoming these misconceptions and ensuring that Kenyan girls have access to the education they need to stay safe and thrive.
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