Jozika Kauapirura
AS we marked International Women’s Day on 8 March, it was crucial to reflect on the essence of womanhood.
While acknowledging the greatness of women as individuals, this piece aims to steer our attention towards the pressing issues that women and girls continue to face.
Celebrating womanhood means prioritising discussions on topics such as women’s sexual reproductive rights, which remain at the forefront of gender equality struggles.
One glaring example of this struggle was the shortage of contraceptives in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This unfortunate circumstance, in my opinion, was particularly distressing during lockdown periods when individuals were confined to their homes. With limited access to contraception, the natural desire towards reproduction was heightened, contributing to an increase in teenage pregnancies.
However, it is important to recognise that teenage pregnancy is not solely attributed to the lack of contraception. While refraining from apportioning blame, it is evident that the root causes lie in the deficiency of adequate and accessible resources.
At 17, I made the transition from Windhoek International School to Concordia College, a move that brought me from one side of a highway to what felt like an entirely different world. While the distance between the schools was minimal, the cultural and social landscapes could not have been more contrasting.
At Windhoek International School, the topic of teenage pregnancy was seldom discussed, if at all. It seemed like something out of a distant tale, whispered among friends who knew someone who knew someone who had experienced it. It was distant, almost abstract.
However, upon arriving at Concordia, I was confronted with a stark reality.
Here, teenage pregnancy was not just a rumour, but a visible part of everyday life. Walking through the halls, I could not help but notice pupils in uniform displaying their baby bumps. It was a jarring realisation that what had seemed a far-off possibility was, in fact, a prevalent issue in public schools. I was however very happy that the girls who fell pregnant still prioritised their education and did not let pregnancy hold them back.
During my time at Concordia, I had this fascinating ability to interrupt my developmental studies teacher to talk about what is deemed “inappropriate”.
Often, these topics I brought forward were turned into debates, and I so very vividly remember one girl saying to me, “Jozika go talk to your parents about these things, we don’t feel comfortable talking about sex in class”.
A few months down the line she stopped attending class altogether. We later found out that she had fallen pregnant.
Two more girls proceeded to fall pregnant in my class alone. Another one fell pregnant shortly after graduating from high school. It struck me then that while my discussions were labelled as inappropriate, it was the silence surrounding sex, pregnancy prevention, contraception, and STDs that was truly problematic.
Failure to openly address these subjects only increases the likelihood of teenage pregnancy and other related issues.
Teenagers often appear to be more concerned about contracting HIV than becoming pregnant, yet they still do not prioritise using condoms. The misconception that discussing sex education encourages sexual activity is deeply flawed. Teenagers are inherently curious and driven by intense hormones, which is a natural part of adolescence. Instead of stigmatising this curiosity, it is crucial to engage in open conversations with them. It is important to clarify that being curious and experiencing sexual desires are normal aspects of growing up.
However, within this curiosity, it is vital to promote safe sexual practices. Safe sex encompasses more than just using condoms; it also involves regular testing for sexually transmitted infections, utilising other forms of contraception, understanding sexual reproductive health, and obtaining consent.
The argument often heard — “If you don’t want to get pregnant, do not have sex” oversimplifies a complex issue. It fails to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of human sexuality and the various reasons why individuals engage in sexual activity beyond reproduction. By solely focusing on abstinence as the solution to preventing pregnancy, it disregards the reality that many teenagers will still explore their sexuality. This approach may leave them ill-equipped to make informed decisions about their sexual health and relationships.
Instead, comprehensive sex education aims to provide teenagers with a holistic understanding of sexuality, including information about contraception, STD prevention, consent, and healthy relationships.
By addressing these topics openly and honestly, educators can empower teenagers to make responsible choices regarding their sexual health and well-being. Even at 21 years old, I still harbour significant fears about pregnancy and all the consequences associated with sexual activity.
To me, it still feels like teenage pregnancy, and I firmly believe individuals should refrain from engaging in sexual activity until their reproductive systems have fully matured.
While I view sex as unnecessary from the age of 12 to 17, I am adamant that comprehensive sex education should be the top priority.
Furthermore, I advocate mandatory provision of birth control, such as condoms, in every school’s restroom and the prioritisation of comprehensive sex education from grades 6 to 12. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us commit to empowering women and girls through education, access to resources, and open dialogue. By addressing the challenges, they face and advocating their rights, we move closer to a world where women are truly empowered to make choices that impact their lives positively.
*Jozika Kauapirura is a 21-year-old Namibian advocate for comprehensive sexual education in public and private schools alike. She writes in her personal capacity.