| dc.description.abstract | Gender refers to the Social Construction of Men and Women. Gender disparity has been
known to perpetuate inequalities that cause women and men to have less access to and
control over economic resources. It is noteworthy that differences between young
women and young men affect mostly women's sexual relationship.
Young people of age 30 constitutes over 30% and 40% when stretched to 40 years. Yet
this is the most neglected groups in reproductive health services and education. Uzima's
project on reproductive health endeavors to equip youth with knowledge and skills in
understanding the maturation of the body and management of sexuality. There is a
notable achievement in this project. However, there is also a notable disparity in
leadership responsibilities in favor of young men. This disparity has a profound effect on
the sexual behavior of the youth. This research project is set out to identify contributing
factors and effects on the sexual behavior of the youth.
Study findings corroborates with other studies on sexual behavior of the youth. Studies
show that youth are sexually active. Girls begin sexual activity at an earlier age than
boys. A Kenya Demographic Health Survey (1998) shows that majority of the youth in
Kenya _aresexually active by the age of 16.
Several factors have been documented as b"eing- contributive to this scenario. -The
influence is in regard to psycho-social, environmental and ysiological factors. Findings
relate the behavior on the transitional nature of the youth that is characterized by both
hormonal and social urge for identity. It is notable that girls mature very quickly and
eventually attracting older men. However, behavioral scientists argue that the extent and
level of social interaction influences the sexual behavior of the youth.
It is also reported that majority of young people in Kenya are infected with the dreaded
HIV and AIDS pandemic. Similarly, young women are said to be more vulnerable than
young men due to physiological, cultural and social differences between young women
and young men. Besides, the society in Kenya is patriarchal and therefore, favors young
men to young women.
The study was carried out in 3. provinces of Kenya, namely Nyanza, Western and
Nairobi. Information was gathered .from 9 Field officers holding senior positions in the
organization, 3 from each province. Data was then collected on the sexual behavior of the
youth including sexual patterns, age at sexual debut, participation in community activities
and effects of Uzima reproductive health project to the youth. The objectives were; to
identify the effects of gender disparity on the sexual behavior of the youth and find out
the influence ofUZIMA Reproductive Health project on the sexual behavior of the youth.
Semi-structured questions were used to collect information from key informants.
Purposive sampling method was used to get information from program areas and control
groups selected from communities and youth who are not in Uzima Programs.
Findings from the study were as follows;
Youth are sexually active and majority begins sexual activity at an early age
between 9-13. Girls begin sexual behavior at early age than boys.
Majority of the youth have multiple sexual partners. However, the trend differs
between girls and boys.
c Married youth have sexual partners b.esid-es their spouses. -
!J There is positive _sexual behavior change among young people ill UZIMA - -reproductive health activities as compared to control groups.
Reproductive health programs and activities encourage youth to practice safe sex
through use of contraceptives and abstinence.
Ea Participation in UZlMA group activities have improved the interpersonal
communication skills among the youth
Uzima youth are assertive and are able to negotiate effectively on matters related
to sex.
IParents contribute to gender disparity by discouraging the girls from participating
in community projects for fear of girls getting pregnant.
Recommendations from community leaders and parents and the youth touched on various
issues. These included;
Policy
• Gender Mainstrearning in Reproductive Health Policies and processes.
• Provision of comprehensive health services including voluntary testing, treatment
and prevention of teenage pregnancy, STI/AIDS.
• Link prevention, care and support to individual and community behavior.
• Encourage a comprehensive behavior change approach involving the community
and stakeholders on a gender disaggregated bases.
• -Mainstream gender in all Policies.
Programs
• Comprehensive Reproductive health education programs
• Comprehensive Behavior change communication programmes and messages
that is broad based including Faith-based, Civil society and governments.
Involvement of youth in community programmes and activities
Recognition of gender roles perspective in reproductive health education
Equity in empowerment of the yooth..in socio-economic and political sphere,
especially reducing the workload of women from their practical gender needs.
v Gender desegregated tools for monitoring and evaluation of reproductive
health programs.
Improving access to productive assets, legal status for women ownership of
property, education and rights to use of common property.
Allowing equal opportunities in decision-making and pay for comparative
jobs even if there is a gender division oflabour. | en |
