Gifts and Lifts influence Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) decisions of Young People in rural Uganda.

From 15th to 18th October 2019, under a project entitled Her Right, Her Voice supported by AmplifyChange, we have visited 7 public schools holding discussions with pupils on some on the factors that influence the poor sexual reproductive health decisions leading to early sex that in the end force young people to drop out of school. Unfortunately, learners in rural Lyantonde walk an average of 3- 6 km to school every day. While some girls have persisted and continued to walk to school and back home on a daily basis, others choose to take an easier route of accessing lifts from motorcycle riders locally known as bodaboda riders. Many girls’ access lifts from bodaboda riders and some feel obligated to return sexual favors in exchange for lifts.

Farming and cattle rearing is a key activity in rural Lyantonde and parents usually hire casual laborers to support in these activities. Unfortunately when these laborers access money they use it to seduce girls into sexual relationships. Girls continue to receive gifts such as mathematical sets, sodas, cakes and cash and in return they engage in sex for these gifts.

·         We are focusing on raising awareness among learners on the dangers of gifts and lifts, how they influence poor SRHR decisions leading to early sex, teenage pregnancies and forced marraiges.

·         Reminding parents of their roles and responsibilities in providing young people with accurate sexual reproductive health information as well as providing their children with basic necessities. Emphasis is as well put on parenting emphasizing being firm, fair and friendly.

·         We plan to conduct SRHR advocacy meeting focusing on bodaboda riders. These will highlight dangers of lifts to in school young people.

For more information, please contact: admin@ncduganda.org