A gender perspective of the risky sexual behaaviour among out of school adolescents: A case study of selected communities in Lusaka districts
The UN conference dealing with issues to do with gender equality in all areas and at all levels were heighten during the fourth UN conference in Beijing in 1995 (Commonwealth Youth Programme, 1997). Several commitments were made by member states and key areas of particular importance to young people such as achieving gender equality for young women and girls were advanced. Whilst, a basic framework for action for member states to follow was drawn up, Zambia seems to be sluggish in attaining these key areas of particular importance especially among the vulnerable subgroups. Statistics obtained from the ZSBS (2009), show that young women and girls still face negative cultural attitudes and practices in their sexual behaviour thereby hindering them reach their full potential. This study, henceforth, was instigated to examine the reasons responsible for the high levels of unprotected sexual activity among out of school adolescents; to identify the major sources of information on sexual health matters and gender issues among out of school adolescents; to assess the gender related attitudes and beliefs in the risky sexual behaviour among out of school adolescents with a view to recommend appropriate strategies that would help address these sexual health and gender concerns in a culturally relevant and gender sensitive manner. The aim of the study was accomplished through a cross sectional descriptive survey of 250 respondents among out of school adolescents from Jack and Hellen Kaunda communities in Lusaka District. An interviewer administered questionnaire, focus group discussion guide and in-depth interview were used to collect the data. The study disclosed that a number of factors are at play for the high levels of unprotected sexual activity among out of school adolescents in the selected communities. It was noted that, high levels of negative gender beliefs and attitudes, restrictive cultural beliefs, impersonal sources of information, ignorance and substance abuse as some of the common factors contributing to the high levels of unprotected sexual activity among out of school adolescents. Based on the findings of this study, it is highly recommended that the task of improving knowledge and awareness of gender issues and sexual education for out of school adolescents be engaged with. Gender sensitization should be made an integral part of various sexual and reproductive health programmes being carried out by various organizations. The information being given to adolescents in communities must seriously address issues of gender and help young people acquire skills to cope with negative sexual pressure. Community authorities must accentuate on informal education that will focus on sexual and gender education through informal community discussions for young people for them to be able to adopt more positive sexual behaviours. It is also quite cardinal that more complete and accurate disaggregated data on different experiences and conditions of unprotected sex and knowledge of important gender issues among out of school adolescents (15-19 years) is collected if the most vulnerable young people in poorer household and rural areas are to be reached.
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