| The
demographic bulge of young people in Africa,
where youth make up 40 percent or more of
the population, presents a unique opportunity
to renew and grow the continent’s social
and economic capital. As part of the life
course, the youthful years establish the building
blocks necessary for productive adulthood.
Historically, research has focused on the
timing of externally identified transition
events - completing education, taking up employment,
establishing independent households, sexual
debut, marriage, and parenthood. Few studies
have focused on young people’s conception
of their transition to adulthood, what they
conceive adulthood to mean, and how their
development is facilitated or hindered by
structural conditions. Read
full article.
By Linda Richter and Saadhna Panday |
Discourses
on sexuality in Africa have evolved from procreation
and marriage to pleasure and enjoyment (made
easier by the availability of condoms). These
current discourses are creating conflict between
different generations. The majority of adolescents
see themselves as more 'modern' than their
parents. They see their sexual expression
as being independent, and they see themselves
as people who have outgrown tradition and
who are embracing the global culture. 
There
is a growing concern about the state of sexual
and reproductive health of the young people
in Africa. The concern is over the generally
poor condition of the sexual and reproductive
health of youth on the continent and the HIV
epidemic as indicated in the Millennium Development
Goals. Other areas of concern include the
generational conflicts arising from the attempts
by older people to control the sexuality of
the younger generations; especially girls.
This preliminary research aims to update our
knowledge of changes in adolescent sexual
behaviours in Africa. The main question of
this enquiry is: Are there discernible changes
in the last few years with respect to the
sexual behaviour of youth? Are the current
claims, that youth are engaging in sexual
activity early, valid? Are there any gender
and time differences associated with these
perceived changes? The answers to these questions
are important to inform sexuality and reproductive
health programming. 