The ARSRC proudly announces the 2009 SLD Fellows. The fellows were selected through a highly competitive selection process and criteria, including their outstanding leadership potential and demonstration of commitment to contribute to advancing knowledge and action in favour of healthy, respectful, responsible and pleasurable expression of sexuality in Africa. The ARSRC selected 15 young Africans from the government, academia, media and non-profit sector. The 2009 Fellows come from 7 African countries, and they share their reflections about the fellowship programme.
Abdulhamid
My participation in this fellowship has broadened my scope on sexuality as an issue that should be give more attention to achieve development on the African continent. I now understand sexuality as a broad term with linkages that can arouse a lot of debate. I work with an NGO focussed on Sexual Reproductive Health where programmes that address SRH issues such as Family Planning, SRH counselling and Advocacy on SRH are implemented. Participation in this programme also has made me to appreciate the need for a lot of more activities to be done in an ancient city like Kano with deep-rooted cultural religious beliefs as regarding SRH issues. Though, LGBT issues are not new to me, prior to this fellowship programme I had always seen LGBT as an abnormality that could not be tolerated in the society but my participation has helped me to see it as sexual expression that needs to be respected.
As part of the requirements to be fulfilled for a Bachelors degree with the department of Chemistry, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria. I worked on a thesis titled “Preliminary Phytochemical screening of some Aphrodisiac plants in Northern Nigeria” in 2004 and some of my findings revealed information about aphrodisiac substances both locally and internationally and how much people particularly men depended on them to enhance their sexual performance and derive sexual satisfaction irrespective of the health implications of such substances on themselves and their partners. More about Abdulhamid »
Bose
I have an academic background in Agricultural Economics, and my fist involvement with sexuality-related issues was when I volunteered as a peer educator on Adolescent Reproductive Health and HIV prevention programme. And over the years, I have had my skills enhanced and knowledge upgraded in Gender Mainstreaming, Basics of Health Economics, Project Development and Community mobilization.
Participating in the 2009 SLDF is a great privilege, which has greatly expanded my horizon in the field of human sexuality studies as it concerns sexually diverse groups. In addition, the skills building workshops have positioned me to be a better advocate for human sexuality. The issues discussed has helped me to focus on a specific area of human sexuality and challenged me to break the silence surrounding human sexuality especially as it concerns LGBTQI, the physically challenged and the aged.
The fellowship has also provided me with the opportunity to meet and network with young professionals from across Africa, and I look forward to networking that will outlive this fellowship. More about Bose »
Caroline
I began to doubt my qualifications for SLDF several days before my arrival. What could I, as someone in economic development research, contribute while my peers were coming from seemingly more relevant areas? How could I speak for the particularities of Ghana, my current home, when I was neither a native nor a long-term resident? But, I was excited. I expected to learn about the different lenses in which we can work in sexuality, to engage with others and to identify spaces for opportunities in the development-sexuality nexus.
The program has definitely met my expectations. I surprised myself with what I already knew and understood, yet every session raised new questions or highlighted important linkages in a different way. In looking through my notes, there are ideas identified for further exploration: education and dynamics of intimate spheres; HIV infection and responsibility; gendered scripts, etc. The sessions on Pleasure; Femininities and Masculinities; and Development strongly reinforced my interest in these areas. I have also become interested in sexuality and ageing.
It has been exciting to be amongst this group of dynamic and diverse people interested in discussing and grappling with difficult issues. Actually, I had a feeling of homecoming – having found “my people” – which makes our departure bittersweet. I am now more aware that one finds communities in different places, but most importantly, it starts with having conversations and being willing to share oneself and be open. In particular, two of our facilitators, Dorothy Aken’Ova and Rolake Odetoyinbo, reinforced this idea for me.
This experience also involved a personal struggle with silence and listening. In discussions on sexual diversity, I often chose to be silent. As a member of the LGBT community, I wanted to listen and give space to others to speak. I did not want to be attacked or to feel like I had to defend the entire community. Sexuality starts with the personal yet requires us to move outside of the personal to understand, observe and work within our contexts.
Overall, the SLDF experience has provided a toolkit of knowledge and resources on sexuality in Africa, has made me more conversant with the debates, and has clarified (and illustrated) the many linkages between development and sexuality. I’m excited about taking this forward. More about Caroline »
Christine
“We have no moral ground to tell victims of sexual violence to come out and tell their experiences if we are not going to support them. Hell can never be worse than secondary victimising.” Call for action. Josephine Effah-Chukwumah, one of the facilitators, exaggeration mine.
As a young scholar, coming from a sociological back ground, my ambition plane has been hovering around all issues affecting society. The experience of the two-week intense training is already shaping my thought process. I am able to see with a clearer vision the issues of sexuality, sexual rights, sexual violence, and HIV/AIDS in the Kenyan society and link them to development processes. I wish to pursue this field further. I have a keen interest in sexual violence especially against children and it is my desire to contribute to this cause in words and action all my life. I still ponder on how to include men and other actors in the fight against child abuse. More about Christine »
Dalia
My experience with SLDF takes me back to the highlights of my expectations from this fellowship. Which were to be informed on both theoretical and practical levels as well as to develop the skills needed to be a leader and advocate in sexuality issues and I can say that my expectations were met and surpassed. My mind was intellectually challenged several times and I had to rethink several issues I thought I was very clear about such as issues of masculinity and femininity. A lot of the discussions also bordered on issues that had never crossed my mind before, such as paternal instinct for LGBTQI and sexual and reproductive rights for people with disabilities. I have also become more aware of the fact that sexuality is not a fixed system; rather it is a dynamic process responsive to political, social, economic and religious circumstances. It is important to first to be comfortable with our own sexuality as well as be revolutionary and critical toward the embedded norms concerning sexual issues in our community before addressing sexuality issues in our society. This fellowship has ignited a desire in me to work on this issues and I hope to be part of the growing network of sexuality professionals across Africa. More about Dalia »
Eloho
It’s been an exciting two weeks and the training has been a wonderful package from Action Health Incorporate (AHI), the Africa Regional Sexuality Resource Centre (ARSRC) and also from my sponsors, HP4RY/IDRC project. Taking into cognisance my reservations about the training before my arrival going through the sub – themes, I wondered what the relevance of the training was going to be, especially the theme on sexual pleasure. To me, it was inappropriate and against what I considered to be moral especially considering my religious background as a Catholic and my staunch views about the issues of sexuality. I got an overview on the first day of the workshop into what to expect over the next few days when the issues of sexual orientation and pleasure came up and the emphasis seem to be on recognizing the sexual rights of LGBTQI, and what was also beautifully coined as ‘erotic justice’ However, I gradually became more comfortable and receptive towards the content of the training. The sessions and the resource persons were excellent, the themes and content were all relevant and aptly delivered. I believe this training will impact my life positively breaking barriers of ignorance on sexuality issues both the individual and also in my career; with the ongoing research back home on adolescent and HIV and AIDS prevention in Edo State; I now have a clearer view of the behavioural pattern of adolescents as being a response to sexuality issues that are unique to their environment. My Interest has been stimulated and I intend to develop an independent research path along the line of development studies focusing on one key aspect of sexuality. More about Eloho »
Hauwa
As a journalist working with state radio corporation my perception of issues of sexuality before coming to this program was limited to child molestation, maternal mortality and gender based violence, which is covered frequently in the media in Kano state, and dealing with such issues has been seen as an agenda for the Kano state government by its citizens.
Sexual and Reproductive health issues cannot be discussed in the public sphere in Kano due to its conservative Muslim population hence limiting the access to factual information. My scope of knowledge on issues relating to sexuality and development has been expanded by attending this training and In addition, what I have learnt personally during my stay at the centre has challenged me to make use of my position as a broadcaster to bring up discussion relating to sexuality issues that are in context of my environment through radio broadcast as a tool to reach people and discuss these issues. The Kano radio frequency covers the nineteen northern states in Nigeria and also extends to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic thus creating awareness in these areas. More about Hauwa »
Helen
Coming from a medical background and also working in the area of reproductive health for all my career life, my interface with sexuality issues was along the lines of mortality and morbidity, the disease paradigm. I was excited to attend the course since I knew that I was going to learn a lot and gain new insights. I came with an open mind. There are so many things that I heard about for the first time at this training.
I applied for participation at the 2009 SLDF program because of my interest in human sexuality, particularly relating to adolescents sexual and reproductive health and rights. Prior to my participation in this event, I had the following opinion as regards to sexual health:
- Masturbation is an act by oneself to relieve the tension and urge for sex. I also believed that it was not a healthy habit because it might inhibit sexual satisfaction in marriage my view had no scientific basis, and no research findings revealed that masturbation has any negative effect; I simply refused to see it as a ‘healthy’ habit.
- I always thought that homosexuality as a form of sexual perversion, and homosexuals as insane people needing therapy and spiritual deliverance.
However, with my participation in 2009 SLDF, I had the opportunity to interact with and learn from sexuality professionals and now, I can enlighten my peers and mentees on issues such as the fact that masturbation has absolutely no negative or harmful effect to one’s self and ultimately leads to self discovery for maximum sexual pleasure and also the knowledge gained from values clarification session on sexual identity and sexual orientation has given me more understanding me and empowered me to respect individuals sexual identity and sexual orientation.
I believe that I have been empowered to begin to make a contribution in the field of sexual health and rights in Africa. More about Helen »
Joy
I had an opportunity to share my personal and country experiences with other participants and also learn about sexuality issues in their various countries. I also met and related with experts in the field Sexual Health and Rights and this is an opportunity for networking and also mentoring.
My participation in SLDF has led me to make the following decisions:
- To include advocacy for sexual health and rights in my work and give sexuality issues the space they deserve so that we can achieve total development and improve RH indicators.
- To network and share best practices from my country with other participants and other sexuality professionals in Africa through various channels and also seek collaborations and partnerships on mutually beneficial projects and programmes.
More about Joy »
Omolade
Prior to my participation at SLDF, my knowledge base on sexuality was limited to sex in terms of biology and sexual activities and also a strong belief against different sexual orientation. But having decided to expand my understanding and knowledge base on Sexuality issues, I listened to the various issues discussed.
The presentations by members of the faculty enabled me to clearly understand the concepts of sexuality. I had a clear understanding of definitions and of key terms such as sexuality, sex, gender, sexuality orientation, sexual rights and pleasure and the direct impact of sexuality on development.
Furthermore, the values clarification sessions helped to increase my tolerance for different sexual orientations other than heterosexuality and by this, I understand that, all human being have the right to sexual expression as it is a function of basic human right and dignity.
The best part of this workshop for me is the session on sexuality and development, thinking sexuality in terms of local, national and international development has helped to shape and define my area of focus. I see an opportunity to explore and apply my statistical skills to collecting, collating, analyzing, interpreting and disseminating scientifically verified data which will form a body of evidence in the area of transactional sex and its impact on national development.
I was also able to network with other fellows thus expanding my social and professional network. I leave SLDF 2009 an enlightened fellow equipped with resources to enable me build the capacity of others in making informed decision about their sexuality. More about Omoloade »
Peter
The strong encouragement to continue doing the work I do with adolescents will fore sure be evident in the zeal with which I plan to embark on implementation of our ICT based comprehensive ASRH&R curriculum called World Starts With Me (WSWM) not just in the few selected school but in the region (Kenya and our friendly neighbours). I am seeing the possibility of having the government adopt this WSWM for all schools in the horizon. This goal is set and the energy in abundant.
The opportunity for establishing networks with other stakeholders in the field was provided in the fellowship. Fellows gathered from all areas of Africa and from all fields, some from civil societies focused on poverty eradication, others on population development, others from government ministries, capacity developers and some came to 'defend the integrity of the clitoris'. This mix of people proved beyond doubt that sexuality is interwoven in all our spheres of life. Nigeria specifically from the fellows and the conveners I amassed a wealth of information on the working of the schools sexual heath and family life curriculum from Action Health Incorporated in Nigeria and through their process I appreciate the gains made by those before me in Kenya. The fellows’ network has suggested solutions to any problems including my worst area Monitoring and Evaluation where help is coming from the participant from Sudan.
The greatest achievement of the fellowship for me was in capacity building sessions in advocacy, planning, implementation monitoring and evaluation of programmes.
The experiences of the fellowship will clearly drive my energies to bring sexuality and reproductive health education in the curriculum of Kenya schools. More about Peter »
Sam
My journey to SLDF with the 19th World Association for Sexual Heath (WAS) conference held in Gothenburg, Sweden, 21st to 25th June 2009. During the conference, I presented a manuscript titled, “An interplay of Individual Motivations and Social Cultural Factors Predisposing Men to Acts of Rape in Kenya”. The manuscript won the WAS award for the best manuscript presented at the conference. This award was a turning point in my life and I was given an opportunity to attend the SLDF, I knew that I would have an amazing experience. Days before the program, I constantly thought about leadership and what it means to be a leader and truly I wanted to know how I could be one.
I must say now that after going through this intensive training, the SLDF program has made me a leader in the area of sexuality. It has equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to explore and conduct action-oriented researches on any sexuality issue. In addition, using the knowledge that I have gained from the program, I hope to change the “negative” perception of the people I interact with regards to sexuality debates. I hope to achieve this by writing and presenting papers at national, regional and international forums.
As an anthropologist, I am hoping to further my skills in sexuality research and theories by pursuing a PhD with a concentration on sexual gender-based violence starting next year. My main focus is how to effectively involve men and boys in primary prevention of Sexual Gender based violence at the global level. More about Sam »
Wilson
It was amazing to attend the 2009 Sexuality Leadership Development Fellowship in Lagos Nigeria, more so adopting a name for the fellowship period ‘Postinor’ symbolizing the urgency of Emergency Contraception for women and girls who have suffered sexual violence for more than 2 decades in the war devastated Northern Uganda region. I have been modelled to begin thinking outside the box, experience a twist in the attitude of looking at the broader view of the world as hopeless and the smaller view as frustrating in which all ends into despair, Attainment of Human Dignity for all has been my take home!
Basic human rights include sexuality that should not be perceived as a charity, but as a basic human right which all persons are entitled. The advocacy for a fundamental shift from charity/service delivery to human rights moves the weak in our societies from a position of powerlessness to a position of vulnerability to a position of strength and therefore from a position of powerlessness to a position where they are empowered. A big ‘thumbs up’ to the organizers and facilitators of this historic programme! More about Wilson »
|
