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Report of the Youth Sexuality Institute at the 3rd Africa Conference on Sexual Health and Rights

A two- day programme geared towards creating a generation of young people with a positive view about human sexuality and who are empowered to make safe and responsible choices was born at the Sexuality Institute which took place from February 5-6, 2008 in Abuja, Nigeria. The programme which was part of the 3rd Africa Conference on Sexual Health and Rights had many young people aged 18-24 years in attendance.

Sessions were facilitated by Action Health Incorporated (AHI) along with some partner NGOs namely, AMANITARE, GPI, LRRDC, IPAS, UNFPA, CRR, BAOBAB for Women's Rights, NACA, PATA, Project Alert, IWHC, PPFA-I, and CHESTRAD.

The Youth Sexuality Institute provided an opportunity for participants to develop a better understanding of their sexuality; clarify their values and affirm their sexual health and rights. It also aimed to build their capacity to prevent violation of their bodily integrity, take care of their sexual health, and express love and intimacy in responsible ways.

Sessions focused on enabling participants improve their ability to:

Clarify values around sexuality and respect that of others;
Effectively communicate sexuality issues with family, peers and partners;
Avoid exploitative and manipulative relationships;
Practice abstinence and prevent unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortions and sexually transmitted infections including HIV; and
Engage in relationships that are characterized by honesty, equity and responsibility

The Executive Director, AHI, Mrs. Nike Esiet in her welcome address, encouraged participants to be active during the sessions and make adequate contributions to the development of a youth statement that would be presented at the closing ceremony of the 3 rd African Conference on Sexual Health and Rights.

Various goodwill messages were presented by eminent professionals. Mr. Nonofo Molefhi, MP (Member of Parliament, Botswana) encouraged the young people to go beyond their country and take responsibility for change and be allowed to be carried on their mother's wing. Dr. Adebunmi Odiakosa, Chairperson, Board of Trustee, AHI advised the young people to ask themselves "are the adult holding young people's right or are the young people in control of it?". You are here to change and change you must achieve. Prof. Bene Madunagwu, Executive Director, GPI highlighted the importance of learning about sexuality which would influence other youths who are not privileged to be here. Ms. Rolake Odetoyinbo, Project Director, PATA expressed her excitement for the Institute as more young people can come together to share and learn experiences about HIV. She shared her experiences on her 10-year positive living with HIV and the challenges faced during these periods. She also shared experiences of young people being born into HIV and now in school facing double stigma. Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi, Senior Program Officer, Ford Foundation, congratulated everyone for being part of the programme. He stated that unsafe sex is now recognized as the second risk factor in sexual health after malnutrition. "The way to solve a problem is to work within the centre of the problem. It is very important that young people be the centre of the solution to the problems. "We are here as emerging leaders, what does it mean to be a leader? An effective leader must have a vision, with the 3Cs (Courage, Competence, & Communication). The art of leadership in Africa is lacking in personal experience. We should endeavor to have role models not just one", he concluded.

Furthermore, various presentations on key issues of sexuality were made. These were: Defining Sex & Sexuality by Mrs. Nike Esiet; Gender & Sexual Rights by Prof. Bene Madunagwu; Unwanted Teenage Pregnancy and Unsafe Abortions by Ms. Sarah Onyango; Maternal Mortality and Morbidity and Youth by Dr. Lucy Idoko; Introduction to HIV/AIDS by Ms. Rolake Odetoyinbo, PATA; Gender Based Violence and Youths by Ms. Josephine Effah-Chukwuma; Sexual Rights of Youths in International and Regional Instruments by Mrs. Ayodele Atsenuwa; Young people and HIV/AIDS by Miss Aminat Alli while that of building Loving and Mutually Rewarding Relationships was handled by Miss. Petra Okeke; The Implications of a Rights-Based Approach to Sexual Health by Ms. Onyema Afulukwe; Making The Case for Young People's Sexual Health and Rights by Ms. Sindi Medar-Gould; Overview of Advocacy and Partnerships for Promoting the Youth Agenda by Lyn Messner; Basic Advocacy Strategies by Ms. Milcah Makato; Building Advocacy Partnership by Ms. Laural Villa etc.

There were also group work and discussions and progress made and further actions required were highlighted during the programme.

After, the group work participants listened to a voice over of Deji and Adaku's dilema and asked which of the two people can Adaku tell her problem to? The session was very participatory and participants learnt skills on building responsible relationships.

The Youth Sexuality Institute came to an end with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Nike Esiet and certificates were issued to participants who presented a joint Youth Statement during the 3 rd Africa Conference on Sexual Health and Rights in Abuja.