Growing up in the rural expanses of Nyanza, sex education was shrouded in silence. The mere mention of sexuality was taboo, a subject too laden with sin and shame to approach openly. In my community, conversations around sex were either hushed whispers or outright denials, deeply rooted in the belief that any discussion could lead…
Empowering adolescent girls to embrace their sexuality without shame
Growing up in Kenya, I’ve observed how conversations around sexuality, especially for adolescent girls, are often limited, filled with stigma, and dominated by silence. Whether in families, schools, or community settings, many young girls navigate their changing bodies and emotions with little guidance. As an advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), I’ve…
“Sexual Freedom”
“Sexual Freedom”, I read aloud the two words in front of my 70-year-old granny and I watched her shift uncomfortably in her chair, knowing then and there that my mission was complete. What mission was that I know you wonder, and the answer is very simple: I wanted to see whether or not my grandmother…
The power of self
There is still such stigma around young women going to get tested for HIV. It’s almost implied that you shouldn’t get tested, and not that you shouldn’t be having unprotected sex. Luckily, there are new options. Supermarkets and pharmacies are increasingly stocking home HIV tests that you can buy and use in your own space…
Love, sex and STIs
Disclaimer: The following are the views of the author and should not be taken as medical advice. Please speak to a health professional to seek medical advice. So often you get into a relationship, things become serious and you start being intimate with that person. The classic boy meets girl, they fall in love and…
#AIDS2018 conference reflection…..now back to reality
It has been a week since the AIDS 2018 conference in Amsterdam ended. Before I get back into my everyday routine or even plan for the few remaining months of the year, I would like to reflect and share my thoughts on this year’s conference. It is reported to be the biggest conference with more…
My expectations for the #AIDS 2018 Conference
I am a young African woman who strongly believes that a world where young women and girls have control over their sexual health is possible. I have quite a lot of expectations for the upcoming International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2018) in Amsterdam. These conferences are for me always a good time to reconnect with amazing…
If you like it, put a ring in it! The intravaginal ring that may soon be a life changer in the sexual and reproductive health arena
This post was originally published on the IMPT Blog. For more information about multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) or the Initiative for MPTs click here. Yes! Yes! We soon may have a ring for our vaginas! I know what you are thinking; vaginal rings have been here since sliced bread. True, but what’s new about this…