Tasline Otieno- Nguvu Change Leader: PHOTO[COURTESY]
A silent crisis has been unfolding for years in the small village of Kosoko, nestled in Kenya’s Homabay County. Teenage pregnancy, a pervasive issue affecting nearly every household, has cast a long shadow over the dreams and aspirations of countless young girls. It’s a story all too familiar to Tasline Otieno, a passionate advocate and Nguvu Change Leader, who has made it her mission to break this cycle of early motherhood and lost opportunities.
“You cannot go by three homesteads without pointing to a young teenage mother who has either dropped out of school or been married off at a tender age,” Tasline explains. “These girls are struggling to raise children amidst abject poverty, their dreams either dead or indefinitely delayed.”
But for Tasline, the consequences of teenage pregnancy extend far beyond shattered ambitions. She points out the grim realities these young mothers face: increased risks of birth complications, HIV/AIDS infection, postpartum depression, and gender-based violence (GBV). It’s a multifaceted crisis that not only affects individuals but entire communities.
The root of the problem, Tasline believes, lies in the lack of proper education and open dialogue about sexual and reproductive health. “For either cultural reasons or lack of information, most parents are unable to talk to their children about sex,” she notes. This silence creates a dangerous vacuum, often filled by “skewed or biased information from sex predators targeting these minors.”
Recognizing that this issue extends far beyond her village, Tasline cites alarming statistics: in 2020, the Kenyan government recorded a staggering 151,000 teenage pregnancy cases in just six months. It’s a national crisis that demands immediate attention and action.
Driven by these stark realities, Tasline has launched a petition calling for the inclusion of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in the Kenyan school curriculum. Her vision is clear: to provide age-appropriate, concrete information on sexuality to both girls and boys, empowering them to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.
“For gender parity to be realized, both girls and boys must be taught about risky sexual behaviors,” Tasline argues. “They need to understand what to expect should they decide to be involved in early sexual encounters. Proper information will also deter adult sexual predators from taking advantage of young girls.”
Tasline’s approach to advocacy is as nuanced as it is passionate. When faced with critics who argue that CSE might encourage early sexual activity, she takes the time to understand their perspective before educating them on the importance of comprehensive education. She emphasizes the need for healthy dialogue, debunking myths surrounding sexual and reproductive health rights, and involving key community stakeholders in the conversation.
The petition Tasline has put forward is more than just a call for curriculum change; it’s a roadmap for societal transformation. It promotes open discussions, challenges cultural taboos, and seeks to create a supportive environment where young people can access the information they need to protect their health and rights.
“Age-appropriate concrete information on sexuality will not only ensure that these young boys and girls live healthy lives and grow to become responsible adults,” Tasline asserts, “but it will also give them the power necessary to take control of their lives and their future.”
As Tasline continues her fight for Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Kenya, she calls on individuals, communities, and organizations to join her cause. Whether through participation in public forums, promoting open dialogue, or helping design policies that are acceptable to communities, every action counts in this crucial battle for gender equality and youth empowerment.
