“Girls Have More Challenges; They Need to Be Locked Up”: A Qualitative Study of Gender Norms and the Sexuality of Young Adolescents in Uganda
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Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International journal of environmental research and public health
Abstract
Unequal power and gender norms expose adolescent girls to higher risks of HIV, early
marriages, pregnancies and coerced sex. In Uganda, almost half of the girls below the age of 18 are
already married or pregnant, which poses a danger to the lives of young girls. This study explores
the social construction of gender norms from early childhood, and how it influences adolescents’
agency. Contrary to the mainstream theory of agency, which focuses on the ability to make informed
choices, adolescents’ agency appears constrained by context-specific obstacles. This study adopted
qualitative research approaches involving 132 participants. Of these, 44 were in-depth interviews
and 11 were focus group discussions, parcelled out into separate groups of adolescents (12–14 years),
teachers, and parents (n = 88), in Western Uganda. Data were analysed manually using open and
axial codes, and conclusions were inductive. Results show that gender norms are established early in
life, and have a very substantial impact on the agency of young adolescents. There were stereotypical
gender norms depicting boys as sexually active and girls as restrained; girls’ movements were
restricted; their sexual agency constrained; and prevention of pregnancy was perceived as a girl’s
responsibility. Programs targeting behavioural change need to begin early in the lives of young
children. They should target teachers and parents about the values of gender equality and strengthen
the legal system to create an enabling environment to address the health and wellbeing of adolescents.
Description
Keywords
gender norms, early adolescence, sexual health
Citation
Ninsiima, A. B., Leye, E., Michielsen, K., Kemigisha, E., Nyakato, V. N., & Coene, G. (2018). “Girls have more challenges; they need to be locked up”: a qualitative study of gender norms and the sexuality of young adolescents in Uganda. International journal of environmental research and public health, 15(2), 193.