Words of wisdom This picture

Every time we liberate a woman, was taken in

Bwindi:
we liberate a man. ~Margaret Mead
You can get
Whether women are better than men a copy of
I cannot say - but I can say they are Straight Talk
in your
certainly no worse. ~Golda Meir community
where you
Boys and girls, be committed to respecting each
other. You have a right and responsibility to make see this
safe choices for now and the future. signpost.
008
4 No.7 August 2
Vol. 1

Unlimited by gender
W hat would you think if you saw a
male nurse or a male secretary?
Or women playing "mweso" while their
husbands fetch water and carry babies?
Seems strange to you? You may have
some gender bias.

What comes to your mind when you see

the word gender? You may say gender is
ideas and expectations people have about
being a male or female. These expectations
could be in terms of roles, behaviour,
characteristics, values or abilities associated
with being male or female.

Domestic duties such as fetching water and

taking care of children are traditionally
considered women's work. But males too
can do these duties. There is no such thing as a man's or a woman's job.
Men and women can share work equally for a better life and development.
Apart from giving birth, which is dictated by
biology, men can do everything that women
can do and females can do everything that
men can do. Gender also refers to opportu-
Girl mechanics at work
nities associated with being male and female Helen and Olivia fix cars. To them it is natural to
and the relationships between women and change oil and look under the bonnets at
men and girls and boys. Zezziwe Automobile Vocational Training Insti-
Gender expectations are socially con- tute in Kalerwe, Kampala.
structed and learned as you grow and
interact with other people. They vary from "I have loved mechanics since childhood, so I
society to society and can change. joined this institute after S6. "Says Helen 23, "My
friends thought this was a man's career and that
Drop your gender bias. Support equal male mechanics would harass me. But that
choices and opportunities for all. didn't stop me."

You simply need to be the best that you can be at

whatever you do. Anyone can do anything. Helen Bakanansa and Olivia Mukota check under the car bonnet

Gender and HIV

Girls, you can do technical education or
sciences. They are for both boys and girls.

In most societies there are differences and inequalities

Cooking makes me happy
between females and males in responsibilities given, Kaddu Mukasa Kironde
activities done, access to and control over resources, plus II (KK) has been cooking
decision-making opportunities. Because of these for at least the past 40
differences and inequalities women and girls have fewer years. He realised that
rights, lower education and health status. They also have cooking is not just for
less access to resources and decision making than men. girls, a long time ago.
This makes girls and women powerless and vulnerable to
HIV. Promote gender equality in your home and school. “The cooking industry is
Start by thinking about your views towards the girls and one of the most active in
boys you interact with. Positive gender attitudes contribute Uganda. It sustains a lot
to the reduction in the spread of HIV. of people. You can make
money from food.”
Do not let gender attitudes influence your choices about relationships, sex and your
future.Whether you are a girl or boy, you have a right to make safe choices. Choose to delay KK learnt to cook from
KK buying tomatoes his grandfather.
sex. It is healthy and safe. If you are sexually active, use condoms. and onions
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
2 Straight Talk, August 2008

When negative
What society expects boys and girls to do or be can
influence them to make wrong choices. This can
expose girls and boys to HIV Infection

What behaviours or abilities do you or people

in your community associate with being a boy
or a girl? Male domination puts girls at risk
Nanyondo Jamirah, 16, Kitante Hill says: "Girls Straight Talk interviewed Dr. Juliet Kiguli, of the School of
are graceful and clean. They bring joy and pride Public Health, Makerere University about gender and health.
and dowry to the family." This is Jamirah's view,
what is your view? "Ugandan society is still dominated by men and old attitudes that put
women at a disadvantage.
Racheal, 16, says: "Females are meant to be gentle, weak,
and less clever while males are strong, clever and Men should understand that sometimes they
decision makers in the home or relationship." misuse their power and end up increasing the
Racheal's views are common in most spread of HIV.
communities. These negative gender
attitudes create unequal relationship More women and girls are infected by HIV
between boys and girls. Such attitudes because they cannot say no to sex. They cannot
make girls unable to negotiate for safer make decisions and have no money.
sex. They also become ignorant and
passive about sex. This makes it easy for Delaying sex until marriage is best. If you must
them to acquire HIV. Meanwhile boys have sex, test for HIV with your partner and
could feel powerful and think they are the always use condoms.' Dr. Juliet Kiguli
only decision makers, while their female
partners are just weaklings with no say.
This can lead to violence and sexual abuse Boys, use your
when a girl refuses to accept a boy's
decisions. strength to
Other negative gender attitudes:
protect and
• Boys can have many sexual partners support girls.
• Older men can marry young girls They are your
• Girls cannot say no to sex even where
sisters, your
they are aware that their partner has Girls, be assertive and future wives
many other sexual partners or is HIV speak your minds. and mothers of
positive

•Girls depend on men for all their needs.

the nation.
Be ware of the unhealthy gender attitudes that increase the spread of HIV. To
change these attitudes, we need to promote gender equality and empowerment
Gender equality does not mean
in our homes and communities! men/boys are the same. It means
giving men and boys and women/
girls equal opportunity and choices.

During sex with an infected

How HIV enters the body... person, sexual fluids containing

HIV enter the genital organs.

The right body surface and They also do not produce much
the right cells must be vaginal lubrication. This causes
available for HIV to infect friction during sex which can easily
you. HIV cannot exist for bring about small grazes (scratches)
long on its own outside on the vaginal walls. HIV can easily
white blood cells called enter through these scratches.
lymphocytes or CD4 carrying
The entry of HIV is made even easier
cells.
if you have an STD which causes a
HIV lives in body fluids. It is break/tear in the mucous membrane.
particularly highly concentrated Or if you have an infection in the
in semen, blood and vaginal genitals. In that case, there will be
fluids. During sex with an infection fighting cells (lymphocytes
infected person, these fluids or CD4) in and around our genitals.
containing HIV enter your They have gathered there to fight the
genital organs. Dr Edith Nakku infection. Unfortunately, these are

Both boys and girls are at great

exactly the cells the HIV needs to
enter, survive and start reproducing.
A
Girls are more vulnerable
risk of HIV infection. But girls are But girls have even a bigger area
more likely to get HIV if they Where HIV cannot pass
of mucous membrane. They have
have unprotected sex with an HIV is not able to enter through the
the whole surface area of the
infected partner. vagina and cervix (opening of the natural skin that we have, for
womb). (See illustration A ) example, on our arms and stomach
The reason is this: Inside the
penis is the tube called the
(unless, that skin is broken, has a cut
or sore).
B
It is worse for young girls
urethra. Boys have delicate Young girls under the age of 18
mucous membrane and delicate are especially at risk of infection Dr Edith Nakku, Mulago STD
cells (lymphocytes) in the because their vaginas have very clinic
urethra and under the foreskin. thin walls covered with very
(As illustration B) delicate cells.

...Girls at a greater risk of infection

................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
 Straight Talk, August 2008 3

gender attitudes hurt Even in a relationship,

girls have a right
to say no to bad touches
or sex demands.

Do you feel free to express your views?

Girls....
Do you find it hard to talk in
class? What is your fear? Is
it the fear of being laughed
at or teased by boys? Do
not be intimidated by
anyone. Feel free to give
Agree answers or ask questions. Be
" (1point)
assertive. Remember that
Not sure you have every right to
(2 points) participate in class.
Disagree
(3 points)
Positive gender attitudes can contribute
to a reduction in the spread of HIV.
Boys:
How do you treat girls ? Do
you shut them up or give
them a chance to talk?
Teasing girls who put up
their hands to contribute is
not right. Imagine if it were
you being teased! Give girls
a chance to be active. It is
their right. Listen. You may
learn something.

It is cool to have
one partner
"I believe one boy should have one girlfriend."
This shows focus and a very organised social life.
Our peers, family members and community may
This reduces the risk of getting diseases like HIV/
encourage us to find an extra partner. They may make STDs. I encourage boys and girls to have one
you feel as though something is wrong if you do not. partner." Denis Mubiru, 17, S6, Kitante Hill
When you have multiple sexual partners, it increases the School
risk of contracting HIV. Uphold your values. Resist any
temptations that may influence you to have another sexual
partner. It is cool to have one partner. Straight Talk Club activity:
Godfrey Walakira, Clubs Coordinator - Straight Talk Check your gender attitudes
Are women and men, boys and girls You just do it.
created equal? What do you think? Agree Not sure Disagree
Answer the following questions
Often, men decide the timing and frequency of sex and condom use from the Gender-Equitable Men 5. Women who carry condoms are
sometimes through force or violence. In these cases, women may (GEM) Scale and find out. 'easy'.
not have the power to protect themselves. Agree Not sure Disagree
Did you know that young men who

Condoms: Who should buy them?

I have to protect my life
"I can walk into the shop without
fear to buy a condom. It is about
my life, so I have to protect myself.
I have to be open with my
boyfriend and he has to respect my
decision."
Apio Robinah, 16, S3,
Lwala Girls- Kaberamaido
"It is the boy to decide whether we
use a condom or not. He has the
authority. If I decide, he may think
that I am a prostitute. I cannot risk
buying a condom, people may think
that I am crazy." Ezatiru Josephine,
Yumbe SS, Yumbe
think of girls as equals have
healthier and more satisfying
relationships? Realising girls and
6. Changing nappies, giving the kids
a bath and feeding them are a
mother’s responsibility.
boys are equals is a sign of empow-
Agree Not sure Disagree
erment.
7. It is a woman’s responsibility to
Agree with the statement? Circle 1 avoid getting pregnant.
point. Not sure? Get 2 points. If you
Agree Not sure Disagree
don’t agree, score 3 points. When
you've finished answering, add up 8. A man should have the final word
your points and see how gender about decisions in his home.
equitable you are! 1-4 low 5-9 Agree Not sure Disagree
high
9. There are times when a woman
1. It is the man who decides what deserves to be beaten.
type of sex to have. Agree Not sure Disagree
Agree Not sure Disagree

2. A woman’s most important role is

to take care of her home and cook
for her family.
Agree Not sure Disagree

3. Men need sex more than women.

Agree Not sure Disagree
What if the boy turns up
without the condoms? What 4. You don’t talk about sex.
happens? Get to feel confident
about buying condoms. This A higher score means more equitable gender attitudes!
alone can spoil your protection
plan and expose you to HIV.
Girls too have the authority
and right to buy and learn 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
about condoms or use them. Points Scored Total
CONDOM TIP: Talk about condoms before going far in
your relationship. If you cannot talk about condoms,
avoid sex until you are ready.
4 Straight Talk, August 2008
causes AIDS) is through testing. ovulation period.
Consider taking an HIV/AIDS test to

Dear
clear up your worries. Never played sex
I have never played sex because my brothers
He is HIV-positive ended up in jail for rape. What problems am I

SYFA
I have been in a relationship for five likely to face when I marry? Matege John
years. I have just found out my St. Peters College Buweera
boyfirend is HIV-positive. Should I Bwenge, Jinja
3666
2236 leave him? I still love him very much. John, you have no problem. It’s good you’re
Boxx 22
O. Bo
P.P. O. NL, Bulisa SS, Mubende not having premarital sex. You will have sex
M P A A L
KK AA M P A L A It may not be easy to just leave. You when the right time for you comes.
and your boyfriend should talk to a
counsellor about how to move Bicycles and virginity
Thinking about my ex forward in your relationship. If you Can a girl lose her virginity when riding a
I broke up with my girlfriend because had unprotected sex, you may need bicycle? Muyinda A, 17,
of her insecurities. I have tried to have an HIV/AIDS test. Busembatia
loving someone else, but don’t have No. A girl loses her virginity when
much interest. I still think about my ex Septrine and HIV results her vagina is penetrated by a man’s
all of the time. What can I do? Is it true that after taking tablets like penis during sex.
Matsiko David, Kabale Trinity septrine you can test HIV negative
College, Kabale when you are really positive? Sex demand
David, You are still in love with your G. Timon, Nganwa HS, I have a boyfriend who always
ex. Sit down and talk with her. Tell Kabwohe Bushenyi demands sex. I don’t want it because I
her how you feel and let her tell you No. You will still test HIV-positive. don’t know his HIV status. I don’t want
why she is insecure. Come up with Septrine only reduces opportunistic to lose him. What can I do?
the solutions both of you. infections like malaria and Nafuna Violet, 19, St. Benedict
diarrhoea. It does not cure HIV/ HS, Tororo
Tempted to have sex AIDS. Stand firm and tell him that you
I was tempted by my neighbour into are not ready. If he loves you, he
sex. She died in 2000 supposedly of First sperm and pregnancy will be patient and wait. You are
AIDS. Do I have AIDS even though I Is it true that the first produced sperms still young to think about sex.
have never had any symptoms? KF, cannot make a girl pregnant? Focus on your studies
Namungoona HS, Kampala Nalunga Esther, 16,
KF, one may live with HIV for a long Sserwanga Lwanga Memorial Marriage after O level
time without AIDS. Symptoms SS, Kalangala I have a boyfriend four years older than
appear when HIV turns into AIDS. Every sperm can make a girl me. He is a businessman and wants to
However, the only way to know pregnant. The strongest sperm will marry me after O levels. I love school, but I
whether one has HIV (the virus that fertilise a girl’s egg during her love him too. What can I do? I am so
confused.
Tuheirirwe Shallon
Ruhaama SS, Ntugamo
Do not let your boyfriend confuse you.
Let him know that you want
to finish your studies then get
married. If he loves you, he will wait
for you and
respect your
decision.
Counsellor:
Stella Magomu,
Hope After
Rape
“Stay safe and
take care of your
Straight Talk Club members, Busiu Central College, Mbale
ADVISE & lives,” says
Okecho James
What are boy/girlfriends for? WIN... Jones, Uphill
I am 18, in S6 living with my College, Mbuya.
In ST July we run a quiz: help your boyfriend by advising him to stepfather. Since my first day in S6,
avoid behaviours and practices that he has been so rude to my mum that
What are boyfriends and can put any of you at risk of early sex. he even locked her outside for two
girlfriends for? Namagembe Annet, Dokolo days. Whenever I try to help mum,
Thanks to all those who wrote in! Progressive Dokolo he threatens
Ten of you are winners! to stop paying my fees. I am worried
Elisha and Annet are the star Straight about mum’s safety, yet I do not
Talkers for August. You win a T-shirt want to leave school. Please advise
and ruler each. me. I am confused. ABC,
Sserwanga Lwanga Memorial
Other eight writers win T-shirts: SS Kalangala
Akankwasa S, Bugambe SS, Send your advice to
Hoima, Orishaba B, Ruhama SS,
Straight Talk.
Magezi I, Sserwanga Lwanga SS
P.O.Box, 22366, Kampala and
“Girlfriends and boyfriends are there Kalangala, Masaki
win exciting prizes!
to help each other in trying times. If N, Kyotera
someone is in need, the other can College, Ratib
A, L Omuga STAR CLUB:
help academically by sharing
knowledge. This can lead to good SS, Yumbe, Sserwanga
Lwanga
STRAIGHT TALK FOUNDATION
performance.” Eriku Elisha Odongo D, Plot 4 Acacia Avenue, Kololo, P. O. Box 22366, Tel: 0312-262030,
Dokolo Memorial School 0312-262031, 0414-530088 Kampala (U), Fax: 0414-534858,
Bugambe SS, Hoima. ST club wins
Progressive, E-mail: strtalk@straight-talk.or.ug, Web: www.straight-talk.or.ug,
Muhindo two balls: A Executive Director: C. Watson, Communications Director: T. Agutu,
A boyfriend is someone from outside football and a
the family. They are there to share Ruth, Editorial Manager: E. Kimuli, Editors: G. Awekofua, M. Akello,
Mutanywana netball J. Abongowath, D. Agaba, Writer: J. Pulik,
honest ideas with you. You can also
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Funded by DANIDA, DFID, SIDA Printer: The New Vision
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