MODULE TWO: COUNSELLING - FHI 360 Center for Global Health ...

Gender
Women suffer from a lower status than men within the family do and the
societies do. Girls usually get less schooling, which means they will most likely
have fewer skills, less income and lower economic status. As a result, they are
often dependent on men.
In many cultures, women are expected to be subservient while men
are encouraged to practice “machismo” (multiple sexual partners, violence
against women, drinking, etc.).
Gender identity and roles affect the individual differently for men and women
Because of the risks of sexual activity, young people’s decisions and experiences
during adolescence can affect the rest of their life.
Religion and Traditions
Some socio cultural practices such as early marriages, or initiation rites (FGM),
polygamy affect sexual behavior in young people. Religious leaders, politicians,
and parents may object to family life education programs for youth because they
often see sexual behavior as a moral issue or as an issue of parental authority.
Socioeconomic
Socioeconomic factors including poverty, malnutrition, lack of education lack of
job opportunities, violence can force many young people of both sexes into early
sexual activity for money, food or material goods.
Maturity and Development Myths, Misconceptions and Rumors
The purpose of this exercise is to familiarize YEF Hotline Counsellors with the
myths and rumors popular at the local level regarding sexual maturation and
development in adolescents. YEF Counselors need to provide appropriate
information to callers to clarify any misinformation.
Some examples:
Male: no sex = sickness
Wet dreams = must have sexual intercourse with a female.
Females: girls do not get pregnant from the first intercourse
It is “hip” to have sex with a boyfriend as a teenager.
Other myths and Rumors:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Session 8-Pg.3