The “TIME TO BE AWARE” project aims to empower young people, particularly girls, by providing them with comprehensive, feminist sex education. The aim is to equip them to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS, and combat early marriage and pregnancy.

TIME TO BE AWARE” project: Feminist sex education for enlightened and protected youth

2. Project summary:

The “TIME TO BE AWARE” project aims to empower young people, particularly girls, by providing them with comprehensive, feminist sex education. The aim is to equip them to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS, and combat early marriage and pregnancy.

3. Project duration: 3 years

Phase 1: Training of Trainers by LOBBY EUROPEEN DES FEMMES

Phase 2: Awareness-raising, training and distribution of materials to beneficiaries by WORLD FUTURE ACTIVE

4. Funded by: European Women's Lobby and World Future Active

5. Background and justification:

In Burundi, as in many developing countries, sex education is still a taboo subject and often perceived as a threat to traditional values. Young girls, in particular, are faced with multiple challenges linked to their sexuality: early marriages, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual violence, and so on. In this context, feminist sex education is an absolute necessity. It aims to give young girls the tools they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and sexuality, by offering them a critical view of social norms and gender inequalities.

Feminist sex education is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it breaks the silence around sexuality and deconstructs the myths and taboos that surround the subject. Secondly, it empowers young girls by enabling them to learn about their bodies, their rights and how to enforce them. Finally, it helps prevent early pregnancy, STIs and sexual violence by equipping young girls with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves. In short, feminist sex education is a powerful tool for promoting gender equality and improving the health and well-being of young girls in Burundi.

6. overall and specific objectives

Overall objective

The overall objective of the Feminist Sexuality Education Project in Burundi is to promote the empowerment of young girls by giving them the means to make informed and autonomous decisions concerning their sexual and reproductive health. The aim is to give them the tools they need to assert themselves as subjects, and to enable them to live a free, chosen and protected sexuality.

Specific objectives

The specific objectives are multiple and interdependent:

- Knowledge:

o Provide young girls with complete and accurate information about their bodies, sexuality, contraception methods, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS.

o Deconstruct myths and taboos linked to sexuality, particularly those that stigmatize women and girls.

- Skills:

o Develop communication and negotiation skills so that young girls can express their needs and limits, and refuse unwanted sexual practices.

o Equip them to access sexual and reproductive health services and to use the contraceptive methods of their choice.

- Attitudes:

o Promote a positive vision of female sexuality and pleasure.

o Encourage gender equality and mutual respect in relationships.

o Develop critical thinking skills so that young girls can question social norms and gender stereotypes.

- Behaviors:

o Reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies, STIs and sexual violence.

o Promote girls' economic empowerment.

o Delay the age of sexual debut.

- Social change:

o Change social norms and representations related to sexuality and gender.

o Involve communities and families in promoting sex education.

o Combat gender inequality and discrimination.

In short, feminist sex education in Burundi aims to give young girls the keys to building a better future, by enabling them to live their sexuality consciously and responsibly.

7. Activities to be carried out:

- Awareness-raising: Organization of workshops, conferences and information campaigns in schools, youth centers and communities.

- Training: Training teachers, parents and youth workers in feminist sex education.

- Material distribution: Production and distribution of adapted teaching aids (manuals, posters, videos).