Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Six Southern Africa Countries: Perspectives from Learners and Teachers

Christine Chawhanda, Wits University
Temitope Ogunlela, University of Witwatersrand School of Public Health
Latifat Ibisomi, Wits University

This paper explores issues around the content and delivery of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) commodity provision at schools from the perspectives of leaners and teachers in six Southern Africa countries. The paper is derived from the needs assessment conducted under the SRHR-HIV Knows no Borders Project in the Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia. The findings show that although Basic Education policies in Southern African countries are in tandem with international, regional and national policies. However, implementation of the policies regarding the full CSE content and SRH commodity distribution in schools is far from being fulfilled owing to conflicting policies and socio-cultural values of diverse stakeholders. The findings highlight the need for awareness campaigns and training in communities in order to promote positive perceptions among stakeholders toward teaching of sensitive CSE topics and the distribution of SRH commodities in schools.