Parents and Guardians Gain Knowledge on SRHR Through an Educative Fireside Dialogue

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYWs) continue to face numerous challenges in managing their sexual and reproductive health (SRH), often due to limited awareness and a lack of open conversations within families. Recognizing this gap, the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD), in partnership with the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), organized a fireside community dialogue session in Belo on Saturday, July 5th, 2025. The session brought together 22 participants, including parents, guardians, religious and community leaders. The fireside dialogue provided a safe and open platform for discussing and exchanging ideas on how best to respect and protect the sexual and reproductive rights of young people.

During the session, discussions centered on topics such as understanding sexuality and reproductive health rights. Participants were educated on what sexuality entails, the different components of reproductive health, and the importance of supporting adolescents as they go through this critical phase. The dialogue also addressed adolescent sexuality and reproductive rights, emphasizing the physical and emotional changes that occur during adolescence, particularly among young girls, and how these changes should be understood and managed with compassion and guidance.

A major focus of the session was on improving parent-child communication. Parents and guardians were taught the importance of establishing and maintaining healthy, open relationships with their children to create a safe space where young people can speak freely about their sexual and reproductive health without fear of judgment or shame. 

  

Mr.  Nges Gabriel, a parent, shared his experience: "I always thought menstruation was a woman’s thing, which made me uncomfortable buying pads for my girls. Instead, I just gave money and left the rest to their mother. Today I’ve learned that menstruation is a concern for everyone, and I’ll now support my daughters in any way I can."

 

The fireside dialogue also covered issues such as gender equality, family planning, and the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Men were not left out of the discussions. Special attention was given to menstruation, where taboos were challenged, and the importance of male involvement in supporting girls during menstruation was highlighted. Male participants were encouraged to be proactive, not just by providing money for menstrual products, but also by helping their daughters understand and manage this natural process.

 Another participant, Celestina Fien, emphasized the importance of the lessons learned during the session. "Discussing sexuality with my daughters used to be a no-go topic because I feared it would strip them of their innocence. But today I’ve understood the value of these discussions and will create a welcoming environment for my girls to talk to me about their sexuality."

The fireside dialogue was interactive and impactful. It succeeded in dispelling many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual and reproductive health and rights, while also empowering parents and guardians to become primary sources of guidance for their children. Equipping families with accurate information and tools, the initiative lays a strong foundation for healthy communication, better-informed youth, and a more supportive community. With continuous efforts like this, communities can ensure that AGYWs have access to the right information, healthcare services, and a sense of security to make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures.

 

By Amalia Beizeh