Girls Have More Challenges; They Need to Be Locked Up”

A Qualitative Study of Gender Norms and the Sexuality of Young Adolescents in Uganda

Bibliographic Data

ID15465875
AuthorsAnna B Ninsiima (0000-0002-9524-1100, Makerere University, corresponding author), Anna Ninsiima (RHEA Centre for Gender, Diversity and Intersectionality, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium), Els Leye (0000-0002-1740-7814, Ghent University), Kristien Michielsen (0000-0002-4119-6770, Ghent University), Elizabeth Kemigisha (0000-0001-9137-8014, Ghent University), Viola Nyakato (Mbarara University of Science and Technology), Viola N Nyakato (0000-0003-1148-9959, Mbarara University of Science and Technology), Gily Coene (0000-0002-8158-0718, Vrije Universiteit Brussel)
Year2018
Volume15
Issue2
Pages193-193
Publication date2018-01-24
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph15020193
PMID29364192
OpenAlexW2788532721
LanguageEN
Citations received56
References cited25

Unequal power and gender norms expose adolescent girls to higher risks of HIV, early marriages, pregnancies and coerced sex. In Uganda, almost half of the girls below the age of 18 are already married or pregnant, which poses a danger to the lives of young girls. This study explores the social construction of gender norms from early childhood, and how it influences adolescents' agency. Contrary to the mainstream theory of agency, which focuses on the ability to make informed choices, adolescents' agency appears constrained by context-specific obstacles. This study adopted qualitative research approaches involving 132 participants. Of these, 44 were in-depth interviews and 11 were focus group discussions, parcelled out into separate groups of adolescents (12-14 years), teachers, and parents ( n = 88), in Western Uganda. Data were analysed manually using open and axial codes, and conclusions were inductive. Results show that gender norms are established early in life, and have a very substantial impact on the agency of young adolescents. There were stereotypical gender norms depicting boys as sexually active and girls as restrained; girls' movements were restricted; their sexual agency constrained; and prevention of pregnancy was perceived as a girl's responsibility. Programs targeting behavioural change need to begin early in the lives of young children. They should target teachers and parents about the values of gender equality and strengthen the legal system to create an enabling environment to address the health and wellbeing of adolescents

Developmental psychology · Human sexuality · Qualitative research · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · African Sexualities and LGBTQ+ Issues · Clinical Psychology · Gender Studies · Psychology · Sex work and related issues