Issiaka NGuessan | November 8, 2024
News Brief
On a Sunday afternoon, Affoussiata Ouattara, a woman in her sixties, enjoys the shade of her porch in Dorkaha, a neighborhood in Korhogo, northern Côte d’Ivoire. She shares a lively conversation with her youngest daughter, 29-year-old Nahana. Mrs. Ouattara emphasizes the importance of their close relationship, saying, “I’ve nurtured a close relationship with my daughters, which enables me to discuss important topics such as sexual and reproductive health for their well-being.” In a community where discussing sexuality is often taboo, she is dedicated to providing her daughters with accurate information to help them make informed choices.
On a Sunday afternoon, Affoussiata Ouattara, a woman in her sixties, enjoys the shade of her porch in Dorkaha, a neighborhood in Korhogo, northern Côte d’Ivoire. She shares a lively conversation with her youngest daughter, 29-year-old Nahana.
She says, “I’ve nurtured a close relationship with my daughters, which enables me to discuss important topics such as sexual and reproductive health for their well-being.”
Mrs. Ouattara is the mother of five children, including three daughters. She resides in a Muslim community where discussing sexuality is considered taboo. Nevertheless, she is committed to equipping her daughters with accurate information on managing menstruation and contraception methods to protect them from infections and unwanted pregnancies.
She says, “For example, when my youngest daughter got her first period, she was understandably worried. However, our open conversations allowed me to reassure her by explaining that menstruation is a normal part of being a woman.”
Mrs. Ouattara explains that time spent cooking is a special opportunity to discuss sensitive topics with her daughters. She says, “It’s when we’re in the kitchen, just the two of us girls that they open up about certain topics. I seize this opportunity to offer them advice.” Mrs. Ouattara leverages the trust she has built with her daughters to educate them about the risks of unprotected sex, including sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies, both of which could jeopardize their future.
Her daughters also rely on this trust to confide in her about their intimate lives. Nahana, the youngest daughter, shares that the conversations with her mother have provided her with valuable information, including how to maintain personal hygiene during menstruation. She says, “Our mother is our confidante. When we have sensitive questions, she listens attentively and offers us valuable advice.”
Nahana explains that at first, she was afraid to talk about menstruation with her mother. She says, “When I saw blood between my thighs for the first time, I felt scared and unsure of how my mother would react if I brought it up with her.”
Mrs. Ouattara believes that many parents do not discuss sexual health with their teenagers because of myths and traditions. She says, “It’s sacred and it’s a secret, so we can’t talk about it with children.”
Laure Koné, a mother and educational advisor in Bouaké, also actively engages in discussions about sexual health with her daughter, Arielle. She says, “We need to provide adolescents with the right information to prevent self-education on social media.” She believes it is essential to promote open dialogue about sexual and reproductive health with teenagers to protect them from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
Dr. Ardjouma Yéo is a gynecologist-obstetrician at the Nimbo Urban Health Center in Bouaké. He emphasizes that open dialogue between parents and teenagers regarding sexual and reproductive health is vital for the well-being of young people. He advocates for creating a safe and welcoming environment that encourages adolescents to ask questions and express their concerns without the fear of judgment. By providing accurate information, parents can help reduce the taboos surrounding sexual health and foster healthier attitudes among their children.
Dr. Yéo acknowledges the influence of traditional customs that often discourage open conversations about sexual and reproductive health between parents and their children. To address this, he recommends building a genuine emotional bond, developing strong listening skills, and maintaining a calm demeanor when discussing these sensitive topics with teenage girls. This approach can empower young women to navigate their sexual health with confidence and understanding.
By fostering open communication, Mrs. Ouattara has created a supportive environment where her daughters learn about their bodies, protect their health, and make informed choices for their futures. Her approach shows how trust and understanding between parents and children can help break down taboos, empowering young women to navigate their sexual and reproductive health with confidence.
This resource was produced with funding from the PASSERELLE project, which is implemented in partnership with WUSC thanks to funding from Global Affairs Canada.
Photo: Affoussiata Ouattara and her daughter, Nahana, in discussion in Burkina Faso, 2024.