Gender, power and sexuality: implications for girl child health and education

Abstract

This paper focuses on the interface between gender, power and human sexuality and its implications for the education and health of the girl child. The discourse covers the biological basis of sexual behaviour while emphasizing the social consequences. Gender differences in the perception of sexuality and differences in behaviour are discussed. Teenage sexuality is examined its attendant risks which include rape, unwanted pregnancy, illegal abortion and sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS. Various types of sexual exploitation of children are presented in the context of their causes, the risk factors, the prevalence and possible solutions. Prominent among these solutions are sex education, the issue of unequal gender relations, educational reforms, moral instruction and economic growth and development.

The Nigerian Journal of Guidance and Counselling Vol. 9(1) 2004: 171-181