"Girls Have More Challenges; They Need to Be Locked Up": A Qualitative Study of
Gender Norms and the Sexuality of Young Adolescents in Uganda
#MMPMID29364192
Ninsiima AB
; Leye E
; Michielsen K
; Kemigisha E
; Nyakato VN
; Coene G
Int J Environ Res Public Health
2018[Jan]; 15
(2
): ? PMID29364192
show ga
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.
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