IMPORTANCE OF SEX EDUCATION IN AFRICAN TRADITION

Sex education was compulsory In African traditional society because it valued virginity and indeed virgin girls brought a lot of wealth (dowry) to parents. So African elders made all possible ways of teaching children especially girls the dangers of pre-marital sex. Sex issues were sensitively handled.

Sex education was vital because it discouraged misuse of sex in acts like incest and homosexuality that were greatly discouraged.
Sex education helped to control immorality in society like fornication and rape to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
It was to maintain virginity among girls which was greatly valued. For example among the Banyoro and Batoro, a girl who lost her virginity would be sent back with a bark cloth which had a hole implying it was a sign of disgrace.
Sex education helped to teach responsibilities regarding each sex. Boys were taught how to handle women especially in a polygamous families likewise girls were taught by the aunts how to make nice bed and be responsible ceremoniously in sexual acts.
It provided sex techniques in marriages and train young people for marriage. For example visiting the bush among the Baganda.
It was to teach young people how to behave towards their parents.
Sex education In African traditional society helped to have people who know what to do at a right time in the right place with the right people.

Sex education helped the children to know or learn about their cultural background and expected behaviors. For example circumcision among the Bagisu people.
Sex education helped children to prepare in advance how to go about their bodily changes as they grew for example menstruation period.

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