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Taboos

Sexuality is a subject that is very hard to talk about for a lot of people. Individual has diverse opinions on this subject and this is normal, it is still a sensitive subject. The African traditional culture classifies sex as a secret act, which has to stay behind the bedroom doors between spouses and partners. To talk publicly of sex or to talk about sexual successes in front of family, children is a disgrace that might lead to battering. It is not surprising that the young people learn by themselves, through readings and erotic magazines, by other media such as movies, videos and Internet, the information that they receive from their peers is sometimes wrong and confused.

It is demonstrated that the interdictions and the unsaid sharpens the curiosity of the young people and develops among them the art of provocation.

African women know how to express their sexuality; they do it in many ways, through seduction, clothing and swaying walk. The interdictions also cause a premature pregnancy rate among young people and a high rate of clandestine abortions, practiced by quacks facing the risks of dying or ruining their health. In the HIV case, because of the sex taboo, young people don’t tell their parents because they are afraid of being judged or reprimanded. They choose for the informal ways.

Many adult men choose very young partners to avoid HIV transmission instead of using condoms. Those who are already infected think that they can be cured of HIV by having sex with young and vulnerable virgins.