Improving Cross-Gender and Inter-Generation Sexuality Education

This research was intended to explore sexuality issues and gender dimensions in family settings in the context of the modernizing Rwanda. The research methodology used personal interviews and focus group discussions. The research questions included: a) how insufficient cross-generational sexuality education contribute to uninformed sexual decisions and irresponsible sexual behaviors; b) how inadequate cross-gender communication or ineffective dialogue on sexuality in family setting affect negatively the family sexual life. The research findings show that there is insufficient cross-gender dialogue and cross-generation education on sexuality, therefore they contribute to sexual dissatisfaction, gender-based violence, violence against women, never-ending conflicts among spouses, extra-marital relationships, and instability of families. There is also a direct correlation between insufficient sexuality education during childhood and behaviors of accepting or using sexual violence, and experiencing sexuality problems that constitute a threat to the family welfare and stability. Emphasis need to be put on improving sexuality education and communication to promote healthy families.