Challenges, solutions to sexual health education in South Africa

"South Africa faces significant challenges when it comes to sexual health, and with the high prevalence of rape, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases and infections, schools need to implement strong and informative programs on sexuality and contraceptive use," Jos Dirkx, founder of Girls & Football SA, writes in this post in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's "Impatient Optimists" blog, published in partnership with Women Deliver as part of a series on youth perspectives to recognize World Contraception Day, observed annually on September 26. She discusses some women's personal experiences with contraception, and concludes, "Girls & Football SA strongly believes that by creating a safe space through our programming, we are able to present girls with the chance to ask questions, get accurate information and start a dialogue about their bodies, their health, and their sexuality" (9/18).