Africa: Faith Leaders Push for Open Conversations on Sexuality and SRHR

Mombasa, Kenya — Imam Bukuru Elie Khalfan believes openly discussing sexuality is crucial. Khalfan, a Burundian faith leader, shared his own experience of becoming a father at a young age, when he and his wife knew very little about sexual and reproductive health. It was difficult for them to understand sexuality and Khalfan even struggled to find emergency contraception at a pharmacy.

This experience has motivated him to speak openly with his son about sexual and reproductive health. He urged faith communities to move beyond discomfort and create spaces for open conversations about sexuality, including with children and young people.