In the Kalehe territory of South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, many adolescent girls, particularly those living in displacement camps, struggle to access information on sexual and reproductive health. This lack of access exposes them to risks of early pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. According to testimonies collected by Radio Okapi on October 31, 2026, taboos, lack of awareness, and inadequate services contribute to this issue.
On the Rambo displacement site in Bunyakiri, several adolescent girls express a lack of essential information to understand the changes related to their physical development and take care of their reproductive health. Neema, a 15-year-old girl, shares her difficulties in accessing information on sexuality, citing the absence of open discussions with her parents or other resource persons. She feels uncertain about who to turn to for guidance.
The social taboos surrounding sexual health discussions force some adolescent girls to seek information from peers or older individuals who may not possess the necessary knowledge to provide reliable guidance. Jean-Paul Birindwa, a local parent, attributes this silence to cultural habits passed down through generations. He notes that in the past, such discussions were not common.
Child protection actors believe that these taboos limit young people's access to reliable information on sexual and reproductive health. Local authorities acknowledge these challenges, with Thomas Bakenga, the administrator of Kalehe territory, stating that awareness initiatives are being implemented to educate adolescents on menstrual hygiene, prevention of early pregnancies, and protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Francine Serubungo, a member of the organization Action pour les droits solidaires, calls for the reinforcement of these initiatives. She urges authorities and partners to develop education programs on sexual and reproductive health and facilitate access to adapted care for adolescent girls. According to local actors, better information for adolescent girls is crucial in reducing their vulnerability and promoting their well-being in Kalehe communities.
The lack of access to sexual and reproductive health information among adolescent girls in displacement camps has severe consequences, including early pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Efforts to address these challenges are underway, but more needs to be done to ensure that these girls receive the information and care they need to protect their health and well-being.
The situation highlights the need for sustained efforts to address the unique challenges faced by adolescent girls in displacement camps. By prioritizing their access to sexual and reproductive health information and care, stakeholders can help mitigate the risks they face and promote their overall well-being.
Key points
- Local authorities and organizations are working to implement initiatives that provide adolescent girls with essential information on sexual and reproductive health.
- Social taboos and cultural habits limit access to reliable information on sexual and reproductive health for adolescent girls.
- Better information and access to adapted care can help reduce the vulnerability of adolescent girls and promote their well-being in Kalehe communities.
