This archive report was first published on 18 July 2019.
At the age of 11, I was already being lured into sexual activity by my teacher, who would inappropriately touch my developing breasts every day in the classroom. This experience has led me to realize that sexual relations do not just happen; there has to be mutual consent. If there is not, then that is rape.
As I grew into adulthood, I began to understand that the high rate of teenage pregnancies is not just a symptom of a problem, but a sign of a deeper issue - mental health. According to a recent study, about one in every four people in Kenya has a mental disorder or is likely to get one in the near future, which can lead to hypersexuality and life-threatening behavior.
Schoolgirls are targeted because they are cheap to maintain, are highly vulnerable, and most can't see the link between mental health and sex. Most people are victimized when they speak about their mental ill-health, so they conceal it while it develops.
Hypersexuality has never been adequately addressed, and people are often afraid to talk about it. In fact, most therapists do not speak about that aspect of mental health, fearing it could be uncomfortable for their audience or expose their patient to ridicule.
As a survivor of a major bout of depression, I recommend five solutions to address this issue. Firstly, let the affected share their story with confidence to anyone who is willing to listen. Secondly, parents should not shy away from talking to their children about sex; there are always siblings, friends, or school counsellors who can help.
Thirdly, schools should implement strategies to allow for open communication, and religious organizations should not victimize teenagers by labeling them sinners. Finally, the worsening state of the economy is alarming, pushing many Kenyans into stress, often leading to depression and other mental illnesses that force people to engage in life-threatening behavior.
Published on July 18, 2019 by Eunice Victoria, a communications consultant at P & L Consulting and youth advocate.
