Risky and Protective Places and Spaces: Sexual Engagement among Youth in Uganda and Malawi

Netsayi Mudege, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
Chi-Chi Undie, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)

Using qualitative data collected in Uganda and Malawi, this paper analyzes the extent to which socially approved contexts, activities and behaviours provide protection against early sexual debuts among adolescents. It discusses the relatively unexplored area of contexts and activities that have traditionally been accepted as instrumental in delaying the onset of sexual activity among young people. Many research studies on adolescents and sexual activity drawn extensively on survey data, omitting the voices of young people and their own views and characterization of risky or protective spaces. This paper amplifies the voices of young people on this issue and shows the different ways in which young people engage with risky and protective spaces and places.