With all the, theories, risks, myths and contradictions surrounding sex, what is the rightful time for a person to become sexually active? Linda Mbabazi asks some Rwandans what they think. “The right age for having sex is 21. This is the age legalized under the Rwandan constitution. Below that, someone is considered to be a minor, and not allowed to practice sex. At 21, a person is considered to be mature enough to make any decision, and hold responsibility over any act.”
With all the, theories, risks, myths and contradictions surrounding sex, what is the rightful time for a person to become sexually active? Linda Mbabazi asks some Rwandans what they think.
"The right age for having sex is 21. This is the age legalized under the Rwandan constitution. Below that, someone is considered to be a minor, and not allowed to practice sex.
At 21, a person is considered to be mature enough to make any decision, and hold responsibility over any act.”
Mirelle Undimwali, UNICEF
"Despite temptations outside here, where very many youth are poor, and only a few will refuse an extra coin in the pocket, Youth should have sex at least after high school.”
Nenette Dusabe, a professional model and Miss East Africa 2008, 2nd runner-up.
"Having sex is not mechanical but natural. There is no specific age for people to start having it. Gynecologists say that girls can start having as long as the body is mature.
On the other hand, boys should only start having sex if they are in position to take the responsibility, in case of pregnancy or Sexual Transmitted Diseases.”
David Nsenga, Director of Programmes at the National Youth Council
"There is nothing like perfect age to have sex, all that matters should be maturity. Age is just a number. However, youth should only have sex when they can handle the consequences.”
Olivia Uwanege, Human Resource Manager, the National Youth Council
"Premature sex is dangerous, especially when it’s unprotected.
I believe that someone should at least start having sex when he/she has completed at Secondary, because at that age, the person is considered to be mature enough to take responsibilities.”
Grace Bahati, Miss Rwanda 2009/2010
"Age is irrelevant as far as having sex is concerned. People can have sex at any time regardless of the age. However, I think the best time for sex, is when people are married.”
Vienna Sebazungu, a builder
"22, is when people should start thinking of sex. Premature sex is risky. Only married people should be entitled to the game, not everyone. HIV is real, so youth shouldn’t just throw away their lives to sex.”
Elijah Harasimana, married and stays in Gicumbi, Northern Province.
"Having sex is natural. To me, it’s fine to have sex at any age, but it’s important to always use a condom whenever one does it.”
Rogers Rugabira, Gacingiro
"What is the rush for? Teens should have sex after school. However, it’s important to use a condom for those who can’t abstain.”
Adolbert Akingeneye, a student, Kibuye Secondary school
"People should have sex when they are at least above 21.”
Angel Nyiranzihimana, a student at APDEM, Butare: