Posts
The nonprofit reproductive health group Marie Stopes International (MSI) has launched a new project in Cambodia that brings sex education services to high-need areas. “Midwives-on-Motos” currently operates in five provinces, bringing information about condoms, birth control, and other family planning tools to rural Cambodian women.A recent government survey showed around one-quarter of married women in the impoverished country have unmet family planning needs. “Rural and remote areas of Cambodia remain with limited access to reproductive health services,” said Nesim Tumkaya, country officer for the UN Population Fund.
Even in cities and towns, where health services are more accessible, privacy and timidity are often barriers to seeking treatment. “Our traditions and customs make women feel shy talking about sexual health or reproductive health,” said Ing Kantha Phavi, minister for women’s affairs.
Midwife Ly Siyan is one of MSI’s outreach educators, traveling across Siem Reap province on her motorbike to talk to women. Open discussions about sexual health are rare, she said. “Younger girls especially can be very shy,” said Ly. “They do not talk openly to us but they chat with their friends and that’s how misunderstandings spread. So I try to get them to open up by sharing my own experience.”
Sex education is not mandatory in Cambodian schools, and teachers often provide only the most basic information. More education is imperative, said Ing. “Our society is developing and we should focus on educating girls about sexual and reproductive health in the family and in school programs ... so that they can take care of themselves.”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
