Samuel Ubong Okon’s Post

The Power of Words: How Language Shapes Our Understanding of Sexual Offences One of the most painful things I have encountered in courtrooms is hearing children testify about sexual abuse using euphemistic language—phrases like "he touched my susu with his nini." These are terms many Kenyan children use to describe their reproductive organs. While society often thinks it’s a way of protecting innocence, it inadvertently fuels misinformation and misunderstanding and, ultimately, makes it harder for children to speak up when they’re abused. The language we use around reproductive organs shapes our children’s understanding of their bodies and their ability to communicate about them confidently. As parents, caregivers, and educators, we need to normalize calling sexual organs by their actual names—vagina, penis, breasts—so that children can accurately describe any inappropriate contact without shame or confusion. By doing so, we empower them to speak out and protect themselves. The Statistics Speak for Themselves Sexual violence against children is a devastating issue across the globe, and the statistics are heartbreaking: Kenya: In 2021, 16,557 cases of sexual violence against children were reported, with the real figures likely higher due to underreporting. A study by the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) indicates that 31% of Kenyan girls and 18% of boys experience sexual violence before the age of 18. Africa: About 1 in 10 children have been sexually abused, with African countries reporting similar or higher rates. Global: According to the WHO, nearly 120 million girls worldwide (about 1 in 10) have experienced forced intercourse or other forced sexual acts at some point in their lives. As we approach the school holiday season, we often see a spike in these horrifying incidents, with perpetrators typically being close relatives—a reality that demands we have more candid conversations with our children about consent, body autonomy, and boundaries. Children need to know the difference between appropriate and inappropriate contact and feel empowered to report violations. This can only happen if we equip them with the right language and teach them that their bodies are their own. Steps for Change: 1. Start Early: Teach children the correct names of body parts from a young age. 2. Set Clear Boundaries: Teach children about appropriate and inappropriate touch in an age-appropriate way. 3. Encourage Open Dialogue: Create an environment where children feel safe discussing anything uncomfortable. 4. Monitor Close Relationships: Be aware of the adults and older children your child interacts with—statistically, abusers are more likely to be known to the child. Let's stop using euphemisms and start using real words for real conversations about safety, consent, and body autonomy. #EndChildAbuse #ChildProtection #SexualOffences #ParentingTips #MentalHealthAwareness #ChildSafety #SexEducation #KenyaStatistics #ProtectChildren #SpeakUp #PreventAbuse

At #IUSTI2024, examining Australia's nationally-representative study of sex and relationships. Surprise, surprise - we found that online dating is very population and has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. Half of people in Australia also engage in sexting, particularly popular among LGBTQ+ folks. All of this leads me to ask: are we doing enough to prepare people for a safe and rewarding 'digital sex life'? Check out this piece to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gTXuTZjG

The article discusses the importance of parents talking to their teenagers about sex and sexuality, even though it can be a challenging topic. 😬 Research shows that open dialogue leads to safer sexual practices and improved reproductive health outcomes. 📈 It's recommended to start discussions about body parts and puberty before age 10 and conversations about sex around age 10. 🗣 Parents should create a supportive environment, align messages, and cover essential topics like reproductive system functioning, healthy relationships, puberty changes, and sexual health practices. 💬 It's crucial to confront biases, listen actively, seek resources, and support LGBTQ+ teens. 🏳️🌈 By investing in open communication and providing accurate information, parents can empower their teens to make informed decisions about sex and relationships. 💪 https://lnkd.in/gXTvNa5n

The article discusses the importance of parents talking to their teenagers about sex and sexuality, even though it can be a challenging topic. 😬 Research shows that open dialogue leads to safer sexual practices and improved reproductive health outcomes. 📈 It's recommended to start discussions about body parts and puberty before age 10 and conversations about sex around age 10. 🗣 Parents should create a supportive environment, align messages, and cover essential topics like reproductive system functioning, healthy relationships, puberty changes, and sexual health practices. 💬 It's crucial to confront biases, listen actively, seek resources, and support LGBTQ+ teens. 🏳️🌈 By investing in open communication and providing accurate information, parents can empower their teens to make informed decisions about sex and relationships. 💪 https://lnkd.in/gXTvNa5n

Supporting and protecting sex workers globally is crucial, especially advocating for the decriminalization of laws that oppress them. It's essential to ensure their rights to diversity, inclusion, and equality in all aspects of society. The barriers they face in accessing healthcare, like HIV treatment and prevention, must be addressed. Recognizing sex work as work is vital, as many single mothers rely on it to provide for their families. Raising awareness about these issues is key to promoting change and understanding. Kindly visit our GoFundMe page https://gofund.me/9048d52b to support our queer siblings who are sex workers undergoing stigma and discrimination. They are also the most marginalised key populations besides our beloved LGBTIQ community. Always remember that sex work is work and many have built mansions, educated their children, bought posh cars through selling their bodies. Don't underestimate anyone for who they are or their hustle #mybodymychoice #mybody #mybodymybusiness #sexwork #sexworkiswork #support #stopstigma #stopthestigma #stopdiscrimination #stopahb2023 #lgbtqrights #Decriminalise #diversity #inclusionmatters #equality #workiswork #share #charity #Crowdfunding #donate #gofundmecampaign #advocate #awareness #advocacy #hivprevention #EndHIVAIDS Amelia Rock, PhD, MS We for All Rwenzori-WEFORI

From sexting to condom use: Dutch attitudes on sexual health On World Sexual Health Day, let's look at what new numbers are telling us about sexual health and rights of Dutch people!   According to our latest Monitor Sexual Health, representing 15,000 people, the Dutch have a generally positive attitude towards sexual health and rights. A vast majority believes that consent should always be checked (94%) and that a women should be free to decide on abortion (86%). 88% says that sexuality education in schools should be mandatory.    But there are also worrisome outcomes: condom and pill use is declining, sexual violence and bullying and threats against LGBTQI+ people remain high.   What do you think is needed to promote sexual health and positive relationships? 💕 How do we best normalise conversations about consent, desires, and safety?   ✍ Share your thoughts in the comments below!  #WorldSexualHealthDay #PositiveRelationships #SexualHealth #Consent #RutgersInternational   Read more on the Monitor Sexual Health 👉🏽

In recent years, global developments and changes in donor funding patterns have been creating a crisis in funding for many sex worker-led organisations, particularly those in the CEECA region. On Febuary 28, SWAN hosted a webinar addressing the complex funding landscape confronting our member organisations. One significant concern discussed was “mission drift,” where organizations adapt their missions to align with donor preferences rather than community needs, potentially compromising the effectiveness of their work. The concept of innovation, often demanded by donors, was critiqued for its imposition of unrealistic expectations and competition within the sector. Another issue raised was that expecting volunteers to work tirelessly without compensation is unsustainable and has led to a lack of younger activists joining the movement. Finally, the loss of funding in the region has both tangible and intangible impacts, jeopardizing critical services for sex workers and walking back years of progress in the sex workers’ rights movement. https://lnkd.in/dSxFfBKD

Last week, my comment piece in the Evening Standard was published in support of their Show Respect campaign, which has raised £500,000 to fund healthy relationships workshops in schools across the capital, reaching an additional 15,000 teenagers. I am proud to share the work of the Everyone's Invited education programme which has reached over 100 schools in 2 years. Our team works tirelessly to support school communities to promote healthy relationships, sexual well-being, and tackle rape culture. The importance of education interventions like ours cannot be understated in a sexual landscape defined by the mainstreaming of hardcore pornography, the digital revolution of the social world and the rise of extremist online misogyny. 1 in 4 women have been raped or sexually assaulted as an adult, totalling approximately 6.54 million women. (Rape Crisis) 9 out of 10 girls have received unsolicited images and been subject to sexist name-calling. (Ofsted report, June 2021). 80% of girls think schools need to do more to support young people’s sex and relationships education. (CPS, 2024) 10% of children are watching porn from as young as 9, and most commonly from 13. (Children's Commissioner, 2023) Young people urgently need our support.

Deloris wants to know what I am doing with my life! Our children are in trouble! Little girls of as young as 10 years of age .........are falling pregnant. Let me introduce you to my new book titled: "A Guide for Early Teens’ Development - Understanding their rights regarding Gender-Based Violence." This is a book that a father can read to his daughter and a mother to her son. It is designed to provide an understanding of sex education, it is without any graphic content that may be embarrassing to either the father, mother, teacher, or the child. The book is written in a conversational tone and covers a range of topics and relationships aimed at teenagers.   It has taken six years for me, Henry Jansen Frandsen, and my co-author Tiam Fady-Nate to compile this educational book.                Our children need help! They are in Trouble! to repeat, Girls as young as 10 years old are falling pregnant!   We have written this book for children to understand that their bodies belong to them, and no one has the right to touch it. It is also important for them to understand their rights, regarding Gender-Based Violence. We believe, if only ''One Line'' in this book, remains in the subconscious of the reader, it could be sufficient to make a child hesitate, and refrain from partaking in any sexual activity. Our objective is for every teenager to carry this spiritual pocketbook around on their person.   The objective in our journey is: ·      To find sponsors to purchase 6,700,000 Books. One for each teen’ in our schools throughout the country. ·      Fran Lili (Pty) Ltd. will see to it that the books are delivered to the 28,000 Secondary schools in South Africa. We will supply the sponsors with the proof of delivery. ·      Problem Statement – Why is there a need to implement this project? Our boys and girls are in trouble! Our children need help!! Girls as young as 10 years of age are falling pregnant! We must do something!!!!! We need to find sponsors for 6 700 000 books. Your Company Logo can feature in the book. As they say, “How do you eat an Elephant?” “By taking just one bite at a time!” If only 176 sponsors could donate 38,000 books each, then we will deliver a book into every child’s hand, boys and girls. Be one of the 176 GOLDEN sponsors. The price of an English pocketbook, excl Vat is USD $2,45ea; Rands R43,44. You can donate from as little as 1000 books to 100 000 books and more! To benefit every child, “A Guide for Early Teens Development” has been translated into all the official South African languages and more: For a quote in any other language, or to Donate funds, or to place an order, Contact: henry@fran-lili.com. We are currently delivering 40 000 books to 31 schools and are in negotiation to deliver a further 60 000 books to another 69 schools. PLEASE HELP! Contact Henry Jensen Frandsen.