GOBABIS: Namibian parents should break away from traditions and cultures that view it as taboo to talk to their children on issues pertaining to sex, as such information could end up saving their children’s lives, First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba has said.
The First Lady made the call here on Saturday, when she consulted with religious and traditional leaders on maternal health-related issues.
“As much as we all need to honour our cultures and traditions and abide by them, we also ought to face reality and admit that some of these cultures do us more harm than good,” she said.
Pohamba said talking to children, especially the girl-child, about their fears, concerns and views on sex helps build a stronger bond between the children and their parents, and such children are less bound to make silly mistakes.
She said in many instances, children fall into such traps due to ignorance and not knowing the right approach to such matters.
The First Lady noted that as much as parents share the same dreams of securing the best possible future for their children, it can be devastating to both parents and children if they become pregnant, and drop out of school with little or no formal qualification.
“I know that in many of our diverse cultures, talking about sex is a taboo. But it is high time we break this taboo and become more open to talk and listen to both our daughters and sons,” she said.
According to her, parents only talk to their children about sex when such a child is pregnant, which is often too late, as most damage on such a child’s future has been caused.
“Let us have an open relationship with our children, talk and discuss factors of life with them and not wait until they make a mistake. Let us go back to our cultures of speaking with our children, teach them and help them become a productive nation,” she noted.
Pohamba encouraged those present to become more active role players in the affairs of their communities, and assist in breaking with traditions that could impact negatively on the future of their children.