PSI Uganda anti Cross Generational Sex campaign description

Cross Generational Sex --defined as a non-marital relationship between a young girl and a man more than 10 years her senior --is a practice so widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, that it is now deeply rooted in most cultures and societies as a social norm. Although it was previously overlooked as harmless, the advent of HIV/AIDS and subsequent trends in the epidemic has forced public health professionals to acknowledge the practice as a significant contributor to the spread of the disease, particularly among young women aged 15-24yrs.

Baseline evidence gathered through a PSI Uganda TRaC survey provided empirical backing to support previously anecdotal evidence that suggested that the practice is particularly pervasive on university campuses. The findings also revealed that the motivation for young women entering into these relationships was centered on the satisfaction of material “wants” as opposed to “needs,” as these relationships are for the most part transactional. For older men, sexual gratification was the primary motivator. These relationships were then allowed to flourish in an environment where the community believed that there was nothing they could do to stop it.

The campaign therefore sought to target three groups with the following messages:

  • Young women aged 15-24yrs. Key message - “plan for long-term goals and consider the consequences of short term gains”
  • Older men 35+. Key message – “just as you are doing this to someone’s daughter, someone could be doing the same to yours”
  • Community. Key message – “It’s time to take a stand. By not speaking out, you are allowing this practice to end the lives of your daughters/sisters/nieces etc…you have a role to play”

The 2-year campaign commenced in August 2007 and uses mass media to target all three groups, and IPC to target young women and parents through peer education and parent child communication training respectively. An HCT component also encourages young women to know their status so that they can plan for their future.

Campaign spokespersons and advocates are also enrolled to speak out against the practice. Furthermore, corporate companies are encouraged to take on young women as interns to give them work experience and a taste of self reliance for the provision of their needs.