BBC Swahili launches site that 'speaks boldly' about sex

BBC Swahili and the BBC’s international charity, BBC World Service Trust, recently launched a Swahili language Web site - bbcswahili.com - which aims to break down taboos and myths around sex and sexuality and reach a wider, younger audience.

According to a press release:

Kimasomaso, which means ‘speak boldly’ is named after the award winning BBC Swahili magazine radio programme and features the latest edition of the radio programme together with in-depth features, personal stories and advice.

At the heart of Kimasomaso are the voices of young diarists who share their personal experiences through their audio diaries which are also available online. Visitors can take a journey with a 13 year old pregnant teenager or a young person going through the process of having an HIV test to discover how they cope with their everyday lives, how they come to the decisions they make and how they see their future.

Other topics range from violence against women and the influence of rap music on young people to how to use a condom and how communities are preparing young girls for marriage. A glossary on sexual and reproductive health for young people can also be found on the site.

August 23, 2005 | BY JONATHAN DUBE