RFSU’s Secretary General Katarina Lindahl talked with Tanzania’s First Lady Mama Salma Kikwete about gender, myths and sexuality education.

”We must treat all children as if they were our own”

On February 19th,, Tanzania’s First Lady Mama Salma Kikwete visited the RFSU Head quarters in Stockholm, Sweden.

Mama Salma Kikwete is known for her commitment to women’s issues and the fight against HIV/AIDS.

– Information about HIV/AIDS is very important – knowledge saves lives, said Mama Salma Kikwete.

The First Lady expressed her opinion that Tanzania should be inspired by Sweden’s work regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights. But she also stressed the fact that some issues, like abortion, must be raised in a way that fits the cultural context of Tanzania.

RFSU presented Young Men as Equal Partners (YMEP), a successful project conducted in East Africa that gives young men sexuality education and a chance to discuss gender issues.

– We must engage everyone – so that we treat all children as if they were our own, said Mama Salma Kikwete. Mama Salma Kikwete is herself engaged in a project against HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. The project focuses on adults being responsible for children and their safety, and also recommends adults to talk about sex and prevention with their children.

Photo: Regina Kessey