Discussions at the ongoing Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) Training of Trainers yesterday focused on rights and responsibilities within relationships. The session is part of a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to strengthen knowledge and capacity on sexuality education across Botswana.
Facilitator Ms. Pearl Jimmy Mokgosi led the session, emphasizing the importance of understanding personal rights and mutual respect in relationships. She outlined several key rights that form the foundation of healthy relationships, including the right to be yourself, the right to be treated with respect and as an equal, and the right to sexual health.
Ms. Mokgosi explained that with rights come responsibilities. She urged participants to treat others with respect and to acknowledge the rights of those they engage with. She noted that responsible behavior fosters trust, communication, and balance in relationships.
The discussion expanded to examine power and privilege, central themes in understanding how social dynamics shape relationships. Although Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that all people are born free and equal in dignity and rights, Ms. Mokgosi pointed out that real-world inequalities often distort this principle. She gave examples of how individuals with wealth or social status can hold power over those who are less privileged, influencing decision-making and access to opportunities.
Participants explored how societal systems, cultural norms, and institutional structures can reinforce inequality, often unintentionally. They learned that such awareness is essential for promoting fairness and accountability within personal, professional, and social spaces.
The facilitator encouraged trainers to integrate these discussions into their future CSE sessions. She stressed that education about rights and responsibilities should not only inform but also empower young people to recognize inequality and take active steps toward change.
By the end of the session, participants gained a deeper understanding of how equitable relationships depend on mutual respect and shared responsibility. The dialogue reinforced the goal of the training: to equip trainers with practical tools to deliver accurate, inclusive, and empowering sexuality education.
The CSE Training of Trainers continues to serve as a key platform for advancing gender equality and human rights, ensuring that educators can guide communities toward healthier, more respectful, and more equitable relationships.
