Abstract

Young women in Uganda are at risk of negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes, in part because of sex with older men. Theoretically grounded in the concept of liminality, this paper examines perceived markers of adolescent girls’ suitability for sexual activity. In 2014, we conducted 19 focus group discussions and 44 in-depth interviews in two communities in Uganda. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured tool, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interviews examined markers of transition between childhood, adolescence and adulthood and how these were seen as relating to girls’ perceived readiness for sex. Analysis was thematic. Pre-liminal status was most often accorded to childhood. Sex with a child was strongly condemned. Physical changes during puberty and children’s increasing responsibility, autonomy and awakening sexuality reflected a liminal stage during which girls and young women were not necessarily seen as children and were increasingly described as suitable for sex. Being over 18, leaving home, and occupying ‘adult’ spaces reflected post-liminal status and perceived appropriateness for sexual activity including for girls under the age of 18. Interventions that seek to prevent early sexual debut and sexual activity with older men have the potential to reduce sexual and reproductive health risks.

摘要

乌干达的年轻妇女面临性健康和生殖健康负面影响的风险，部分原因是与老年男性发生性关系。从理论上讲，以“合法性”概念为基础，本文探讨了青春期女孩是否适合进行性活动的标志。2014年，我们在乌干达的两个社区进行了19次焦点小组讨论和44次深度访谈。使用半结构化工具进行访谈，进行录音和逐字记录。访谈检查了童年，青春期和成年之间过渡的标志，以及这些标志如何被视为与女孩对性的准备程度有关。分析是主题性的。临行前的状态最常被赋予童年。强烈谴责与孩子做爱。青春期的身体变化和儿童的责任感不断增强，自治和觉醒的性行为反映了一个临界阶段，在这个阶段中女孩和年轻妇女不一定被视为孩子，并且越来越多地被描述为适合性生活。年满18岁，出门在外并占据“成人”空间，这反映了临刑后的地位和对包括18岁以下女孩在内的性行为的适当感知，这是试图防止与年龄较大的男性早期进行性行为和性行为的干预手段，减少性健康和生殖健康风险。