ABSTRACT
Most parents have difficulty in recognizing children as sexual even as they transition to adolescence. Parents react negatively to childhood sexual development by prohibiting sexual conduct rather than promoting positive sexual behaviours. However, parents expressly and invisibly communicate about sexuality and its relationship to power through their day to day interactions with children. Using Malawi as a case study, this chapter argues that to address gender inequitable norms that begin to exert influence in early adolescence requires recognizing children and adolescents as possessing an evolving sexual agency, and supporting them to develop positive sexual behaviours and practices as they begin to pursue romantic and sexual interests. Such an approach respects the rights of the child and supports promoting gender equality, and would be in alignment with Malawi’s obligations under international law, and commitments to regional and global development agendas including Africa’s Agenda for Children 2040.
