Intergenerational Dialogue on Parenting & SRHR – Building Bridges, Not Walls
Intergenerational Dialogue on Parenting & SRHR – Building Bridges, Not Walls
Generations apart do not call for division. The Intergenerational Dialogue held in Nakuwadde, Wakiso District on 24th July 2025 sought to bridge the gaps between generations, seeking perspectives and proving that when the youth and elders, transformation takes place. Learning is a two-way traffic- just like children learn from parents so can the parents learn from their children. To teach them with wisdom and not out of fear.
In many communities, parenting styles and cultural expectations around sex, sexuality, and reproductive health are often unspoken-or worse, misunderstood. Parents fear saying too much. Children fear asking too many questions. The result? A dangerous silence that leaves young people vulnerable to misinformation, exploitation, and preventable harm to issues like HIV spreading, increased teenage pregnancies, Sexual Gender Based Violence among others.
One key takeaway was this, parenting is not about control-it’s about guidance. And for that guidance to work, it must be rooted in trust, respect, accurate knowledge, and open communication. The dialogue highlighted the need for parent-focused SRHR training sessions, helping caregivers learn how to talk to children about bodies, consent, and relationships. Youth-led advocacy that brings parents into the conversation, not against them and culturally sensitive communication tools that reflect both traditional values and modern realities.
“It begins with them- pursuing accurate, age-appropriate knowledge and creating safe spaces for honest conversations at home. When children are raised with truth, empathy and guidance, not fear they make informed decisions grounded in love.” Sergeant Grace Nakabugo- Child and Family Protection Unit told the parents present at the dialogue.
Parents were asked to be open-minded and to be in constant pursuit for accurate and appropriate knowledge to pass onto their children because at the end of the day, they are the first point of contact with their children to shape experiences and perspective. These issues should not be silenced or talked about in hushed tones but rather build the confidence as the narrative is changed and the mindset shifted. Because when generations talk, change begins. When parents understand, young people are protected. And when we work together, SRHR stops being a battle-and starts being a shared goal.
