It has to be disseminated to families and parents that the first education lies in familiesJakarta (ANTARA) - Reproductive health education should not only be imparted at school to children but also by their parents, Children Rights' Fulfillment Acting Deputy at the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry Rini Handayani stated.
"Our biggest homework is not just from the formal education standpoint, but informal education is very illuminating. The question is how to start from families," she noted during the Marriage Dispensation Study Report Launch event here, Monday.
The ministry affirmed that children should be taught from an early age about parts of their body that cannot be seen and touched by other people.
Hence, to this end, education on reproductive health is not only necessary for children but parents should also play a role in disseminating such information.
"This is the education that we should provide. Of course, this cannot be done just all of a sudden. It has to be disseminated to families and parents that the first education lies in families," she noted.
The ministry underscored the importance of reproductive health education for children to prevent child marriages.
Hence, the ministry encourages the inclusion of reproductive health education into the school's curriculum.
Child marriage became a major threat for Indonesian children, as it affects young women's reproductive health, and it can cause incidents of domestic violence, divorce, and school dropouts.
Other impacts include the death of pregnant mothers, death during childbirth, infant mortality rate, a rise in stunting cases, and the increase in intergenerational poverty probability.
During the event, Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Bintang Puspayoga stated that efforts to prevent child marriages should involve various parties, including non-governmental organizations, mass media, academy, public figures, religious figures, and communities.
Related news: Parents should educate children on reproductive health: Minister
Related news: Ministry appeals to teen girls to focus on reproductive health
Related news: Look after reproductive health to maintain HR quality: BKKBN
Translator: Anita Permata D, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
