Sexual exploitation of adolescent girls in Uganda

The phenomenon of cross-generational sex, defined as sexual relationships between an adolescent and a partner who is older, usually by 10 or more years,can be linked to many immediate and life-long negative consequence sfor both girls and boys. This study therefore seeks to understand the multiple and overlapping reasons behind cross-generational relationships in Uganda, as well asassociated interventions, in order to promote more comprehensive responses to the issue. Through on-the-ground research we explore the consequences of adolescent experiences of these exploitative relationships, and analyse the extent towhich policy and programming are currently failing this phenomenon. In particular, the research looks at the extent to which income poverty collates with discriminatory social norms in Uganda which contribute to this particular form of child protection violation.

The study is part of a two-year Oak Foundation-funded programme of work that explores the potential for greater linkages between child protection and anti-poverty work in low- and middle-income countries. It is one of three country case studies that looks at sexual violence and exploitation, physical violence, early marriage and inadequate care, and their relationship to income poverty in Uganda, Ethiopia and Vietnam.