Working with men, women and young people to change some of their attitudes and behaviors has enormous potential to change the course of the HIV epidemic. Parents can be powerful reinforcers of more positive roles for both men and women. Parents, relatives, teachers and other adults can help young boys and girls learn about and discuss gender roles and sexual decision making. Issues of concern to many young people, such as puberty, masturbation, sexual image, self esteem, gender identity, relating to the opposite sex, attraction to the same sex and the age of sexual initiation, can be discussed. Boys, who often pretend they know a great deal about sex but in reality are uninformed or misinformed, can be encouraged to face their fears and anxieties about having sex.
Young men can discuss concerns such as penis size and sexual performance.
Young girls can discuss concerns about issues such as sexual reputation and the risks of pregnancy. Young women can address the female stereotype of submissiveness toward men. Young girls can learn how to refuse sexual advances and manage male aggressiveness. All young people need encouragement and skills training in how to resist peer pressure. Strategies for Young People Programs that address the risks of drug use and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, are critical prevention strategies.