In today’s world, the concept of consent seems to be walking a tightrope. While awareness around consent has grown significantly, the rapid influx of sexually explicit media, especially among young people, threatens to muddy the waters.
In Rwanda, a country navigating the delicate balance between cultural norms and modern influences, the impact of such content raises serious concerns about gender stereotypes, normalized violence, and unhealthy perceptions of relationships.
With the widespread use of smartphones and the internet, Rwandan youth are consuming media like never before. Individuals using the Internet in Rwanda was reported at 34.44 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources, with a significant portion being under 30 years old. Social media platforms and websites that host explicit content are often just a click away, even for teenagers.
Unfortunately, this exposure doesn’t come with a guidebook. Sexually explicit media rarely portrays healthy relationships. Instead, it often depicts toxic power dynamics where aggression is rewarded, boundaries are ignored, and consent is treated as optional. This has troubling implications for young people still forming their understanding of intimacy and respect.
One of the most damaging effects of explicit media is its reinforcement of outdated gender roles. Men are often portrayed as dominant aggressors, while women are reduced to passive participants, existing solely for male gratification. These skewed narratives perpetuate harmful stereotypes that undermine Rwanda’s strides towards gender equality.
The Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (2020) revealed that 50% of women and 18% of men believe a husband is justified in beating his wife under certain circumstances. While these statistics highlight deep-seated cultural norms, sexually explicit media exacerbates these beliefs by normalizing violence and dominance as part of intimacy.
Consent, at its core, is clear and unequivocal. It’s a mutual agreement between individuals, free of coercion, manipulation, or pressure. Yet, explicit media often muddies this clarity by glamorizing non-consensual acts. Research from the University of Melbourne found that over 88% of explicit scenes analyzed contained physical aggression, and in 95% of those instances, the aggression was met with positive or neutral reactions.
For impressionable viewers in Rwanda, these portrayals can normalize the idea that “no” doesn’t really mean no or that hesitation can be overridden. This is particularly dangerous in a society where conversations about sexuality are often shrouded in taboo, leaving young people to learn from the media they consume.
So, how can we tackle this issue? The answer lies in education and open dialogue. Organizations like Imbuto Foundation and Plan International Rwanda are already taking steps to provide comprehensive sexuality education to young people. By teaching respect, boundaries, and the importance of consent, they’re helping to counteract the toxic narratives found in explicit media.
Additionally, parents and guardians need to step up as guides. While monitoring what young people consume is crucial, creating a safe space for discussions about relationships and respect is equally important. When young people feel heard and understood, they’re more likely to develop healthy attitudes towards intimacy.
As a society, we must also hold media platforms accountable. Local content creators should prioritize producing films, music, and shows that celebrate equality, respect, and mutual consent. By offering positive examples, we can shift the narrative and challenge the harmful tropes perpetuated by explicit media.
