Re-imagining comprehensive sexuality education delivery: The role of peer-led education in youth empowerment

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) promotes sexual health, gender equality, and informed decision-making among young people. However, traditional adult-led models often fail to engage youth or address their specific needs fully. This article examines how re-imagining CSE delivery through peer-led education can enhance young people’s understanding of sexuality-related issues while empowering them to become educators within their communities. Amid rising concerns over early marriages, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual abuse, and early pregnancies, the limitations of traditional CSE delivery methods stress the urgency for innovative approaches. Qualitative grounded research was used in this study, and an interpretive paradigm was developed based on Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and Bandura’s social learning theory. The case study design was used as research design. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used as data collection techniques. Fifteen were purposively selected youths aged from 15 to 18 years in Harare province, Zimbabwe. The findings illuminate the potential of peer-led CSE programmes to enhance the relevance and effectiveness of CSE by leveraging the influence of peer networks. Peer-led initiatives foster greater relatability, promote inclusive learning environments, encourage leadership development, and address cultural and societal barriers often overlooked by traditional methods. Additionally, the study explores the challenges associated with implementing peer-led CSE and provides practical recommendations for adapting such programmes to local contexts for maximum impact. The research highlights the critical role of peer-led CSE in equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex sexuality-related issues and contribute meaningfully to their communities.