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This study aims to explore the life experiences and expectations of young women of Busoga in Eastern Uganda.

Using qualitative methods, a small group of young women drew, wrote stories and made videos together. The data which emerged from this exercise were analysed alongside the researcher's own observations.

Basoga society's main expectation of young women is that they will work in the home. Yet, young women describe very different ideas of what they want from their lives; this includes a desire for access to a good educational experience, and different expectations for family life than cultural norms. They find, however, that there are many barriers to meeting those expectations.

The study is important because it acknowledges and forefronts Ugandan young women's life expectations. Typically, development focuses on “outsider” considerations rather than “insider” views and desires. The desires of the marginalised, such as young women in Africa, are a particularly neglected subject. There is a need for continued efforts to explore and include young women's experiences and expectations countering gender inequality and as part of ongoing gender empowerment and sexual health strategies.

This paper sets out to explore Ugandan young women's definitions and perceptions of sexual coercion.

A qualitative study was conducted with seven young women in rural Uganda. Participants filmed videos, wrote stories, made drawings and participated in transect walks before analysing their data through formal and informal discussions.

Forced sex is defined narrowly to mean only rape. Verbal forms of sexual coercion were recognised, but only after some discussion. Verbal coercion is referred to as “abusing” or “convincing”. Young women are commonly pressured into consenting to have sex, despite what they really want, owing to the socio‐cultural circumstances. Young women in Uganda are significantly tolerant of sexual coercion. This tolerance appears to arise from power differentials between genders, and the socio‐cultural environment shaping their lives.

The paper improves understanding of young women's definitions and perceptions of sexual coercion, which is essential to provide effective violence prevention programmes. It also suggests that further research is warranted in this field.

This paper aims to explore the motivations of young women in Busoga, Uganda, engaging in “Something‐for‐something” love (SFSL) relationships. Something‐for‐something love is defined as engaging in sex in exchange for money, favours, gifts and goods. This paper examines whether these relationships affect young women's ability to negotiate safe sex.

Qualitative methods were used with a group of six young women including participatory video, drawing, stories and life histories. In addition, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with each participant and two key informants. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.

Peer pressure, financial gain, school fees, basic needs and family pressure were key motivations for SFSL. Power dynamics embedded in Ugandan local culture were found to play a significant role in SFSL and family pressure is suggested to assume a greater role than previously perceived. Transaction was considered to be part of what was expected within a “natural romantic relationship”. Condom use was less likely in relationships where a great amount of gifts were exchanged, as men were more likely to negotiate sex on their terms, and this often led to unprotected sex.

The study contributes much‐needed insight into motivations behind young women participating in SFSL. Young women involved in such relationships are portrayed along a spectrum ranging from vulnerable to empowered. The study emphasises the role parents and other kin play in influencing their children's sexual and reproductive health choices. The study highlights to policy makers that interventions aimed at improving parent‐child communication are needed; as well as a more informed approach to HIV prevention, taking onboard the complexities of SFSL.