IPPF seeks to promote a model of sexuality education that considers the various inter-related power dynamics that influence sexual choices and the resulting emotional, mental, physical and social impacts on each person’s development. Our approach includes an emphasis on sexual expression, sexual fulfilment and pleasure. This represents a shift away from methodologies that focus exclusively on the reproductive aspects of adolescent sexuality.
An internal survey has shown that the majority of IPPF Member Associations are involved in sexuality education, but many feel that more guidance on Comprehensive Sexuality Education is needed. Many Member Associations have identified the need to link HIV prevention and education with sexuality education in a way that addresses the specific needs of young people, especially those living with HIV/AIDS. There is increasing evidence to show that abstinence-only programmes are ineffective, although some governments and organizations continue to promote them. IPPF strongly discourages sexuality education programmes that focus solely on abstinence. IPPF believes that all young people have a right to be informed about their sexuality and their sexual and reproductive health and are entitled to make their own choices. Comprehensive Sexuality Education embodies these ideals and as such contributes to addressing the sexual and reproductive rights of young people.
IPPF hopes to bridge the gap between the world of safe sex and health services (which often draws on negative and condemning language) and popular perceptions and personal experience (which often uses more positive language about pleasure and enjoyment). In particular, it is necessary to reclaim some of the language used within the commercial sex industry in order to represent safe sex as fun and pleasurable.
THE NEED OF YOUNG PEOPLE
Currently, the emotional, social and health needs of young people are not being fully met. Every year, at least 111 million new cases of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and half of all new HIV infections occur among young people and up to 4.4 million girls aged 15–19 seek abortion – the majority of which are unsafe. Ten per cent of births worldwide are to adolescent mothers, who experience much higher rates of maternal mortality than older women. Rates of reported sexual abuse in 19 countries range from 7–34 per cent for girls and 3–29 per cent for boys. Every five minutes a young person commits suicide, often due to emotional and social problems related to sexual and reproductive health, such as sexual violence and the breakdown of relationships. Young people face increasing pressures regarding sex and sexuality including conflicting messages and norms. On the one hand sex is seen as negative and associated with guilt, fear and disease, but through the media and friends it is portrayed as positive and desirable. Such pressures may be perpetuated by a lack of accurate information, skills, and awareness of their rights and by gender expectations. Young people may feel that they lack a voice in a debate which is about them, but rarely involves them, or that the reality of their lives and the development of their sexual identities are not understood. This results in many young people being either unable or reluctant to seek help when they need it, and may prevent them from giving input within policy and decision making processes.
THE RIGHTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE
IPPF is committed to the provision and promotion of youth friendly services which are easily available to all young people irrespective of their age, sex, marital status or financial situation. IPPF recognizes the right of all young people to enjoy sex and express their sexuality in the way that they choose.
IPPF’s Youth Policy states that IPPF is committed to promoting, protecting and upholding the sexual and reproductive health rights of all young people. This includes the right to information and education on sexuality, and a right to pleasure and confidence in relationships and all aspects of their sexuality. Such information and education should enhance the independence and self-esteem of young people and provide them with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices.
In addition, the Youth Policy states that:
• Information should be accessible to children and young people of all ages in accordance with their evolving capacities.
• Whether sexually active or not, and irrespective of sexual orientation, young people should be given the information to enable them to feel comfortable and confident about their bodies and their sexuality.
• CSE that helps young people acquire the skills to negotiate relationships and safer sexual practices, including whether and when to engage in sexual intercourse, should be available.
• Broad-based strategies are needed to address young people both in and out of school.
• Special attention should be paid to the most disadvantaged young people.
Such pressures may be perpetuated by a lack of accurate information, skills, and awareness of their rights and by gender expectations. Young people may feel that they lack a voice in a debate which is about them, but rarely involves them, or that the reality of their lives and the development of their sexual identities are not understood. This results in many young people being either unable or reluctant to seek help when they need it, and may prevent them from giving input within policy and decision making processes.
CSE programmes should build on Member Associations’ own youth policies and relevant regional guidelines.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child2 states that children and young people have the right to enjoy the highest attainable health, access to health facilities (Article 24), and access to information which will allow them to make decisions about their health (Article 17), including family planning (Article 24). Young people also have the right to be heard, express opinions and be involved in decision making (Article 12). They have the right to education which will help them learn, develop and reach their full potential and prepare them to be understanding and tolerant towards others (Article 29). Additionally, young people have the right not to be discriminated against (Article 2).