130 likes | 250 Views
A Framework for Programming on Sexual Health and Rights for Young People . Eleanor Maticka-Tyndale, PhD Canada Research Chair in Social Justice and Sexual Health University of Windsor, Canada. The Framework. Achieving support Designing the program Delivering the program.
E N D
A Framework for Programming on Sexual Health and Rights for Young People Eleanor Maticka-Tyndale, PhD Canada Research Chair in Social Justice and Sexual Health University of Windsor, Canada 3rd African Conference on Sexual Health & Rights
The Framework Achieving support • Designing the program • Delivering the program Focus of this presentation 3rd African Conference on Sexual Health & Rights
A Beginning In 1994 179 countries at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), Cairo agreed that Young people have a right to information about their reproductive and sexual health. In 2002, this right was reaffirmed at UN Special Session on Children. 3rd African Conference on Sexual Health & Rights
Multiple Human Rights Conventions Include Rights to Health and Education • Universal Declaration of Human Rights • Convention on the Rights of the Child • Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights • Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women • Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination • European Convention on Human Rights • American Convention on Human Rights • African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights 3rd African Conference on Sexual Health & Rights
International Conventions • Upheld through the work of • Committees & offices that provide education & assistance to countries to implement convention provisions • Watchdog committees that report on progress and violations in countries & regions • International courts and tribunals where complaints may be brought and ‘violaters’ held accountable 3rd African Conference on Sexual Health & Rights
Within Countries … Where People Live National constitutions, laws and charters • Government carries responsibility for implementing them • Courts resolve complaints about violations But … for most people, rights are or are not realized in their daily lives through local, grassroots actions and realities 3rd African Conference on Sexual Health & Rights
Local, Grassroots Realities In many societies and cultures even speaking about sexuality, especially to young people, is taboo. How can we move to providing sexuality education and services to youth? 3rd African Conference on Sexual Health & Rights
Given the taboos and fears, Sexuality Education & Services often the ‘best’ we can get is education & services that address the dangers of sex (HIV, STIs, rape, too early/unwanted pregnancy). Even this may be a challenge! 3rd African Conference on Sexual Health & Rights
Step 1: Break the Silence and Gain Community Support (a synthesis of research & evaluation on youth programming) • Assess the level of support & resistance, hopes & fears • Build a network of supporters • Form an advisory group – supporters & duty bearers • Use knowledge from research to educate adults • The reality of young people’s lives • What sexuality education & sexual health services for youth are, how they can benefit the health and well-being of youth • Consider the concerns & fears of stakeholders and find common ground • Discuss where and who is best to provide programs • Run a pilot program • Learn • Share results 3rd African Conference on Sexual Health & Rights
Start from the point of consensus -- e.g., ‘danger-proofing’ education Step 2: Use available resources for content & training. Guidelines and programs designed primarily to re- duce the risk of ‘sexual dangers’ • WHO sponsored review of HIV prevention programming for youth http://whqlibdoc.who.int/trs/WHO_TRS_938_eng.pdf • Primary & Secondary School Action for Better Health, Kenya www.psabh.infowww.ssabh.info 3rd African Conference on Sexual Health & Rights
Step 3: Gradually raise awareness of the benefits of going beyond ‘danger proofing’ to Comprehensive Sexuality Education 3rd African Conference on Sexual Health & Rights
Resources for Delivering Comprehensive Sexuality Education International Women’s Health Coalition Positively Informed: Lesson Plans and Guidance for Sexuality Educators and Advocates. http://www.iwhc.org/resources/positivelyinformed/index.cfm Nigeria curriculum & other programming resources Available through AHI http://www.actionhealthinc.org/publications/guides.htm 3rd African Conference on Sexual Health & Rights
The framework • Take conviction in knowing & remind others that • Sexual health is an essential component of health • Working towards ‘the highest possible standard of health’ is incorporated into many international conventions. • Sexuality education is an important step towards sexual health. Use international committees – advocacy & education • Work at all levels, but especially the grassroots level where youth live. • Start from points of consensus. • Use available resources. • Work towards providing comprehensive sexuality education & sexual health resources. 3rd African Conference on Sexual Health & Rights