About us
Sexuality matters: Learn. Respect. Enjoy.
SexSense is an engaged network of associations, NGOs, public institutions, universities, research centres, for-profit companies and other networks that elevate the discourse and practice of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).
Our strength lies in our collective expertise and diverse perspectives, driving forward research and innovative practices across Europe.
Our mission
To build a vibrant community of organisations and institutions that advance Comprehensive Sexuality Education through impactful EU-funded projects and actions, collaborative research, and innovative approaches and practices.
What we mean by Comprehensive Sexuality Education:
“Comprehensive Sexuality Education - or the many other ways this may be referred to - is the process of teaching and learning about the cognitive, emotional, physical and social aspects of sexuality.
“It aims to equip people with knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that empower them to take ownership of their health, wellbeing and dignity; develop respectful social and sexual relationships; consider how their choices affect their own wellbeing and that of others; and understand and ensure the protection of their rights throughout their lives.
“CSE takes a positive approach to sexuality, emphasising values such as respect, inclusion, non-discrimination, equality, empathy, responsibility and reciprocity. It reinforces healthy and positive values about bodies, puberty, relationships, sex and family life.”
Adapted from UNESCO (2023)
Our founding partner:
CESIE ETS - European Centre for Studies and Initiatives has a decade-long experience delivering workshops and training courses on sexuality education, leading interventions focused on sexuality-related issues, promoting healthy relationships and preventing gender-based violence.
Based in Palermo, Sicily, CESIE ETS is a civil society organisation inspired by the theories and work of Italian sociologist Danilo Dolci. Working closely with professionals in education and sexuality education, intercultural dialogue, and psychology, it laid the groundwork for a European-wide partnership to be born: SexSense.
Since 2023, through the SexSense network, we’ve further built on the CESIE ETS’s expertise in EU funding schemes to bring about systemic change through promising projects and initiatives - as well as disseminating CSE interventions and contributing to CSE research that informs our actions.