Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is a crucial educational approach that extends beyond the fundamentals of biology and reproduction, encompassing a holistic understanding of sexuality to incorporate cognitive, physical, emotional, social, and ethical dimensions. CSE aims to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, while also fostering respectful and equitable relationships.
Accomplishing comprehensive sexuality education often involves navigating a complex and contested landscape made up of diverse, and at times conflicting, beliefs and values surrounding sexuality, relationships, and gender roles. Its detractors frequently mention being concerned about the potential for CSE to encourage premature sexual activity among teenagers and to diminish parental authority.
Meanwhile, research consistently demonstrates the many benefits of comprehensive sexuality education[1], extending beyond individual impact to positively influence families and communities. For example, it fosters improved communication between parents and children on sexual and reproductive health and rights, facilitating more open and informed familial discourse[2]. Studies also suggest a correlation between CSE and delayed sexual activity, as well as a decrease in risky sexual behaviours[3], including sexual abuse situations and unprotected intercourse.
By promoting core values such as respect, equity, and consent, CSE empowers young people to make informed decisions about their sexual health and relationships, cultivating a culture of respect and responsibility. The efficacy of these programmes on young people's sexual health outcomes is further enhanced by active parental involvement, which highlights the crucial role of collaborative partnerships between educators and families. Finally, CSE plays a vital role in mitigating discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, thereby contributing to the creation of a more inclusive and accepting society.
The importance of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in preventing gender-based violence
Gender-based violence is a pervasive human rights violation that affects millions of people around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)[4], approximately one in three people worldwide has experienced some form of sexual violence.
Education programmes that address sexuality holistically play a crucial role in gender-based violence prevention by tackling its root causes and promoting gender equality. By fostering critical thinking about gender norms, they challenge harmful norms and stereotypes - particularly those related to traditional gender roles - and enable individuals to recognise and reject harmful attitudes that condone violence. Teaching about consent, respect, and positive relationship dynamics, these programmes promote healthy relationships and provide young people with an understanding of their rights and boundaries, empowering them to communicate effectively and assertively.
While this knowledge is essential for preventing sexual assault and other forms of gender-based violence,it also empowers individuals to make informed choices about their bodies and sexuality, providing the knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves from sexual abuse and exploitation, and to seek help when needed. Finally, by fostering open and honest conversations about sexuality, these programmes contribute to the creation of a culture of respect and equality, challenging the silence surrounding gender-based violence and encouraging individuals to speak out against it.
The SexSense Network Annual Event & Assembly
In this complex and ever-evolving landscape, the SexSense network emerges as a key actor.
The 2025 SexSense Network Annual Event & Assembly, held on 5 and 6 February, served as a significant forum for experts, activists, and stakeholders engaged in the fields of comprehensive sexuality education and gender-based violence prevention. Open to Active members of the SexSense network, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the network's achievements over the past year, build connections and capacities, co-create projects, and share ideas. The event participants shared information about the current state of CSE, reviewed the Bi-annual Strategy and planned future Working Group activities. It offered valuable networking opportunities for both established and new members, provided information on EU priorities and relevant funding opportunities in 2025, and supported the development of proposals.Â
The Keynote Speech, Education for physical, social and emotional health and well-being, was delivered by Kathleen Chau, Programme Specialist in the Section of Health and Education at UNESCO. She explored the crucial intersection of education and wellbeing, sharing insights into how educational approaches can effectively address the holistic needs of young people in relation to their physical, social, and emotional development.
Participants had the chance to strengthen their competencies by participating in more interactive sessions on the second day of the event. This day also featured a powerful Opening Speech, Reclaiming Narratives - Ensuring responsive and inclusive CSE standards to build just futures, delivered by Ashlee Alexandra Burnett-Beatrice, Global Lead in Comprehensive Sexuality Education at the International Planned Parenthood Federation. Sergio Villanueva Baselga from the Universitat de Barcelona offered insights into Communicating Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Media, Gender and Sexuality, with a particular focus on the concept of the manosphere. The participants also took part in the Engaging with Media and Tech to Advance CSE in Europe capacity building workshop, led by Alessandro Polidoro of Stop the Data Porn, who equipped them with practical skills and strategies for navigating the digital landscape in their work.Â
Later, Sofia Constantinou from SexSense member CSI - Centre for Social Innovation delivered an advocacy workshop where participants collaboratively developed an international manifesto for promoting CSE as a tool for gender-based violence prevention. The Manifesto outlines key principles to guide the mainstreaming of CSE globally, rooted in evidence-based practices and human rights. It urges policymakers, educators, healthcare professionals, and all stakeholders to join in advocating for universal access to quality CSE.
If you want to support these principles, read the Manifesto here and add your support by endorsing it here!
Sexuality matters: learn, respect, enjoy!
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[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11261539/#:~:text=Research%20consistently%20demonstrates%20that%20CSE,pregnancies%20%5B11%2D15%5D.
[2] bzga-whocc.de/fileadmin/user_upload/BZgA_Reference_Kit_Factsheet_6_CSEand_parental_involvement.pdf
[3] https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2016/11/comprehensive-sexuality-education
[4] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women#:~:text=Estimates%20published%20by%20WHO%20indicate,violence%20is%20intimate%20partner%20violence.