Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) currently stands at a critical historical and political juncture. Far from being a mere pedagogical exercise, CSE serves as a fundamental instrument for advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), mainstreaming gender equality, and providing the tools needed to challenge the structural drivers of gender-based violence.
However, as we navigate the complexities of 2026, the socio-political landscape has become increasingly contested, characterised by the relentless rise of anti-gender movements and the proliferation of coordinated disinformation campaigns.
A shifting paradigm: the weight of narratives
The SexSense Annual Event & Assembly 2026, held in Berlin on 10 and 11 March, started with a powerful call to action that set the tone for the entire event. In his keynote address, “CSE in a shifting world: Why narratives matter more than ever,” UN Specialist at ILGA World Guillermo Ricalde invited the network to look beyond teaching materials and focus on the power of public messages.
Ricalde shared their analysis of how the dominant online platforms and recent political shifts contribute to both knowledge and backlash being amplified. They pointed out that anti-gender movements no longer just oppose CSE: they weaponise sophisticated, fear-based stories to push for policies of exclusion, often targeting advocates and educators with smear campaigns and political pressure.
“In a shifting world, narratives are not peripheral. They are foundational. If we tell a story of fear, we build policies of exclusion. If we tell a story of dignity, we build systems of inclusion. Comprehensive sexuality education is, at its core, a story about possibility. The possibility that every young person, regardless of identity, can learn, grow, and thrive.
“Let us ensure that the dominant narrative of this decade is not one of backlash, but one of courage. Not one of silence, but of clarity. Not one of division, but of shared humanity. Because, when we invest in comprehensive sexuality education, we are not only educating individuals. We are shaping the societies they will lead.”
This perspective shifts the focus from a purely educational debate to one of fundamental human rights. By framing CSE as a “story of possibility,” participating members recognised that, beyond defending a curriculum, the network has a role to play in protecting a shared space where diversity is a collective asset rather than a threat.
Strategic roadmap: funding and capacity building
To help translate this vision into a practical plan to ensure long-term impact, the event introduced the Active Members to funding opportunities that can address key priorities, such as gender equality, the prevention of gender-based violence, and the protection of LGBTIQIA+ rights in democratic contexts. They explored the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) with expert Stefanie Ismaili-Rohleder (CERV National Contact Point Germany), while Maja Brkusanin (Networking Coordinator at CESIE) focused on the Erasmus+ Programme 2021-2027 and Horizon Europe.
The participants discussed how to ensure future initiatives can be robust and highly competitive, before acting on this knowledge during targeted networking sessions. Facilitated by the CESIE ETS team, these sessions allowed members to share early-stage ideas and find collaborators, moving from individual interests to active match-making and the formation of new partnerships. This collaborative effort ensures that the network’s multidisciplinary expertise is directly applied to the development of high-quality, shared project proposals.
The first day culminated in the General Assembly. Following the presentation of the Activity Report 2025, Cloé Saint Nom and Rūta Grigaliūnaitė (CESIE ETS) formally introduced the new Advisory Board and the SexSense Strategy 2026–2027, which has been co-created with members and gives a clear roadmap to the network. Each of the four Working Groups discussed how to transform the new strategic milestones into concrete actions and planning for the year ahead.
The next day, participants delved into one of the 2026-2027 objectives: to develop strong, positive narratives around CSE. Jaakko Toivonen (Transfeminiinit ry), Vanessa Meyer (Knowbody), and Arushi Singh (CSE Specialist), had a roundtable discussion moderated by Isotta Rossoni (Criminologist and Sexuality Educator), to explore the ins and outs of co-creating inclusive messaging. Rossoni then facilitated a collaborative session in which members came together to address the real-world challenges of implementing CSE, share successful strategies and develop practical communication tools to counter anti-gender rhetoric.
Shaping the future together: unity in a time of change
The event served as a major declaration of intent for the SexSense network. Now a community of almost 100 organisations, the network has become a multidisciplinary coalition of NGOs, associations, universities, and research centres, alongside public institutions, private sector partners, and individual professionals from across Europe and beyond.
In a period defined by global political turning points, insecurity, and the persistent threat of anti-gender rhetoric, this is not the time to give up, but to rise together with a common vision towards a more informed, inclusive, and empowered society.
The goal is to move toward long-term structural resilience, building concrete, sustainable projects that can withstand external ideological pressures.
If you are interested in becoming a member of this powerful network, please make your membership requests here.
