SexSense member Aproximar proudly delivered a speech on the SexSense network at the fifth International Conference on Social and Solidarity Economy and the Commons. They took SexSense as a flagship example of transnational cooperation to advance Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and lead the resistance against anti-gender movements. 

Taking place on 26 - 28 November 2025 at Iscte – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa in Portugal, this year’s edition brought together scholars, activists, and practitioners from around the world, creating a space for dialogue on community-led practices capable of imagining and shaping more liveable futures. 

After presenting SexSense’s mission, goals, working groups, members’ areas of expertise, and examples of the work carried out so far, Aproximar received overwhelmingly positive feedback. While it was the first time that some participants heard about Comprehensive Sexuality Education, those already working on gender-related topics found the initiative inspiring.

They shared personal experiences of gender and sexuality, and discussed the importance of family acceptance for young people with sexual and gender diverse backgrounds. The participants also explored strategies for dealing with the stress and emotional strain of working on sensitive topics, including when engaging “groups with radical ideas” in the context of their research.

For Aproximar, being part of a network like SexSense is key to bringing about a world that is fairer, more peaceful, and free from gender-based violence. Indeed, with its decentralised, member-led structure, SexSense empowers local organisations while creating a unified European voice guided by values of justice and equality.

“This event showed how powerful it is when we connect and create new bonds, in a world that often pushes us apart,” said Geórgia Chaves from Aproximar. “Representing and sharing the SexSense network at the SSE Commons Conference was very important to us; joining forces in such an innovative collective is key to winning the fight against the current anti-gender rhetoric that we in the comprehensive sexuality education sector are facing across Europe.

“These three days of rich and multidisciplinary exchange proved that, when we learn from each other at the grassroots level, we can turn connection into collective action and meaningful social change.”

Upholding principles of inclusivity, evidence-based practice, and holistic wellbeing, SexSense has developed a Manifesto to Advance Comprehensive Sexuality Education calling on policymakers to make high-quality CSE a reality for all. You can endorse it here >