Introduction 

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) enables young people to make informed decisions about their sexuality. The sexual and reproductive choices of young people can have a cascading effect on their human rights. Adolescent pregnancy, for example, can lead girls to drop out of school, which deprives them of their right to education. 

 

The importance of sexuality education has been recognised by numerous international agreements. The Programme of Action of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development calls on governments to provide sexuality education to all manner of people including adolescents, specifying that such education should take place both in schools and at the community level, be age-appropriate, begin as early as possible, foster mature decision-making and aim to eliminate gender inequality. CSE includes scientifically accurate, curriculum-based information about human development, anatomy, pregnancy and related complications, contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.  But it goes beyond information, to encourage confidence and improved communication skills. CSE curricula should also address the social issues surrounding sexuality and reproduction, including cultural norms, family life and interpersonal relationships.