Sexuality, Young People and Rights
Subtopic 2: Access to Information and Services – An Introduction 

From the discussions on Subtopic 1 we know that young people are not a homogenous category. The definitions accorded to ‘young people’ vary from that of policy framers to health and information providers. The needs and priorities of this group also change according to contexts, region, country, socio- economic status and also marital status, amongst other factors. For example, as one of the participants has pointed out, the needs of street children vary from those who live in families, or the needs of disabled young people from that of able-bodied people.

We have also briefly talked about the ways and means in which messages are crafted for young people. These messages may either be participatory or exclusionary in their nature. For example many of the services and information that are aimed at the young people often perpetuate fear-based messages, which do not adequately allow for young people to communicate and share their own concerns and opinions and often alienate them further.

In this forum we will now move on to talk about the various points of entry for young people to talk about sexuality. What are the spaces where young people can have access to various information, services and resources on sexuality, sexual and reproductive health and rights? Do these spaces allow for positive and affirmative messages on sexuality?

Many countries in South and Southeast Asia are currently debating and paying serious consideration on whether to include sexuality education as a part of the school curriculum. It would therefore be interesting to explore and understand the motivation and rationale behind the introduction of sexuality education in schools and colleges and what are the messages that are being imparted through the curriculum. Are these done keeping in mind the ‘best interests’ of young people or does it generate from some kind of fear arising from the common perception that young people’s sexuality is ‘out of control’ and needs to be suppressed and contained? Also, it would be interesting to examine the specific messages which are given out to young people on sexuality and whether or not these meet the purposes for which they have been designed.

For the next two weeks, we will be examining the following questions as a part of the forum discussion:

1. What are the spaces for young people to articulate their concerns about sexuality? Are these adequate?
2. Should sexuality education be a part of the school curriculum for young people? If yes, then what would be the most effective way of so incorporating it?
3. What are the specific messages that are crafted when communicating with young people?
4. What are the messages that seem to remain absent from information provided to young people about sexuality?

Please feel free to write in your analyses, observations, thoughts, comments, and examples addressing any, one, or all of the issues and questions raised above. Alternatively, please pose new questions you feel are relevant for this sub-topic.

In the coming weeks, we will address a variety of topics related to sexuality, young people and rights. These will include:

Subtopic 3: Sexuality, Young People and Rights
Subtopic 4: Practices and Strategies – Next Steps!

We look forward to a lively and exciting discussion!

Regards,

Arpita Das and Neha Patel (Moderators)
The South and Southeast Asia Resource Centre on Sexuality