Sexuality, Young People and Rights
Subtopic 1:Making More Connections – A Summary

Sexuality is an important aspect of developing a sense of self and well-being but is not openly discussed in our societies. As young people grow up they often remain mystified about sexuality.

Young people constitute a considerable percentage of the world population and are vulnerable to various health hazards especially related to their reproductive and sexual health. Consequently, more and more interventions are being designed keeping young people in mind. Yet, what is the perspective with which these interventions are designed? What is the manner in which these messages are conveyed? Also, do these interventions serve to meet the desired goal or do they serve to alienate young people even further? As discussions of sexuality and sexual rights gain momentum globally, it becomes pertinent to discuss, debate and address the specific concerns of young people as a group with regard to sexuality and explore what it is that makes work on young people’s sexuality so controversial and contentious.

What do we mean by ‘young people’? Are they one monolithic, homogenous category? The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines adolescence as those in the age group of 10 – 19 years, young people as those between the ages of 10 and 24 years and youth as people who fall within the age range of 15 – 24 years. According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, ’a child means every human being below the age of 18 years unless, under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier’.

Definitions of young people thus vary, depending on the particular focus of attention, context, country and even within a country itself. Sometimes, even within a country they are defined differently in different laws and policies. For the purposes of this discussion we would like to use the terms youth and young people interchangeably to mean people within the age group of 10-24 years. The idea is to keep the parameters broad so as to bring out different elements and nuances and ensure a vibrant debate and discussion on the issue.

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

1. What do we mean by young people? What issues of sexuality are commonly addressed with them and in what manner?
2. What is it about sexuality and young people that makes it such a contentious issue?
3. What language and assumptions are used to address issues of sexuality with young people?
4. Are there spaces for young people themselves to articulate and engage with a range of issues when it comes to their 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 2: Sexuality and Young People: Access to Information and Services
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