sexual health and human rights in the african region - The ICHRP

7 INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND EXPRFESSION RELATED
TO SEX AND SEXUALITY
7.1 Introduction
[1] This chapter summarizes the jurisprudence on information, education and
expression related to sex and sexuality. The underpinning premises are that
information, education and expression about sex and sexuality impact on the
realization of sexual health as well as human rights.
[2] Access to information and education about sexually transmitted infection is
essential for individual empowerment. Individuals cannot meaningfully exercise
choice and take responsibility for their sexual health if they are denied facts
about how to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections through
sexual intercourse. The African region has pandemic levels of HIV. At a societal
level, the implementation of effective HIV preventative strategies depends on
dissemination of, and access to, HIV-related information. Knowledge about sex
and sexuality is essential for empowering individuals to exercise choice in
relation to becoming sexually active. Information on contraception empowers
choices about whether to become pregnant.
[3] For children, especially, access to age appropriate information and education
about sex and sexually is necessary for survival and development. Information
about sex and sexuality is not acquired naturally by all children as part of
growing up. Skills for coping with situations that undermine sexual health such
as sexual abuse or exploitation do not come naturally to children. Gender
inequality renders girls in particular particularly vulnerable to HIV and
pregnancy. Adolescents with little or no education have little or no
understanding of sexuality and reproductive functions.
[4] In African society generally, open discussions about sex and sexuality are
generally shunned. Though parents are primary care-givers and are usually able
to provide a safe and supportive environment for the growth and development
of their children, there are also many parents who are disinclined towards
discussing sex and sexuality with their children. It is essential to supplement the
information given by parents or lack of it, in secondary institutions and schools
in particular.
[5] The school has immense significance as place for learning not only about literacy
and numeracy but also about development and socialization, including sex and
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