TODAY -

Empowering adulthood through sex education
- Part 2 -

Dr Ashwini Sirapanasetty Karache *



2. Values, Rights, Culture & Sexuality:

Values and Sexuality -Values and attitudes imparted to us by families and communities are sources of what we learn about sex and sexuality, and influence our personal behaviour and decision-making. It is important to know one's own values, beliefs and attitudes, in order to adopt sexual Behaviours those are consistent with them.

As children grow up, they develop their own values which may differ from their parents/guardians. Human Rights and Sexuality-There are local and/or national laws and international agreements that address human rights that impact sexual and reproductive health. Culture, Society and Sexuality-Culture, religion and society influence our understanding of sexuality.

Social, cultural and religious factors influence what is considered acceptable and unacceptable sexual behaviour in society, and these factors evolve over time. It is important to be aware of how social and cultural norms impact sexual behaviour while developing one's own point of view.

3. Understanding Gender:

The Social Construction of Gender and Gender Norms-The way that individuals think of themselves, or describe themselves to others in terms of their gender, is unique to them and should be respected. It is important to understand the difference between biological sex and gender. Gender Equality, Stereotypes and Bias-All persons are equally valuable, regardless of their gender.

Gender stereotypes and bias impact how men, women, and people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity are treated and the choices they can make. Gender equality can promote equal decision-making about sexual behaviour and life planning.

Gender-based Violence (GBV) - It is important to know what GBV is and where to go for help. All forms of GBV by adults, young people and people in positions of authority are a violation of human rights. Everyone has a responsibility to advocate for gender equality and speak out against human rights violations such as sexual abuse, harmful practices and other forms of GBV.

4. Violence & staying Safe:

Consent, Privacy, and Bodily Integrity-Everyone has the right to be in control of what they will and will not do sexually, and should actively communicate and recognize consent from their partners. It is important to understand what unwanted sexual attention is and the need for privacy when growing up.

It is important to be aware of factors that can impact the ability to acknowledge or give consent. Safe use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)- Sexual abuse, sexual harassment and bullying (including cyber bullying) are harmful and it is important to seek support if experiencing them. Internet and social media use require special care and consideration.

Sexually explicit media can result in unrealistic expectations about sexual behaviour, sexual response and body appearance. Social media use can result in many benefits, but also has the potential for moral, ethical and legal situations that require careful navigation.

5. Skills for Health & well-being:

Decision-making- Everyone deserves to make their own decisions and all decisions have consequences. There are multiple influences on decisions, including friends, culture, gender-role stereotypes, peers and the media. Sexual decision-making has consequences on oneself and others, including social and health consequences. Sexual decision-making can result in possible legal consequences.

Communication, Refusal and Negotiation Skills- Effective communication uses different modes and styles, and is important to expressing and understanding wishes, needs and personal boundaries. Effective communication is key to expressing personal needs and sexual limits.

Media Literacy and Sexuality- There are different forms of media, which present information that may be correct or incorrect. Some media portray unrealistic images about sexuality and sexual relationships, which can influence our perceptions of gender and self-esteem. Negative and inaccurate media portrayals of men and women can be challenged to influence behaviour positively and promote Gender equality.

Finding Help and Support-It's important to assess sources of help and support, including services and media sources, in order to access quality information and services. Everyone has the right to affordable, factual and respectful assistance that maintains confidentiality and protects privacy.

6. The Human Body & Development:

Sexual and Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology-Everyone's body has parts involved in one's sexual health and reproduction, and it is common for children to have questions about them. Women's bodies can release eggs during the menstrual cycle, and men's bodies may make and ejaculate sperm, both of which are needed for reproduction. Men's and women's bodies change over time, including their reproductive and sexual capacities and functions.

Reproduction- There are differences between reproductive functions and sexual feelings and these can change over a period of time. In order for a pregnancy to begin, criteria must be just right for sperm to join with an egg and implant in the uterus. Not everyone is fertile and there are ways of trying to address infertility for those who would like to conceive.

Puberty- Puberty is a time of sexual maturation that leads to major physical, emotional, social and cognitive changes that can be exciting as well as stressful throughout adolescence.

Menstruation is a normal and natural part of a girls' physical development and should not be treated with secrecy or stigma. During puberty, adolescents may experience a variety of physical responses (e.g. erections and wet dreams)

Body Image- A person's physical appearance does not determine their worth as a human being All bodies are special and unique and people should feel good about their bodies. People's feelings about their bodies can affect their health, self-image and behaviour. There is wide variation in what people fmd attractive when it comes to a person's physical appearance. Unrealistic standards about bodily appearance can be challenged.

7. Sexuality & Sexual Behaviour:

Sex, Sexuality and the Sexual Life Cycle- Human beings are born with the capacity to enjoy their sexuality throughout their life. Sexual feelings, fantasies and desires are natural and occur throughout life although people do not always choose to act on those feelings.

It's natural to be curious about sexuality and important to ask a trusted adult question. Sexuality is complex and includes biological, social, psychological, spiritual, ethical and cultural dimensions that evolve over the lifespan.

Sexual Behaviour and Sexual Response- People can show love for other people through touching and intimacy. Children should understand what is and what is not appropriate touching. Every society, culture and generation has its own myths about sexual behaviours and it's important to know the fact.

It is important to be able to make informed decisions about sexual behaviour, including whether to delay sex or become sexually active. Sexual decision-making requires prior consideration of risk-reduction strategies to prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs, including HIV.

8. Sexual & Reproductive Health:

Pregnancy and Pregnancy Prevention- Modern contraception can help people prevent or plan pregnancy. Gender roles and peer norms may influence decisions about contraceptive use. Contraceptive use can help people who are sexually active to prevent pregnancy, or plan if and when to have children, with important related benefits for individuals and societies.

Young people who are sexually active and could benefit from contraception should be able to access it without significant barriers, regardless of ability, marital status, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. Unintended pregnancies occur, and all young people should be able to access the services and protections necessary for their health and well-being.

Adoption is an option when someone is not ready or able to become a parent. HIV and AIDS Stigma, Care, Treatment and Support-With the right care, respect and support, people living with HIV can lead fully productive lives free from discrimination.

Everyone, including people living with HIV, have the equal right with all others to express sexual feelings and love for others, through marriage and long-term commitments - should they choose to do so.

Understanding, Recognizing and Reducing the Risk of STIs, including HIV- People can acquire STIs, including HIV, as a result of having sex with someone who already has an STI, and there are ways people can lower their vulnerability to infection. Testing is the only way to know for sure whether someone has an STI, including HIV, and treatment exits for HIV and most STIs.

Sexual health services can offer HIV testing, treatment, provision of condoms, and some may provide PrEP and PEP or VMMC, among other services that can help people assess their vulnerability to HIV and access testing and treatment as needed. Communication, negotiation and refusal skills can help young people to counter unwanted sexual pressure or reinforce the intent to practise safer sex (i.e. consistently using condoms and contraception.

MAKING HEADWAY: Growth & Development of Human Body is based on foundation of Emotional & Psychological postulates. CSE is one of the most important decisive phase which nurture the emotional & psychological ennoblement.

Adolescence is the phase where CSE develops young minds to make conscious, satisfying, safe, healthy & respectful choices regarding relationship, sexuality, and individual identity, mental & physical health. As a progressive part of community it's our equal responsibility to not just support but also participate, strengthen & adopt CSE norms to dwindle the entire stigma around the Sex & Sexuality Education.

Concluded...


* Dr Ashwini Sirapanasetty Karache wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is an Obstetrics and Gynaecologist Surgeon and
also wife of Major Anil Kumar Sirapanasetty who is a Serving Army Officer currently residing in New Delhi. She is a nature enthusiast and believes in thought of "Harnessing the Humankind with Nature".
This article was webcasted on January 16 2023 .



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.


LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa : Gallery
  • Tri-Nation International Football Tournament
  • Modern Cancer Treatment in Manipur
  • International conference on Natural farming
  • Importance of farm pond for agriculture
  • Drowned :: Poem
  • COVID-19 : Impact in Manipur :: News Timeline
  • Poireiton Khunthok (Abridged Translation) #1
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba (Meitei New Year) : Book
  • COVID-19 Status 21 March : Govt of Manipur
  • 'Implement NRC must precede delimitation'
  • Yuva Samvad - India@2047 organized
  • Serum for hair
  • As you sail through the noises
  • Seizure of PDS rice amid erratic distribution
  • Studying with a purpose in mind
  • Yaoshang Mei Loukhatpa #3 : Gallery
  • Liquor prohibition in Manipur
  • Lifting Bhagyachandra and elephant
  • COVID-19 Status 20 March : Govt of Manipur
  • Bishnupur Cricket Association meeting
  • Fake News & Disinformation New Challenges
  • Prospect, feasibility of natural farming in state
  • Manipur and water crisis
  • Lamta Thangja @Kangla Gate : Gallery
  • Sangai Fest: Kabui Dance : Gallery
  • COVID-19 Status 19 March : Govt of Manipur
  • Oil and gas scenario in Manipur
  • NPF's 'Gandhigiri' gestures towards NDPP
  • Spreading happiness as a career choice
  • Afforestation campaign: Test of Govt resilience
  • Poppy plantation & agents of desertification
  • My Memories of Imphal #14 : Download
  • Imphal Turel condition [18 Mar] : Gallery
  • COVID-19 Status 18 March : Govt of Manipur
  • Seminar on Awareness about lifestyle diseases
  • Pole Star :: Poem
  • Blunting of AIDS epidemic: zero-complacency
  • Conduct of election to Municipal in Nagaland
  • Saroi Khangba @ Imphal #2 : Gallery
  • Ima Keithel, a yearlong tourist's destination
  • COVID-19 Status 17 March : Govt of Manipur
  • Her Struggle
  • In Nagaland, NDPP rises & NPF falls
  • Dream Zone - School of Creative Studies
  • Sluggish project works abetting water crisis
  • Taking the NRC call to Delhi : Unifying factor
  • Nongmaithem Tombi Singh's contribution #2
  • Highways of Life :: Movie Review
  • COVID-19 Status 16 March : Govt of Manipur
  • Farewell Maharashtra student : Gallery
  • How healthy is your relationship ?
  • G20: Driving women-led development
  • Yogini Temple of Hirapur, Odisha
  • Holistic laws must to cleanse rot in exam
  • All thunder & lightening but no rain
  • Bora Festival #2 : Gallery
  • Deepika Mayanglambam : Felicitated by Y20
  • COVID-19 Status 15 March : Govt of Manipur
  • Will shorter TB regimen reach those in need
  • From a student, Dear Dhanamanjuri University
  • An inspiring story of a fish farmer journey
  • British Council announces STEM scholarship
  • State's reputation at stake as drug...
  • Briefing Union Home Minister
  • Thabal Competition #1 : Gallery
  • International River day at Lairouching
  • COVID-19 Status 14 March : Govt of Manipur
  • Lembi Leima : Film Premeire at Melbourne
  • Ballad For Gloom :: Poem
  • Dialectics of identity & development #2
  • Patriarchy opting for Gender Equality
  • Demand for NRC, panel testifies restive state
  • All set for HSLC 2023 exams
  • Yaoshang Mei Loukhatpa #2 : Gallery
  • COVID-19 Status 13 March : Govt of Manipur
  • Railways acts as engine of development
  • The Book of Ichigo Ichie :: Review
  • Platform for women to re-start their careers
  • The rising threat of forest fires
  • Land allotment scam amid uproar over eviction
  • Noting stand of Forest Minister
  • English Pronouncing Skills : Book Download
  • Day 5: Yaoshang Sports : Gallery
  • COVID-19 Status 12 March : Govt of Manipur
  • Representation to PM seeking appointment
  • Condemnation of CM N Biren's interview
  • Eco-friendly management of fall armyworm
  • Honesty is the worst privacy
  • Resistance to Govt efforts to protect forests
  • Tough times call for tough decisions
  • My Memories of Imphal #13 : Download
  • Day 4: Yaoshang Sports : Gallery
  • COVID-19 Status 11 March : Govt of Manipur
  • Why COVID-19 continues to be a pandemic?
  • International Women's Day
  • 'Electricity collaboration' diplomacy in BBIN
  • Day 3: Yaoshang Sports : Gallery
  • Yaoshang Sports: Yubi Lakpi at Khongman
  • COVID-19 Status 10 March : Govt of Manipur
  • UNHHRC access to Mizoram & Manipur
  • Govt to withdraw from SOO agreement
  • 4 Filmmakers invited for Indie8 Fest
  • Dialectics of identity & development #1
  • Thabal Chongba @Mongsangei #1 : Gallery
  • Yaoshang Pichakari #1 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2023 #1: Gallery
  • International Women's Day 2023
  • COVID-19 Status 09 March : Govt of Manipur
  • Yaoshang Sports at Khongman
  • International Women's Day at IBSD, Imphal
  • Nakatheng Chatpa @Kakwa : Gallery
  • Yaoshang Mei Loukhatpa #1 : Gallery
  • COVID-19 Status 08 March : Govt of Manipur
  • Sports item distributed at Bishnupur
  • Parents :: Poem
  • Call for world peace & harmony
  • Tips to play safe Holi
  • Yaoshang Mei Thaba @Imphal : Gallery
  • Yaoshang Mei Thaba @Nabadwip : Gallery
  • COVID-19 Status 07 March : Govt of Manipur
  • Yaoshang : Nostalgia, tradition & identity
  • GOI pressure on CM Rio to deliver solution
  • Update gun license otherwise
  • Art Exhibition @ RKCS #1 : Gallery
  • NE Convention on Indigenous Peoples Land
  • COVID-19 Status 06 March : Govt of Manipur
  • Yaoshang (Holi) Festival :: Book
  • Railways: Engine of new growth in NE India
  • Precautionary measures during Yaoshang
  • Persons suffering from Sickle cell disease
  • Training on mushroom at Khangabok
  • Floodlight boon for state's sportspersons
  • Act not think for the future of Meiteis
  • Yaoshang Sen Khaiba : Gallery
  • Students Tour to Nagpur #2 :: Gallery
  • COVID-19 Status 05 March : Govt of Manipur
  • Lampak is calling
  • North East endorses Modi but with conditions
  • Elephanta Caves
  • After village chief, anti-poppy vow by legislator
  • The good & the bad of Yaoshang
  • My Memories of Imphal #12 : Download
  • Sangai Fest: Khutpak Chatkoi #2 : Gallery
  • 538th Birth Anniv of Cheitanya Mahaprabhu
  • COVID-19 Status 04 March : Govt of Manipur
  • Gender gap in STEM: Its impact & solution
  • On Rethinking Corruption
  • How sports help in development of women
  • Lanna Thouram of Chaoren #2 :: Gallery
  • Water use during water crisis: Hunphun/Ukhrul
  • COVID-19 Status 03 March : Govt of Manipur
  • World Wildlife Day : Awareness Cycle Rally
  • Farewell to students from Maharashtra
  • Bodoland International Knowledge Festival
  • Startups & NE India connect
  • Minister Biswajit's anti-poppy stand
  • Show no leniency to poppy growers
  • MANITEX @ Nilakuthi #3 : Gallery
  • Dr Surpriya Hawaibam: Ophthalmology Award
  • Time to get back to basics to end TB
  • In light of reintroducing Damodar Swami
  • Can Myanmar-Bangladesh promote ASEAN
  • Play organic Holi with natural colors
  • Must prepare to derive benefit of border trade
  • ST demand has come a long way
  • Likon Sanaba @Ningthoukhong #2 : Gallery
  • State Project Co-ordinator for Manipur
  • COVID-19 Status 01 March : Govt of Manipur
  • National Science Day at Lilong
  • Lessons from the inferno @Sainik School
  • Messi -- The Name Is Enough -III
  • Tourism is a cross cutting industry
  • Spike in electricity demand
  • Lungnila : Long wait for justice
  • Hiyang Tannaba @ Loktak #4 : Gallery
  • COVID-19 Status 28 Feb : Govt of Manipur
  • Owner of Translucent Umbrella :: Poem
  • Scope of Pentatomidae as bio-control
  • Water shortage, sip on the rocks
  • 'Nagaland Poll- voter turnout of 85%'
  • Challenges to fruition of rice procurement
  • State needs Old Cachar Rd & more highways
  • Nongmaithem Tombi Singh's contribution #1
  • March Calendar for Year 2023 : Tools
  • COVID-19 Status 27 Feb : Govt of Manipur
  • Indigenous Peoples & Forest Rights
  • MPSC Civil Services Aspirants concerns
  • Bridal Beauty Sustainable Show @ Delhi
  • Student delegates from Maharashtra
  • Perennial apathy hallmark of Imp-Jiri road
  • Irrigation & agricultural productivity
  • Saroi Khangba @ Imphal #1 : Gallery
  • The delimitation issues of Manipur
  • Smoking rates decline in Cambodia but...
  • Plenty of money; Famine of leadership
  • Leader versus Boss
  • Fermentation tech of Beauveria Bassiana #2
  • Ugly side of competitive exams comes to fore
  • Economic development & investment
  • My Memories of Imphal #11 : Download
  • Sangai Fest: Cherry Blossom @Mao : Gallery
  • COVID-19 Status 25 Feb : Govt of Manipur
  • The drunken 'Nagaland'
  • Who made who
  • Phone pe Panchayat
  • Lanna Thouram of Chaoren #1 :: Gallery
  • Singarei :: Poem
  • COVID-19 Status 24 Feb : Govt of Manipur
  • iDEX, DIO roadshow : Cybersecurity
  • Call For National Youth Volunteers
  • Prepare to manage future health emergency
  • Myanmar's two years of military rule
  • Bit early to gloat over School Fagathanshi
  • Points from Cong: Unanswered questions
  • Singju Festival @Heingang #1 :: Gallery
  • Students Tour to Nagpur #1 :: Gallery
  • COVID-19 Status 23 Feb : Govt of Manipur
  • G-20 Summit and Manipur
  • Sports Infrastructure in Meghalaya
  • Just an article from the birthday boy
  • Spring skin & hair care and make-up
  • Students under pressure to pass exams
  • Where did the encroachers come from ?
  • 6th Intl Women's Polo #1 :: Gallery
  • The Djinn of vaccine hesitancy
  • COVID-19 Status 22 Feb : Govt of Manipur
  • Messi -- The Name Is Enough -II
  • Challenges to India-Myanmar relations
  • Strength within pain :: Poem
  • Caste Census : Tool for development
  • Anxious moment for CSOs as rail progresses
  • Noting shabby Imphal-Ukhrul road stretch
  • Lui-ngai-ni Fest @ Chandel #1 :: Gallery
  • Gadkari with Manipuri students :: Gallery
  • Mangani Leihun of Chaoren #2 :: Gallery
  • Shopping List for Shivaratri :: Gallery
  • 74th Republic Day @ Kangla #5 :: Gallery
  • Jiribam Keithel [June 2022] #2 :: Gallery
  • Mangani Leihun of Chaoren #1 :: Gallery
  • MK Binodini's centenary - oral literature
  • Sangai Fest: Maram Dance :: Gallery
  • Valentine Day: Keep in mind of mental health
  • 74th Republic Day @ Kangla #4 :: Gallery
  • Aribam Syam Sharma :: Filmography
  • Chinese New Year @Bangkok 2023 :: Gallery
  • Olympians & National awardees of Manipur
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar for 2023
  • SPONSORED ADS