What is Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)?

CSE is defined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, United Nations Children’s Fund, & World Health Organisation (2018) as:

“Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is an age-appropriate and culturally relevant process of teaching and learning about the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social aspects of sexuality. CSE aims to ensure that young people receive a comprehensive, life-skills-based education that equips them with the knowledge and skills to make conscious, healthy, and respectful choices about relationships and sexuality. CSE includes education on human rights, human sexuality, gender equality, puberty, relationships, and sexual and reproductive health”

“CSE presents sexuality with a positive approach, emphasising values such as respect, inclusion, non-discrimination, equality, empathy, responsibility and reciprocity. It reinforces healthy and positive values about bodies, puberty, relationships, sex and family life.” (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, United Nations Children’s Fund, &

World Health Organisation, 2018). Such education gives young people information about their sexual and reproductive health and rights, enabling them to make informed and responsible decisions in that matter and respect their rights and those of others. It includes different topics touching the sphere of sexuality such as body awareness, puberty, emotions, contraception, consent, diversity, relationships, and many more.

Sexuality education also helps to prepare for and manage physical and emotional changes as teenagers grow up, including during puberty and adolescence, while teaching them about respect, consent and where to go if they need help. This in turn reduces risks of violence, exploitation and abuse (World Health Organisation, 2023).

Sexuality education is a continuous learning process of acquiring knowledge, attitudes and behaviours around sexual health that foster well-being and personal fulfilment.

Principles of inclusive and evidence-based CSE

CSE is guided by globally recognised principles that ensure it is inclusive, rights-based, and evidence-based. The Principles of Inclusive CSE (UNESCO, 2018 and WHO, 2023) include:

● Human rights-based: Respects, protects, and fulfils the rights of all learners, including sexual and reproductive rights.

● Gender equality and equity: Promote equal opportunities, challenge gender stereotypes, and address power imbalances.

● Inclusion and diversity: Recognises and affirms learners’ diverse backgrounds (including differences in culture, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and socio-economic status).

● Age and developmentally appropriate: Tailored to the learners’ cognitive, emotional, and social development.

● Non-judgmental and respectful: Provides accurate information without stigma, shame, or discrimination.

● Learner-centred and participatory: Engages learners actively, encourages dialogue, and builds critical thinking and decision- making skills.

Inclusive CSE ensures no one is left out, while evidence-based CSE ensures that every individual receives accurate, effective and proven education.