Population Council Research that makes a difference

American Public Health Association (APHA)
138th Annual Meeting and Exposition
6–10 November 2010

Abstract

"It's All One Curriculum: Guidelines and Activities for a Unified Approach to Sexuality, HIV, Gender, and Human Rights Education"

Jessie Clyde, Nicole Haberland, and Debbie Rogow

Gender equality and human rights are key to HIV prevention and the empowerment of young people to grow up to enjoy good health, as well as responsible and satisfying sexual lives. Studies from developing and developed countries clearly show that young people who believe in gender equality have better sexual outcomes than their peers. Conversely, young people who have "conservative" attitudes about gender and male dominance are less likely to use condoms or contraception; more likely to be involved in intimate relationships involving violence, and experience higher rates of unintended pregnancy, STIs, and HIV. In response to growing international support for sexuality and HIV education incorporating gender equality and human rights, the International Sexuality and HIV Curriculum Working Group has created "It's All One Curriculum: Guidelines and Activities for a Unified Approach to Sexuality, HIV, Gender, and Human Rights Education." These guidelines provide educators and policymakers around the world with tools for developing a unified curriculum on sexuality, gender, HIV, and human rights based on global research about risks to sexual health. The guidelines follow the strategies and priorities of global health and education agencies, including the United Nations General Assembly, UNAIDS, the WHO, UNESCO, and the World Association for Sexual Health, among others. Consequently the guidelines are evidence-based, gender-sensitive, comprehensive, culturally appropriate, based on core values and human rights, promote academic growth and critical thinking, and foster civic engagement.

Learning areas

• Advocacy for health and health education
• Implement health education strategies, interventions, and programs
• Plan health education strategies, interventions, and programs
  
  

Learning objectives

• Explain why gender and rights are essential components to sexuality education
• Discuss how the resources contained in "It's All One Curriculum: Guidelines and Activities for a Unified Approach to Sexuality, HIV, Gender, and Human Rights Education" can be implemented successfully with youth around the world
  

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