According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 51,863 cases were reported under The Protection of Children from Sexual O?ences Act in 2021; of them, 33,348 or 64% were of sexual assault. There is a need to educate people related to sexual offences.
Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)
Curriculum based process of teaching- It is a curriculum based process of teaching and learning about the cognitive, emotional, physical and social aspects of sexuality.
Fundamental human rights- As the UN Population Fund says, “the right of access to comprehensive sexuality education is grounded in fundamental human rights and it empowers young people to protect their health, wellbeing and dignity”
Starting Age- The UN global guidance recommends starting comprehensive sexuality education from the age of five along with formal education.
Impact of CSE
Better informed- As per World Health Organization, with comprehensive sexuality education, young people will be better informed of their rights and sexuality, and will be more likely to engage in sexual activity later.
Necessary for both students and teachers- NCRB data show that it is necessary for schools to impart comprehensive sexuality education not only to children, but also to parents and caregivers.
Important to maintain healthy relationships- CSE is important not only to learn about violation and abuse, but also to maintain healthy relationships
Way Forward
Sound Monitoring- Ensure that the CSE programmes include sound monitoring and evaluation components, with due consideration to inequality, gender norms, power in intimate relationships.
Curriculum is holistic- With the relationship between sexual health and human rights being complex, nonlinear and interrelated, it is hoped that the curriculum is holistic and not simply related to legalities.
Teacher training is crucial- The UNESCO 2021 Global Status Report says that capacity building of teachers is critical as the curriculum requires non-intuitive participatory pedagogies.