Comprehensive sexuality education

The silence around sex contributes to shame and stigmatisation. Young people in many countries lack access to modern and comprehensive sexuality education. In Sweden, comprehensive sexuality education is a part of the curriculum but not all teachers have received the training they need to provide it.

Resistance from public opinion or conservative values is strong and well-organised in many countries.

What developments does RFSU want to see?

Comprehensive sexuality education, CSE, is a way to break the silence and contribute to a more open dialogue about sex, body and relationships. For RFSU, CSE is not just a one-way communication of knowledge. It should also give youth an opportunity to reflect on issues relating to sexuality. A modern and comprehensive sexuality education increases people's ability to influence their lives, it increases equality, prevents sexual abuse, reduces the risk of STDs and reduces homophobia and transphobia.

Sexuality education needs to be based on the premise that relationships and sexuality are fundamentally positive and important aspects of life, instead of problems that need to be prevented or risks to be avoided. sexuality education should be LGBTI-inclusive and anti-racist.

What does RFSU do?

As a complement to the schools CSE, RFSU visits schools sessions in primary and secondary schools all over Sweden. Our specially trained information officers create spaces for anti-racist, norm-critical, pleasure-affirming and knowledge-based discussions. We work for sexual education that is equal and of good quality for all.

Internationally, RFSU supports eleven partner organisations in seven countries that are working to include modern and comprehensive sexuality education in the curriculum for secondary schools.

In Sweden, RFSU continues to support sexuality education in schools with methods, materials and training. We cooperate with universities and trade unions to strengthen teacher training.