World Association for Sexual Health

We invite you to read a recent publication in the IJSH that explores how people define Sexual Health in their own words. The study was conducted in Portugal during National Sexual Health Day, which is the country's official recognition of World Sexual Health Day (WSHD)—a global initiative by WAS to promote awareness and dialogue about Sexual Health and Rights. Participants, aged 19 to 75, were asked the open question: "What is sexual health?" Their responses were grouped into four key themes: - Sexual Justice is a Must!: Highlighting the need for supportive environments, equitable healthcare access, and open sexuality education. - I Am Not Alone in This: Emphasizing the importance of consensual, equity-based and trustworthy relationships. - I’m In Charge!: Focusing on self-awareness, personal responsibility, and prioritizing sexual pleasure. - Let’s Get Physical, Physical: Addressing the biological aspects, such as sexual dysfunction and fulfilling physical needs. These findings highlight that Sexual Health extends beyond the biomedical perspective, encompassing relationships, community support, and systemic equity. Man?o, A. A., Braz?o, M., & Pascoal, P. M. (2024). How to define Sexual Health? A qualitative analysis of people’s perceptions. International Journal of Sexual Health, 1–22.?

?? The FLASSES Congress Opens Today! The XXII Latin American Congress of Sexology and Sexual Education (CLASES 2024), organized by our valued Federation, FLASSES, kicks off today in Lima, Peru! ?? A message from WAS President @DrElnaRudolph: “We invite you to be inspired and mobilized by what you hear at this conference, and to bring Sexual Health and Rights for ALL to your own environments back at home.” WAS wishes all our colleagues, attendees, and the incredible organizers a successful and impactful event. Thank you for your commitment to advancing Sexual Health, Rights, Justice, and Pleasure in the region and beyond. Let’s continue working together to create a world where Sexual Health and Rights are a reality for everyone.? You can watch the full speech here: https://lnkd.in/dDubpG4j #SexualHealth #FLASSES2024 #WAS

?? Save the Date: WAS General Assembly – December 12, 2024 Join us online for the WAS General Assembly on Thursday, December 12, at 15:00 SAST. As the highest governing body of the World Association for Sexual Health, the GA is an opportunity to: ?? Review the year’s achievements ?? Vote on important updates to the WAS statutes ?? Shape strategies for advancing Sexual Health and Rights for ALL ??? Voting rights are reserved for official representatives of WAS Member Organizations, Federation Presidents, and WAS Advisory Committee members. ?? Didn’t receive your meeting invitation? Contact Executive Director René de Klerk at [email protected]. Let’s come together to drive progress and create a future of inclusivity, justice, and rights for all. #WASGA2024 #SexualHealth #GlobalHealthLeadership

WAS Newsletter 26th November: Reminder about the upcoming FLASSES Congress, Call for contributions to the WAS/UNFPA Global Status Report on Out-of-School Comprehensive Sexuality Education, study on how people define Sexual Health, published in the International Journal of Sexual Health, WPATH’s training in Marbella, Reminders to register for WAS 2025 and join the WAS General Assembly on December 12.

WAS and @UNFPA are collaborating on a Global Status Report on Out-of-School Comprehensive Sexuality Education (OOS CSE). This important report will provide a high-level review of current OOS CSE programs and interventions worldwide, identifying gaps and offering recommendations for international organizations and NGOs to strengthen programming. We are seeking program and project reports, research articles, and resources related to OOS CSE, especially those that: - Address vulnerable populations, including youth with disabilities, LGBTQI+ youth, those who sell sex, and incarcerated individuals. - Explore OOS CSE delivered in digital spaces or through technology-integrated in-person programs. - Highlight connections to the ITGSE guidance document for OOS CSE. - Are non-English resources (translations not required). Please share any relevant resources (from 2021 onward) with Elizabeth Schroeder via email: [email protected]. Deadline: Please send materials no later than Friday, 29 November 2024. Your contributions will ensure the report captures a comprehensive picture of the current state of OOS CSE and its role in advancing Sexual Health and Rights globally.

?? Save the Date: WAS General Assembly – December 12, 2024 Join us online for the WAS General Assembly on Thursday, December 12, at 15:00 SAST. As the highest governing body of the World Association for Sexual Health, the GA is an opportunity to: ?? Review the year’s achievements ?? Vote on important updates to the WAS statutes ?? Shape strategies for advancing Sexual Health and Rights for ALL ??? Voting rights are reserved for official representatives of WAS Member Organizations, Federation Presidents, and WAS Advisory Committee members. ?? Didn’t receive your meeting invitation? Contact Executive Director René de Klerk at [email protected]. Let’s come together to drive progress and create a future of inclusivity, justice, and rights for all. #WASGA2024 #SexualHealth #GlobalHealthLeadership

?? Call for Abstract Reviewers: WAS International Scientific Committee Want to make a meaningful impact at the 27th WAS Congress? ?? We’re inviting qualified professionals to join the WAS International Scientific Committee for WAS 2025, a global event exploring Sexual Health, Rights, Justice, and Pleasure. ?? What’s involved? ? Review approx 10 abstracts ? Commit to a 2-week review process? ? Receive a certificate of recognition for your contribution ?? Extended deadline to express interest: Sunday, November 24, 2024 ?Join us in shaping the future of sexual health! ?? Apply now! https://lnkd.in/dbsTzSjw #WAS2025

?? Call for Abstract Reviewers: WAS International Scientific Committee Want to make a meaningful impact at the 27th WAS Congress? ?? We’re inviting qualified professionals to join the WAS International Scientific Committee for WAS 2025, a global event exploring Sexual Health, Rights, Justice, and Pleasure. ?? What’s involved? ? Review approx 10 abstracts ? Commit to a 2-week review process? ? Receive a certificate of recognition for your contribution ?? Extended deadline to express interest: Sunday, November 24, 2024 ?Join us in shaping the future of sexual health! ?? Apply now! https://lnkd.in/dbsTzSjw #WAS2025

WAS Newsletter 12th November: WAS 2025 Registration Open, WAS GA Announced, Sexuality Education article, Organizational Member events in November

Webinar: The (mis)use of evidence in contested rights: the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls’ report on “prostitution and violence” 20 November 15:00 CET Hosted by: @srhmjournal Join this important discussion on the misuse of evidence. In this online event, we will hear from the authors of the paper 'The (mis)use of evidence in contested rights: the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls’ report on “prostitution and violence”' and the Global Co-ordinator of The Global Network of Sex Work Projects.? REGISTER:https://lnkd.in/dyvJ986Q For more information, take a look at this paper, which will be explored in detail, in this discussion: