Adolescent SRHR

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health is a major public health concern that has been high on the international agenda since the International Conference on Population and Development (1994). While over the past 25 years the progress in this field has been limited and patchy, it does not mean that things are not changing. One example was elaborated on by Chandra-Mouli Venkatraman in his keynote address to this session: there is a never never-before opportunity to strengthen the provision of contraceptive information and services to adolescents in LMIC.

If we look at the evolution of research on adolescent SRHR over the past years, we clearly see a shift from very risk-focused studies and programmes – focusing on reducing teenage pregnancies, HIV/STI and discouraging adolescents to be sexually active – towards an increasing number of studies on positive aspects of adolescent sexuality, on sexual wellbeing and studies that normalize sexuality of adolescents. This is reflected in the programmes for adolescents that move towards more comprehensiveness and the inclusion of positive aspects.

This evolution was clearly visible in the presentations in this session that addressed topics and programmes beyond the traditional negative consequences and experiences and talked about expectations towards sexting in Belgium (Katrien Symons), gendered roles in romantic relationships in Ecuador (Elisa Chilet/Bernardo Vega) and about body image and self-esteem in Uganda (Elizabeth Kemigisha). This was reflected in presentations on comprehensive sexuality education programmes and perceptions of parents, teachers and young people from Switzerland (Agnes Földhazi), Ecuador (Jessica Castillo Nuñes) and Pakistan (Fsahat ul Hassan). The presentations were perfectly framed by an overarching talk on the international policy context for comprehensive sexuality education (Julia Schalke).

 

CHANDRA-MOULI VENKATRAMAN

Presentation by Chandra-mouli Venkatraman

 

 

ELISA CHILET/ BERNARDO VEGA

Presentation by Bernardo Vega

 

 

KATRIEN SYMONS

Presentation by Katrien Symons

 

 

ELIZABETH KEMIGISHA

Presentation by Elizabeth Kemigisha

 

 

 

JESSICA CASTILLO NUÑEZ

Presentation by Jessica Castillo Nuñez

 

 

 

FSAHAT UL HASSAN

Presentation by Fsahat Ul Hassan