Comprehensive Approach to Sexuality

A comprehensive approach to sexuality means that sexuality is understood in a broad and multidimensional way as part of an individual's life, and it also has a societal impact. This includes the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions.

Sexuality involves biology as well as emotions and feelings. It also encompasses sexual development and identity, desires, intimacy and intimacy needs, and sexual health and rights. It is individual, multifaceted, and evolves throughout life. Sexuality can be expressed in many different ways, such as through thoughts, beliefs, values, and relationships. It involves pleasure and the search for one’s own sexual identity.

This approach promotes healthy and positive relationships with oneself and others, helps prevent sexual violence and discrimination, and supports the right of individuals to express their sexuality safely and respectfully. Sexuality and its norms have a strong impact on various aspects of life, such as an individual’s ability to educate and work, to reproduce or not, to have close relationships, and to have power over their own body.

Despite international commitments, sexual rights are violated worldwide and are at constant risk of being violated. Sexual rights are often the most vulnerable of human rights. For example, abortion laws have been tightened in recent years, and sex education is being opposed or weakened. Access to contraception is also poor, particularly affecting young people worldwide. Sexual rights are restricted by governments, lobby groups, health professionals, communities, and families.

Restrictions on sexual rights create unacceptable inequalities. Young people are often taught to think and behave in ways that reinforce gender norms that perpetuate inequality. Discrimination related to sexual orientation and gender diversity is a clear example of this.