Page 60 - June2018

systematic institutional approach with To spread attached to discussing sexual health
inclusion of men is required to result and needs. But a large chunk of our
in better uptake of contraceptives and sexual health population is unaware of the existence
safe sex. On-ground work to engage awareness and of such programs.
men in taking shared responsibility, Technology has also helped bring
while still promoting women’s rights, is establish dialogue these issues out of the closet by provid-
vital for sustained behavioural change.” ing anonymity and peer participation.
between sexes, Online portals like Menstrupedia and
Half-hearted solutions comprehensive ‘She and You’ provide a safe and anony-
To spread sexual health awareness and mous environment to discuss taboo
establish dialogue between sexes, we sexuality education subjects like menstrual hygiene, STIs,
need comprehensive sexuality educa- is needed in schools contraception methods, etc. ‘She and
tion (CSE) at school level. CSE teaches You’ has started an initiative #JustSayIt,
the young about affirmative sexuality, through which they want to break the
informed consent, safe sex, etc. A simi- Himachal Pradesh has set up Yuva awkwardness by hosting a series of
lar program called Adolescent Educa- Paramarsh Kendras (YPKs) which work events and making women open up
tion Program (AEP) was introduced by with health institutions, schools/col- about the very things they shy away
the government in India in 2007. But leges, youth festivals, etc. In 2008, the from like sex, menstruation and their
after several protests and moral polic- National Population Stabilization Fund intimate health. The start of such pro-
ing, citing ‘inappropriate content’, the (Jansankhya Sthirta Kosh) started a grams is a welcome change. Sadly, it is
program was banned in several states. helpline (Ph: 1800-11-6555) to provide restricted to small pockets in India with
It was rolled out in select government/ confidential counselling services re- limited public awareness. The recent
private schools with limited implemen- garding sexual and reproductive health government restrictions on advertis-
tation. Though it covers issues like body problems. Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya ing for condoms and emergency con-
image, gender and sexuality, violence Karyakram launched in collaboration traceptive pills don’t help. The lack of
and abuse, STIs, etc, it leaves out issues with United Nations Population Fund proper implementation, poor quality
of negotiation and consent in intimate (UNFPA) is a health program for adoles- of resources and inadequate training
relationships. Even urban educational cents in the age group of 10-19 years, to and sensitisation by the government
institutions are reluctant to include provide preventive, curative and coun- has led to policy failure. According to a
these programs to avoid ‘unnecessary selling services with routine check- 2013 UNPF review, delaying childbear-
sexualization’ of kids, according to an ups at primary, secondary and tertiary ing could reduce India’s projected 2050
owner of a reputed private school. levels. Last year, the government also population of 1.7 billion by 25.1 per cent.
The government also has a National started an online distribution service With an ever burgeoning young popu-
Adolescent Reproduction and Sexual of condoms which met with a good re- lation, India cannot afford to stay silent
Health (ARSH) strategy, released in sponse. Several NGOs like PFI, Mamta about its sexual health anymore.
2006 and various states have imple- and Haiyya are working extensively to
mented their own versions of it; e.g. raise awareness and remove the stigma letters@tehelka.com

tehelka / 15 june 2018 60 www.tehelka.com

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