Adolescent Sexuality Education in Nepal: Current Perspectives

Abstract

There is a huge public debate on CSE being amorous and inappropriate. The materials and curriculum for students are considered insufficient and inadequate due to socio-cultural factors, which are deep-rooted in society. Lack of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and low access to sexual health services have forced young people to engage in unsafe sexual practices in Nepal. Sexuality education should cover lessons on the important role adolescents' sexuality that plays in their personality, positive things that sexuality brings to life, and the role our sexuality plays in connecting an individual with others. Complete sexuality education must be scientifically and age-appropriately precise, culturally competent, and based on people's rights, gender equality, and a positive approach to sexuality and pleasure based that sexuality education affects general health, adaptation to the environment and quality of life and contributes to an optimal life of your choice. Children and teenagers need to get precise clarification about understanding sexuality on how to practice healthy sexual behavior while unhealthy or exploitative risky sexual activity can lead to health and social problems, such as unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The article reviews the current perspectives and situation of CSE among adolescents of Nepal. A review of government documents and research articles has been conducted, and the findings have been synopsized. Consequently, the curriculum developers and policymakers were provided with the recommendations to address common problems that are evitable among adolescents as well as guidelines for teachers' training on related topics.

Perspective Chapter: Sexual health interventions for adolescents

“…Adolescents' susceptibility to practicing risky sexual behaviour due to lack of appropriate sexuality education has evolved over time and has since become a global concern [14]. However, despite clear and compelling evidence for the benefits of high-quality, curriculum-based CSE, few adolescents receive preparation for their lives that empowers them to take control and make informed decisions about their sexuality and relationships freely and responsibly [15].…”

“…These problems are mostly associated with socio-cultural practices that eventually lead to STI and HIV infections, unplanned early pregnancies, and unsafe abortion [19,20]. Similarly, countries holding conservative attitudes and cultural taboos towards sexuality education have higher incidences of sexually transmitted diseases, teenage pregnancies, child marriages and sexual abuse in their populations [14].…”

“…Awareness programmes on CSE should be extended to teachers, health care providers, parents, peers, law makers and society at large. The above mentioned cadres are sometimes the perpetrators who tend to promote threatening, unfriendly and inaccessible environments due to inadequate knowledge and conflicting religious-cultural beliefs and legal restrictions [14].…”

Factors influencing the integration of comprehensive sexuality education into educational systems in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

“…Institutionalised religions have prevented teachers from adopting CSE [35][36][37]. Many political leaders, lawmakers and curriculum developers have opposed the implementation of CSE on the grounds that it corrupts young people and violates values by encouraging promiscuity, experimentation, and irresponsible sexual behaviour [45].…”