Myths and misinformation: Educating for sexual and reproductive health.
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), sexual and reproductive health is understood as a general state of physical, mental and social well-being. It is related to the reproductive system, entails the ability to enjoy a satisfactory sexual life without risk, to procreate, and have the freedom to decide if, when, and how often.
To maintain sexual and reproductive health, people need access to accurate information and a contraceptive method of choice that is safe, effective, affordable, and acceptable. They must be informed and empowered to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections. And when they decide to have children, women must be able to receive care from health professionals, experts and must have access to services that help them have a proper pregnancy, a safe delivery and a healthy baby.
Within the framework, and during the most recent cycle of the Capacity Training Program, a new workshop entitled Reproductive Sexual Health and Education was held with the aim of providing information and guidance on STDs, provide general knowledge, forms of transmission, symptoms, prevention and resources for the treatment of infectious diseases.
Karla Tellez
”In our community, talking about sexuality has long been a taboo subject. I have heard women who are already adults say that they had never known of condoms until years later. In the health center or in this type of training we have learned about different methods of family planning that exist. In my opinion, I think it is important that these workshops, so important for women and, adolescents, be brought to our communities today”.
”Thanks to ViviendasLeón for bringing us all these informative pamphlets, so that women know more about our bodies, know how to prevent some infectious diseases and educate our sons and daughters to know that talking about health is talking about our lives and our bodies”.
The educational system in rural schools of Nicaragua are generally deficient and do not have a specific subject where sexuality is included as part of the curriculum. Not knowing about aspects of sexuality leaves adolescents vulnerable to starting an early sexual life, translating into early pregnancy, risks of sexually transmitted infections and in the worst case, HIV.
We also know that the majority of adolescent mothers do not finish their secondary or university studies, and have 30 percent less income than women who become mothers after adolescence.
ViviendasLeon considers that sexual health education is a component of personality and we cannot speak of health education and community empowerment if we do not include the approach to sex education since it is an essential and vital component in people’s lives.
