Sex education for boys: It is good for national economies

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Importance of Comprehensive Sex Education for Boys

Sex education is a powerful tool that equips young individuals with accurate information about sexual and reproductive health. Beyond its social and health benefits, comprehensive sex education for boys also holds significant potential to impact a nation’s economy positively.

The Need for Sex Education for Boys in South Asia

In the unique cultural context of South Asia, where gender disparities prevail, focusing on sex education for boys becomes crucial. The region is characterized by deeply ingrained patriarchal norms and traditional gender roles, perpetuating unequal power dynamics in relationships and fostering unhealthy behaviors. Sex education can challenge these norms, promoting respectful attitudes towards women and encouraging gender equality. The rise in violence against women in developing countries is a serious problem that has several causes, including poverty, inequality, and harmful gender norms. One of the most critical factors contributing to this problem is the lack of comprehensive sex education for boys.

Of course, sex education is essential for girls as well.

However, there is ample data to show that boys in South Asia are more likely to be the perpetrators of sexual violence, to be infected with HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and to be marginalized from sexual health services.

The State of Sex Education in South Asia

Disturbing statistics released by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in its 2023 ‘The State of the World’s Population Report’ shed light on the lack of sex education in South Asia. Merely 20 per cent of schools in the region offer sex education, and only 10 per cent provide comprehensive information on contraception, STIs, and abortion.

The Benefits of Comprehensive Sex Education for Boys

Comprehensive sex education goes beyond the physical aspects of sexuality and focuses on building healthy and respectful relationships. Educating boys about consent, communication, and mutual respect can lead to more fulfilling and equitable partnerships, contributing to healthier family dynamics and societal harmony.

Unintended pregnancies and STIs pose significant challenges in South Asia. The adolescent birth rate in the region, at 22 births per 1,000 girls aged 15-19, is the highest in the world, partly due to limited information about contraception and reproductive health among boys. By promoting attitudes of respect, consent, and gender equality, sex education for boys also plays a crucial role in breaking the cycle of gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence and early marriages. Furthermore, comprehensive sex education empowers boys to understand their responsibilities as fathers and be actively involved in their children’s lives. This can improve child well-being, family outcomes, and a more stable and prosperous society.

Addressing Challenges and Implementing Comprehensive Sex Education

Despite challenges like poor schools and untrained teachers, introducing and strengthening sex education is imperative. Governments should collaborate with non-governmental organizations, international agencies, and community leaders to provide supplementary training and resources. Online resources and educational materials should complement classroom instruction.

Governments in South Asian countries are increasingly embracing their ancient civilizations and cultural heritage in school curriculums to foster national pride. As part of this growing trend, they can draw inspiration from their historical sex education practices and combine them with modern scientific knowledge to introduce comprehensive sex education in schools. Ancient traditions, like teachings from the Kamasutra in India, tantric practices connecting sexual energy with spiritual growth in India and Nepal, and temple art portraying human sexuality in India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, offer valuable insights. Additionally, specific tribal communities in India, Bhutan, and Nepal marked boys’ transition to manhood with ceremonies that included teachings about adult responsibilities, including those related to sexuality, marriage, and family life.

Ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Kamasutra, Mahabharata, Arthashastra, and the Upanishads highlight the broader principles of respect, mutual understanding, and responsible behavior within relationships. While not explicitly promoting modern sex education, these principles can serve as a foundation for discussing sexual health, consent, and maintaining harmonious relationships in contemporary contexts. By blending this traditional wisdom with modern evidence-based approaches, these South Asian countries must offer relevant and age-appropriate sex education, empowering their youth with knowledge and promoting responsible attitudes toward sexual health and relationships.

Successful Examples and Economic Implications

Several developing countries have successfully implemented comprehensive sex education programs for boys, promoting responsible sexual behavior, reproductive health, and gender equality. In the late 1990s, Brazil launched successful sex education initiatives alongside discussions about gender equality and healthy relationships leading to significant improvements in reducing teenage pregnancies and the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among adolescents.

Thailand has a comprehensive sex education curriculum that has contributed to a decline in teenage pregnancies and a reduction in HIV transmission rates. Comprehensive sex education is not a silver bullet but an essential tool for preventing violence against women and building a more just and equitable society for all. Investing in comprehensive sex education for boys is a matter of social responsibility and has profound economic implications.

A Path to a Prosperous Future

By empowering the youth with knowledge and fostering responsible attitudes toward sexual health and relationships, South Asian countries can pave the way for a more informed, equitable, and prosperous future. After all, sex education is like fire prevention. You may not need it today, but you’ll be glad you had it if you do!

Dr Verma is a global health diplomat-practitioner specializing in strategic communication

A version of this article appears in the print on July 31, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article discusses the importance of comprehensive sex education in promoting sexual and reproductive health. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services.

SDG 4: Quality Education

The article emphasizes the need to integrate comprehensive sex education into school curriculums. This relates to SDG 4, which focuses on providing quality education and promoting sustainable development.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

The article highlights the role of sex education in challenging gender norms and promoting gender equality. SDG 5 aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls and promote gender equality.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article mentions that boys in South Asia are more likely to be perpetrators of sexual violence and marginalized from sexual health services. This connects to SDG 10, which aims to promote social, economic, and political inclusion for all, irrespective of age or sex.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, the specific target is 3.7: ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.

Under SDG 4: Quality Education, the specific target is 4.7: ensuring that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including education for sustainable development, human rights, gender equality, and appreciation of cultural diversity.

Under SDG 5: Gender Equality, the specific target is 5.2: eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Under SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, the specific target is 10.2: empowering and promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age or sex.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

– Percentage of schools offering comprehensive sex education

– Percentage of schools providing information on contraception, STIs, and abortion

– Reduction in violence against women and girls

– Reduction in intimate partner violence

– Reduction in gender disparities in sexual and reproductive health services

– Increase in access to sexual health services for marginalized boys

These indicators can help track the implementation and effectiveness of comprehensive sex education programs and their impact on sexual and reproductive health outcomes, gender equality, and reduced inequalities.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators