Sexual health is not just about being free of disease. 

Positive relationships grounded in mutual respect, empathy and understanding are a keystone of sexual health and well-being. This applies not only to relationships with partners, but also to relationships with educators and providers of sexual health services. When these relationships are safe and respectful, people are more able to fulfill their rights and choices.

As we celebrate World Sexual Health Day this year, here’s a look at some of the relationships and initiatives from around the world that contribute to empowered and protected women and girls.

One key to developing positive relationships is comprehensive sexuality education – the process of teaching the emotional, physical and social aspects of sexuality. This empowers everyone, especially women and girls, to develop positive relationships and protect their sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as to recognize exploitation and abuse.

UNFPA promotes global sexual health by advocating for every person’s right to bodily autonomy and supporting access to essential sexual and reproductive health services, without discrimination. In times of both stability and crisis, UNFPA works to ensure access to contraception, comprehensive sexuality education, maternal health, and services to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage.