04 September 2024

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.

LOVE, a brand of condoms distributed by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. © UNFPA/Zinyange Auntony
The merchandise has a message at a market in Cairo, Egypt. © Myriam Boulos/Magnum Photos for UNFPA
Colleagues at Motherbeing support Arabic-speaking women. © Myriam Boulos/Magnum Photos for UNFPA

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.

8 Billion
Young people run sexual health sessions at the FASS centre in Dakar, Senegal. © UNFPA/Gaia Squarci
8 Billion
Young women learn from a peer educator in Tikuri, India. © Nanna Heitmann/Magnum Photos for UNFPA
8 Billion
Kehinde attends a clinic for mothers in Lagos, Nigeria. © Lindokuhle Sobekwa/Magnum Photos for UNFPA
8 Billion
Refugees in Brazil attend a workshop on contraceptives. © Newsha Tavakolian/Magnum Photos For UNFPA
8 Billion
At the International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa in 2023, participants in a march urge people to know their HIV status. © UNFPA/Zinyange Auntony
8 Billion
A family planning appointment at the Magogoni Primary Health Care Unit​ in Tanzania. © Sabiha Çimen/Magnum Photos for UNFPA
8 Billion
Condoms, on display at a conference in Zimbabwe, promote protection. © UNFPA/Zinyange Auntony
8 Billion
A mobile screen shows an image of a fetus during an ultrasound exam in Kenya. © UNFPA/Luis Tato

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.

8 Billion
A health centre in Brazil provides support to indigenous women, offering information on sexual and reproductive health and rights, and helping to ensure bodily autonomy. © Newsha Tavakolian/Magnum Photos For UNFPA
Share story

We use cookies and other identifiers to help improve your online experience. By using our website you agree to this, see our cookie policy

X