Georgetown: The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) is working to engage the education sector as well as community organizations in methods of cultivating a deeper understanding of human sexuality as an essential element of human rights and healthy social relationships, according to GRPA Executive Director, Reverend. Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth.
“We are working to strengthen our engagement with schools and community organizations on age appropriate comprehensive Sexuality Education, encouraging a shift to a more healthy conversation, which celebrates sexuality and fosters a sexual ethic, which is focused more on personal relationships and social justice rather than particular sexual acts.” She noted “One of the biggest misconceptions that people have of sexuality education is that if you provide this kind of education to an adolescent, they are going to want to have sex earlier. But this is not the case. Rather it has been noted that adolescents and youths who are better educated on these issues are likely to delay their sexual initiation and be better able to make wise choices. They are also likely to not suffer the same consequences as those who lack this vital information and support.”
Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsarran congratulated the organization which was established with the agenda to struggle for gender justice and equality, which began in the pre and early independent era in Guyana.
He outlined efforts made by the Ministry of Health to address maternal mortality and recognized the important role of civil society organizations.
The Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNFPA is developing a Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) policy for Guyana. SRH is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of all persons and essential to a fit and productive society. It is elemental to a healthy life and has an impact on sustainable development as it affects the most essential of a nation’s resources, i.e., its human capital. There is a close link between SRH and Gender Based Violence (GBV).
You must be logged in to post a comment.