“Comprehensive sex education constitutes an investment for social and economic progress and makes a valuable contribution toward sustainable development projects.”
With these words, Dr. Mariela Castro Espín, director of the National Centre for Sex Education (Cenesex), inaugurated the 7th Cuban Congress on Sex Education, Orientation and Therapy, being held at Havana’s Convention Centre.
According to organizers, the issue is about more than just education, it’s about transformation. “Comprehensive sex education for sustainable development”, was the topic presented by the expert to participants at this event where discussions regarding processes of comprehensive sex education and sexual health will take place. “It’s impossible to talk about any kind of comprehensive sex education without a clear understanding that first we must advance peace, sustainable and inclusive economic growth, social progress and environmental protection, as ways to achieve greater social justice and human emancipation,” Castro Espín stated.
Education – as highlighted at the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo – is precisely a key factor to sustainable development, and vital to achieving positive wellbeing, health and quality of life for the population. “Access to education contributes to reducing mortality rates, delays the age at which women get married, empowers women and girls, promotes gender equality, democracy and the full exercise of universal human, sexual and reproductive rights,” Castro Espín explained.
Also highlighted during the opening ceremony was the support that Cenesex has received over the years from the Office of the United Nations Population Fund in Cuba, an institution which was awarded the Cenesex Prize, and has played an important role in solidifying the National Sex Education and Health Program.
