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Read our latest articles, studies and columns on sexual health and rights.
Positive sexuality in young people is a burgeoning field of study. Consensus builds that the field of sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs to move away from just a risk and negative health outcomes approach. It needs to adopt a more holistic and positive view on SRHR, which takes into account sexual wellbeing and consent instead of focusing on the ‘dangers’ of sexuality.
In a recent study – commissioned by Plan International- a framework developed within Rutgers’ Explore for Action programme was cited as a key contribution to understanding and evaluating sexual wellbeing in young people. Knowledge, skills and attitudes can form the foundation for the development of adolescent sexuality, in relation to self and others.
The study involves a literature review and primary qualitative data collection with young people aged 18 to 24 in Uganda and Ecuador. The review explores young people’s perspectives on sexual wellbeing and consent by looking at relevant literature.
The first section discusses the sexual wellbeing framework first developed by Kågesten and Miranda van Reeuwijk in the Explore for Action programme. The second section presents the empirical evidence on young people’s understanding and experience of sexual consent.
The literature review concludes with a discussion of implications for SRHR policy and practice.
Download your copy of the literature review