What is Sexual Health?
With the sheer abundance of information on the internet, one might ask why we feel the need for another information resource. Our aim is to present information on sexual health that is relevant and context-specific to Pakistan in a forthright, honest and approachable manner. Specifically, we hope to break the silence and address the myths and misconceptions commonly held in Pakistani society.
Sexual health in Pakistan is often associated with infertility, family planning, sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. However, sexual health is much more than just the physical aspects of sexual and reproductive functions. It also encompasses our attitudes, identities, thoughts, emotional needs, our perceptions of ourselves and of our bodies, and our personal preferences and desires. Thus, being sexually healthy entails comfort with one’s body and sexuality, the ability to enjoy relationships that are both physically pleasurable and emotionally fulfilling and controlling and enjoying one’s sexual behavior in accordance with one’s personal values.
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Sexuality in Pakistan
Due to the social stigma surrounding sex and sexuality in Pakistan, there is very limited access to correct information on normal physiology, sexual and reproductive processes, and healthy and safe practices. Often the information that men, women and adolescents receive perpetuates myths and misconceptions and serves to reinforce messages of shame, fear and guilt. This can lead to issues such as sexually transmitted infections, sexual dysfunctions, gender-based abuse and violence/ and sexual violence. Thus, to facilitate positive sexuality, it is imperative that one has access to information regarding sexuality, sexual health services and an enabling legal and policy environment to protect and promote one’s sexual health.
Aahung responds to this need for correct, culturally appropriate and non-judgmental information and aims to increase comfort and reduce some of the taboos around seeking information and health care for sexual health issues. Through developing and implementing various methods of information giving and awareness raising, Aahung will conduct activities to promote positive health seeking behavior.
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Sexual Rights
Because sexuality is part of being human, the notion of sexual rights is part of the larger body of human rights. Human rights affirm the dignity, worth, respect, equality and autonomy of all people in all aspects of their lives. Sexual rights do not only mean the right to have sex. They are based on certain ethical principles that ensure a healthy and happy life for individuals and couples.
Sexual Rights Include:
- The right to sexual pleasure without fear of infection, disease, unwanted pregnancy, or harm.
- The right to sexual expression and to make sexual decisions that are consistent with one's personal, ethical and social values.
- The right to sexual and reproductive health care, information, education and services.
- The right to bodily integrity and the right to choose if, when, how and with whom to be sexually active and engage in sexual relations with full consent.
- The right to enter relationships, including marriage, with full and free consent and without coercion.
- The right to privacy and confidentiality in seeking sexual and reproductive health care services.
- The right to express one's sexuality without
discrimination, and independent of reproduction.
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