I HESITATED to write about International Sexual Health Day, celebrated in 60 countries early this month. However, in my view, the matter goes beyond sexual relationships; it speaks to the future of a nation struggling to find its place in an increasingly competitive global landscape. Fourteen years ago, the World Association for Sexual Health declared Sept 4 as World Sexual Health Day and called to promote social awareness on sexual health across the globe.

The 2023 theme focuses on positive relationships grounded in mutual respect and understanding — cornerstones for sexual health and well-being, which is a human right. Everyone has the right to engage in safe relationships that fulfil their needs, honour bodily autonomy, and promote equality and respect. It also leads to better reproductive health outcomes. While sexual health is a private matter between couples, its consequences extend beyond the individual and are deeply embedded in social values. Therefore, health literacy and sexuality education are crucial in developing positive relationships, protecting sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and reproductive rights (RR), and empowering individuals to make informed choices.

Access to comprehensive, high-quality and accurate information about SRH promotes the appropriate and timely use of SRH services. This facilitates the prevention, early detection, and treatment of HIV and other STIs as well as their adverse consequences. Informed individuals create more empowered families that are grounded in facts, free from judgment, and open to constructive discussions on sensitive topics. This environment helps adolescents and young people understand and communicate effectively about matters related to sexual health.

Deep-seated inequality and pervasive disrespect within relationships are major contributors to violence, particularly gender-based violence. Cultivating respect and trust in SRH matters and well-being is crucial for eliminating the fear of violence and violations. Every individual above the legal age of consent, as defined by their respective states, should have the right to engage in relationships free from threats of GBV and sexual assault. Governments bear the responsibility of implementing effective prevention and response measures, while the broader social community must actively condemn all forms of violence.

Inequality and disrespect in relationships contribute to violence.

Globally, over a billion people are living with sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS, many of which remain incurable. This situation could have been reversed if there were timely interventions and a tolerant social culture, free from stigma. Avoiding discussions about problems does not solve them; it only complicates them further and increases the financial burden of addressing them in the future.

In Pakistan, like in many societies with conservative social norms, the discourse on sexuality is often confined to a limited perspective focusing solely on sexual contact and adherence to local religious interpretation and social expectations. This narrow framing diverts the discussion away from the duty of the state and society to find solutions for SRH challenges to judging individuals’ adherence to social norms.

In a society marked by gender bias, men have often politicised and ideologised these matters to maintain control and an unequal power structure. This mirrors the discussion about women’s access to their rightful inheritance, where various barriers are erected to keep wealth concentrated in the hands of men. This explains the surprising alignment between men of diverse ideological backgrounds — religious, atheist, conservative, or liberal when it comes to women’s rights to inheritance des­pite the enshrined rights in both religious and social norms. In a context where most politicians, legislators, and policymakers are men who benefit from maintaining the taboo around sexuality and women’s rights, achieving meaningful reform is often characterised by lip service rhetoric.

This highlights the importance of gender equality as a catalyst for genuine social reform, which is fundamental to fostering respectful sexual relationships, reducing GBV and increasing the likelihood of sustainable marriages in a society grappling with high rates of early divorces.

My message today is to call upon politicians and decision-makers invested in the country’s future to embrace a broader perspective on gender equality, recognising its social, political, and economic dimensions. It is essential to break down all forms of unfair taboos and encourage open public debate to create an enabling environment for future generations, allowing Pakistan to secure its place in a rapidly changing world where seats at the table are reserved for socially open-minded, economically empowered nations free of gender bias, and embracing innovation.

The writer is the representative of the UN Population Fund in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2024