Gender, Sex, and Sexuality Education
This initiative aims to provide comprehensive gender, sex, and sexuality education to a diverse range of groups in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, including children aged 6-17, college students, the corporate sector, media houses, government officials, and teachers. We will achieve this through hosting workshops, seminars, and educational programs, designing and implementing customized curricula for facilitators, and offering certification courses in sex, and sexuality education to cater to the specific needs of the community.
Recent Updates
Under the leadership of Ms. Shirly Grace Nirmala, we have made notable progress in developing key modules and conducting foundational research to create a comprehensive self-awareness curriculum:
Research and Analysis:
Our research assistant, Srini Kumar, conducted an in-depth study on the historical evolution of sex, sexuality, and gender in India, assessing the UNESCO framework for comprehensive self-awareness education in Tamil Nadu. The research identified gaps in the current curriculum, explored student attitudes, and examined the crucial role of teachers in shaping understanding.
Based on these insights, actionable recommendations were proposed to enhance the curriculum and better align it with student needs.
Needs Assessment:
In collaboration with the Gender and Policy Lab, we carried out a needs assessment across 20 government primary schools in Chennai. This study evaluated the awareness levels of both students and teachers on key topics such as gender sensitivity, bullying, abuse prevention, and safety protocols, underscoring the importance of a self-awareness curriculum.
Content Development:
We have developed an activity-based primary school curriculum for children aged 7-11, informed by research findings and feedback from experts across various institutions.
A workshop module was created to sensitize teachers on topics such as sex, gender, and sexuality, emphasizing the importance of gender-safe campuses. This module equips teachers with the tools to address discrimination and restricted expression, fostering an inclusive environment for students.
A specialized Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) module was also developed to raise awareness and advocate for change among community members.
Our experts are in the process of developing corporate training modules on gender, sex, and sexuality, as well as customized modules for high school students, incorporating the recommendations from the research study.
Partnerships and Dissemination:
We partnered with institutions such as MOP Vaishnav, Ethiraj College, and SIET College to conduct foundational workshops for teachers and college students on essential topics related to sex, sexuality, and gender identity.
Collaborations with organizations like LP4Y, SCARF, SStraight Circles, Nirangal, and Pudiyador have helped expand our reach to community members, sharing impactful content that promotes awareness, personal development, and advocacy.