It's All One Curriculum: Guidelines and Activities for a Unified Approach to Sexuality, HIV, Gender, and Human Rights Education

Gender equality and human rights are key to HIV prevention and the empowerment of young people to grow up to enjoy good health, as well as responsible and satisfying sexual lives. Studies from developing and developed countries clearly show that young people who believe in gender equality have better sexual outcomes than their peers. Conversely, young people who have “conservative” attitudes about gender and male dominance are less likely to use condoms or contraception; more likely to be involved in intimate relationships involving violence, and experience higher rates of unintended pregnancy, STIs, and HIV.

In response to growing international support for sexuality and HIV education incorporating gender equality and human rights, the International Sexuality and HIV Curriculum Working Group has created the “It's All One Curriculum: Guidelines and Activities for a Unified Approach to Sexuality, HIV, Gender, and Human Rights Education.” These guidelines provide educators and policymakers around the world with tools for developing a unified curriculum on sexuality, gender, HIV, and human rights based on global research about risks to sexual health. The guidelines follow the strategies and priorities of global health and education agencies, including the United Nations General Assembly, UNAIDS, the WHO, UNESCO, and the World Association for Sexual Health, among others. Consequently the guidelines are evidence-based, gender-sensitive, comprehensive, culturally appropriate, based on core values and human rights, promote academic growth and critical thinking, and foster civic engagement.