World Association for Sexual Health
Sexual justice stands at the crucial intersection of social justice and sexual rights, embodying principles that uphold human dignity, equality, personal and bodily autonomy, citizenship, community, participation, solidarity, rights and responsibilities, and peace. According to the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), an esteemed global organization dedicated to sexual health and rights since 1978, sexual justice transcends theoretical frameworks to promote actionable strategies ensuring accessibility, guarantee, and equity in sexual rights.
Core Principles of Sexual Justice
WAS defines sexual justice as an operational construct aimed at implementing actions that uphold a virtuous tripod based on accessibility, guarantee, and equity. This definition aligns with broader social justice movements, emphasizing the need for practical solutions that address systemic barriers to sexual health and rights. The association highlights that sexual justice is intrinsically linked to accessible information and education, affordable healthcare, and the right to respectful and inclusive health services for all individuals.
Accessibility and Inclusivity in Sexual Health
The link between sexual justice and sexual health is profound. WAS emphasizes that sexual health is not solely the domain of clinicians but a collective goal across various disciplines. Comprehensive sexuality education fosters human development and supports sexually healthy lives throughout all life stages. Furthermore, clinical interventions aim to promote, maintain, and restore sexual health, while sex research contributes evidence-based knowledge essential for informed policy-making.
Embracing Diversity and Protecting Rights
Sexual justice, as articulated by WAS, unequivocally recognizes sexual, gender, and relationship diversity as fundamental realities deserving protection. This perspective ensures that individual sexual expression encompasses more than reproduction, including the pursuit of pleasure and enjoyment, while safeguarding individuals from violence, non-consensual activities, and unwanted reproductive procedures. These commitments echo the United Nations’ definition of sexual rights, reinforcing the global recognition of sexual freedom as a human right.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Directions
Acknowledging the evolving nature of sexual justice, WAS is undertaking a comprehensive Sexual Justice Consultation initiated in 2021, aiming to deepen understanding and refine its approaches. The long-term objective is to produce a well-informed Declaration on Sexual Justice, intended to influence global policies and promote widespread recognition of sexual rights as integral to health and social justice.
Advocacy and Global Impact
WAS’s influence extends through its biennial congresses, which convene thousands of sexologists and professionals from diverse disciplines to advance sexual health education, promotion, and networking. In recent years, WAS has intensified its advocacy efforts to embed sexual health and rights within public policy frameworks, recognizing their role in overall health and societal well-being. Support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and governments has been pivotal in sustaining these initiatives worldwide.
SASHA’s Commitment to Sexual Freedom and Health
Complementing WAS’s mission, the Sexuality and Sexual Health Association (SASHA) affirms sexuality as an essential and beneficial aspect of human existence. SASHA extends its commitment by promoting sexual pleasure within the context of sexual rights, emphasizing self-determination, consent, safety, privacy, bodily integrity, and effective communication in sexual relations. These principles contribute significantly to sexual health, well-being, and human flourishing.
SASHA advocates for the diversity of human sexual expression and the inherent right to sexual freedom, opposing any psychological, social, cultural, legislative, or governmental attempts to restrict these fundamental values. The organization also stands firmly against all forms of sexual abuse, including harassment, intimidation, coercion, and prejudice, thereby upholding both sexual and civil rights.
Conclusion
The World Association for Sexual Health and SASHA play pivotal roles in advancing sexual justice and health globally. By fostering inclusive policies, promoting education, and advocating for individual rights, these organizations ensure that sexual health remains a cornerstone of overall well-being and social justice. Their continuous efforts and collaborations with authoritative bodies and experts underscore their expertise and commitment to creating a more equitable and sexually healthy world.
For more information, visit the World Association for Sexual Health and SASHA websites.
