Sexuality and the right to reproductive health are fundamental to the human experience. We support those working to ensure that all women and men are able to exercise these rights free from coercion and violence and that young people have access to the information and services they need.
In some societies around the world, discussion of human sexuality and reproductive health and rights has often been considered too sensitive or too personal for serious exploration. At the same time, governments implement laws and programs that have direct or unanticipated impacts on these basic human freedoms, with little or no input from those most affected. As a result, healthy development and the exercise of personal decision making in these areas have often been compromised. Our work is directed toward strengthening sexual and reproductive health rights and encouraging comprehensive sexuality education and evidence-based public discourse on sexuality.
Our efforts focus on young women from poor and excluded communities, because they bear the greatest burden of violence and disease. We support sexual and reproductive health policies, innovative programs and research that address the social, cultural and economic factors that undermine improved outcomes for girls and women.
All of this work is motivated by the belief that a deeper understanding of human sexuality is an essential element of human rights and healthy social relationships and that those most affected must be at the fore of efforts to ensure that sexual and reproductive health and rights are addressed as a cornerstone of individual, family and community health.
Learn about the focus of our work to promote well-being and support reproductive health and rights.