On September 4th, World Sexual Health Day brings greater awareness of sexual health. Managed by the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), the day also celebrates sexuality and promotes sexual rights.
What exactly is sexual health? Sexual health involves the state of physical, mental, and social well-being regarding sexuality. However, sexual health isn’t just about relationships. Our sexual health influences medical issues, education, and sexual behavior. The observance also tackles issues including unplanned pregnancies and safer sex practices.
Part of being sexually healthy is having a respectful attitude toward sexuality. Besides sexual health, sexual rights are a central topic on World Sexual Health Day. Some examples of sexual rights include the right to:
- equality and non-discrimination
- autonomy and bodily integrity
- be free from all forms of violence and coercion
- privacy
- the highest attainable standard of health, including sexual health
- accurate information
- education
- decide to have children and how many to have
- access justice
WORLD SEXUAL HEALTH DAY HISTORY
World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) promotes World Sexual Health Day. The first observance took place in 2010. Throughout the years, different slogans help to promote the celebration. For example, the slogan of the first-ever observance of the day was, “Let’s talk about it!” Slogans through the years have included:
- 2012: “In a diverse world, sexual health for all!”
- 2015: “Sexual health for a fairer society.”
- 2018: “Sexual health and sexual rights are FUNDAMENTAL for well-being – celebrating 40 years of the World Association for Sexual Health.”
- 2019: “Sexuality education for all: a bridge to sexual health.”
The initiative was proposed by Rosemary Coats, the president of Australia in 2010. Since its inception, the day has become a global event, celebrated by 35 countries.
