Sexuality is about self- image, developing your own identity, gender roles and about learning to express yourself, your wishes and your boundaries (Rutger International)
Sexuality and reproductive health are challenging issues for young people. There are social norms and cultural taboos that suppress adolescent sexuality. We expect our children to “somehow know” these important matters. OrphanCare believes young people need accurate information about sex and sexuality to negotiate sexual relationships fairly, safely and responsibly.
To help fight the rise in unintended pregnancies and baby dumping among girls and young women in Malaysia OrphanCare developed a Reproductive Health Awareness Programme that stays within the government’s mantra of ‘abstinence before marriage’.
Developed with the Malaysian Department of Welfare and the Women and Family Planning Board the programme helps students and young adults to focus on self-image, be more aware of individual roles within their own families and larger society and the risks and consequences of premarital sexual activity.
Respect is key
OrphanCare’s position is that sex education programs should focus on more than sex and sexuality issues. We need to drive home the importance of boys and girls being able to form mutually respectful, healthy relationships. Young people should respect their own bodies and every other body. We teach that having sex is an important decision young people should take only after considering the consequences.
OrphanCare Self Awareness Program outline:
- OrphanCare Introduction
- Know Thyself
- Family Values
- Abstinence
We want to address root causes to prevent crises. More knowledge is better than less; so through comprehensive sex education talks, workshops and exhibitions we hope to make young people aware of the dangers of STDs and unintended pregnancies and have everybody else, parents, educators and the public join this mission to constantly engage our children about these sensitive and problematic issues.
Your rights and responsibilities
Everyone has the right to sexual health. It is our responsibility to protect our own sexual health and that of others.
| Rights | Responsibilities |
| I have the right to be treated with respect | I must treat others with respect |
| I have the right to express my own feelings and thoughts | I must respect other people’s feelings and thought, even if they are different from mine |
| I have the right to ask for what I want in a relationship | I must say clearly what I want and what I don’t want |
| I have the right to good information on sex and protection from unintended pregnancy and STDs | I must use information wisely |
| I have the right to sexual health and safety in relationships | I am responsible for keeping myself and my partner healthy and safe |
| I have the right to say ‘no’ to sexual activity until I feel ready | I should say ‘no’ to sexual activity I don’t want |
