Coordination: Alain Giami (WAS Vice-president) and Itor Finotelli Jr (President of SBRASH)
The Sexual Justice Consultation held at the XIX Brazilian Congress of Human Sexuality (CBSH) was a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about the WAS Declaration on Sexual Justice, first proclaimed at the 26th WAS Congress in Antalya, Turkey, on November 5, 2023.
Coordinated by WAS Vice-president Alain Giami and SBRASH President Itor Finotelli Jr, this consultation aimed to gather diverse perspectives on the Declaration, which is currently under review by stakeholders worldwide, including WAS members and affiliates.
This consultation saw the participation of over 200 individuals, representing a wide range of voices and experiences, making it a critical step in refining the Declaration. As we continue this journey, your input is vital to ensure that the WAS Declaration on Sexual Justice reflects the needs and voices of all communities. The final Declaration will be officially presented at the next WAS Congress in Brisbane, Australia, in June 2025.
Participants of the Sexual Justice Consultation (from left to right): Deise Queiroz da Silva (PhD student, UFBA and lecturer at UFRB), Alain Giami (WAS Vice-president), Ana Paula Andreotti Amorim (President of ABRASITTI), Ariadne Ribeiro Ferreira (Professor and UNAIDS contributor), Itor Finotelli Jr (President of SBRASH).
Why Sexual Justice?
Sexual justice is more than a concept; it's a call to action rooted in the intersection of sexual and reproductive health and rights, social justice, gender equality, and intersectionality.
In our global context, marked by economic, climate, and health crises, injustices are particularly severe for the most oppressed, stigmatized, and vulnerable groups. The Sexual Justice Initiative (SJI) a WAS project, seeks to address these disparities by advocating for broader systemic and political changes.
Despite advancements, sexual rights remain unattainable for many worldwide, hindered by systemic barriers. Through the SJI, WAS is committed to challenging these obstacles, advocating not only for the promotion and protection of existing sexual rights but also for transformative changes within political systems, healthcare, education, and judicial institutions.
The goal is clear: to reduce inequalities in access to full sexual rights and health systems.
Structure of the Consultation
The consultation was divided into three key sections:
Introduction: Coordinators of the Sexual Justice Initiative presented the background and key issues surrounding the Declaration on Sexual Justice.
Regional Perspectives: Participants shared their insights on sexual justice within the Brazilian context, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities in the region.
Open Discussion: Attendees were invited to engage in an open dialogue, sharing their questions, comments, and personal perspectives on the Declaration. An open questionnaire was provided to all participants to capture their thoughts, which are currently being analyzed and will be shared soon.
Highlights from the Consultation
The event featured insightful presentations from several experts:
Deise Queiroz da Silva: PhD student in social sciences at UFBA and lecturer at UFRB Health Sciences Center, spoke on "The well-being of black women and the right to sexual and reproductive justice: the importance of intersectionality as an analytical tool."
Alain Giami: Vice-president of WAS, provided an overview of the broader goals of the Sexual Justice Initiative.
Ana Paula Andreotti Amorim: President of ABRASITTI and Coordinator of the Free LGBTIAPN+ Health Conference, discussed "Sexual justice for LGBTIAPN+ social control."
Ariadne Ribeiro Ferreira: Professor, researcher, and UNAIDS contributor, presented on "Missing Link: Rethinking and reprioritizing HIV and gender-based violence in fragile contexts."
Itor Finotelli Jr: President of SBRASH, contributed his expertise and vision for advancing sexual justice in Brazil and beyond.
This consultation marks a significant milestone in the global effort to achieve Sexual Justice. It underscores the importance of inclusive dialogue and collaboration as we work towards a more equitable world where Sexual Rights are recognized and upheld for all.
We encourage all stakeholders to continue engaging in these discussions and to provide their invaluable input as we refine the WAS Declaration on Sexual Justice. Together, we can create a powerful movement for change that addresses inequalities and promotes the full realization of Sexual Rights worldwide.
Comments