Sexual and Reproductive Health Education: Gender Justice Perspectives in Policy and Practice

Abstract

Sexual and Reproductive Health Education (SRHE) is vital for public health, human rights, and gender equality, yet access to comprehensive and inclusive SRHE remains unequal, particularly for women, girls, and gender-diverse populations. This paper examines SRHE from a gender justice perspective, exploring how educational policies and practices can either perpetuate or challenge gender inequalities. Traditional SRHE often focuses on biological, moralistic, or population-control frameworks, neglecting crucial aspects such as consent, autonomy, pleasure, and gender-based violence, which disproportionately harm marginalized genders and fail to equip individuals with the skills for informed decision-making. Through qualitative analysis of policy documents, academic literature, and institutional reports, the study highlights a gap between progressive policy intentions and actual classroom practices, influenced by cultural resistance, political interference, and inadequate teacher training. The paper also highlights innovative, rights-based practices showing the potential of gender-just SRHE to transform outcomes. It concludes that integrating gender justice into SRHE is essential for achieving equitable health outcomes, empowering individuals, and promoting inclusive societies.