Sex is not just a word; it has a broader meaning which needs to be discussed as one’s entire life revolves around it.
When a baby is born, he or she is treated according to his or her sex. Talking about sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) could help decrease maternal and infant mortality rates, address the issue of child marriages, population control, sexual abuse and induced abortions.
These views were shared by participants at the launching ceremony of “Pakistan Alliance for SRHR Movement Building,” at a local hotel on Saturday. The alliance has been formed by eight non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from all four provinces. The alliance will work towards building a society that is fair, safe and equal for all, where human rights, especially sexual and reproductive rights are recognised and practised.
Speaking on the occasion Maryam Bibi, founder and chief executive of Khwendo Kor, an NGO based in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) said, “Talking about SRHR in K-P and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) is very challenging because people there are not even ready to talk about polio.”
She said there are many areas in K-P and Fata where the majority of people are not even aware of HIV and AIDS. “An infected person is isolated and treated worse than an animal.” Women are ostracised even though they are infected by their expat husbands who have sexually transmitted diseases, she added.
A documentary was showcased in which well-known personalities talked about SRHR. The event was organised by Rutgers World Population Foundation.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2012.
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