International Women’s Day on 8 March is a moment to reflect – not just on progress, but on persistent inequalities. Gender-based violence remains widespread, and without proper education, it will continue. Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is key to change: it empowers people to make informed decisions about their sexuality and relationships, fostering autonomy, respect, and inclusion.
Yet, in Italy, its implementation remains inconsistent, blocked by structural barriers and political resistance. Civil society is pushing back, demanding CSE be recognised as a fundamental human right. For two years, LoveAct has been advocating for a structured, mandatory curriculum that would be science-based, age-appropriate, and accessible to all students, regardless of where they live.
Italy’s complicated, and often turbulent, relationship with Comprehensive Sexuality Education
Sexuality education is still not mandatory in Italy; while local initiatives led by NGOs and external experts exist, they remain insufficient. Without a national legal framework, disparities between regions persist, with teachers being untrained and feeling unprepared. In 2023, a government directive raised hopes by introducing relationship education in upper secondary schools, with funding for teacher training and awareness. However, it falls short of providing true CSE – remaining voluntary, ignoring UNESCO’s guidelines, excluding students’ voices, and neglecting younger children.
Meanwhile, far-right movements have fuelled misinformation, framing CSE as a threat to family values and national identity. By blocking education on relationships, consent, and sexuality, they reinforce gender stereotypes and uphold a patriarchal system rife with gender-based violence (GBV).
In 2023 alone, 96 women were murdered in Italy, with 62% of sexual assaults committed by current or former partners. Feminicides are but one type of gender-based violence; many other cases go unnoticed, especially since reporting rates remain low. Recently, however, voices have spoken out against rape culture and toxic masculinity, sparking nationwide protests and demands for change.
Civil society’s role in advancing comprehensive sexuality education
Civil society organisations are leading the way to support the capacity of teachers and experts to deliver CSE. In 2020, the ISEX project – Integral Sexual Education and Empowerment in Schools produced a White Paper with recommendations to policymakers and directors of educational institutions on how to advance the promotion of sexuality and affective education in schools. It also provided educators with a non-formal education curriculum on sexuality and affectivity.
The multi-country project identified a key challenge as being the reluctance of adults responsible for adolescent education to address topics still considered taboo; since sexuality education is not mandatory, educators fear risking their reputation by engaging with it.
Political action is crucial to changing mentalities and bringing about the effective implementation of CSE in Italian schools. For this reason, as part of the LoveAct project, we have launched the Manifesto to advance CSE, urging the government to take action.
We are calling for a CSE integrated into the national curriculum, applied consistently across schools, and facilitated by trained professionals such as doctors, nurses, educators, and psychologists. CSE must cover the full spectrum of sexuality and affection, addressing topics such as consent, gender identity, sexual pleasure, and reproductive health, and its approach must be: multicultural, intersectional, trans-feminist, intergenerational, evidence-based, trauma-informed, sex-positive, child-friendly, inclusive, participatory, and eco-feminist.
LoveAct: Positive change is possible
The LoveAct project has made significant strides in fostering a more informed, inclusive, and supportive approach to discussions on sexuality and affectivity in Italy, France, Greece, Lithuania, Belgium, Cyprus and Spain. Through its initiatives, the project has:
- Expanded access to high-quality educational tools – By developing resources that are evidence-based, intersectional, trauma-sensitive, and widely accessible, the project ensures that teenagers, families, and educational staff have the necessary tools to navigate topics related to sexuality in a responsible and informed manner. (Check our webpage for our resources.)
- Enhanced the capacity of families and educators – More than 130 educational staff and numerous families have been equipped with the skills and knowledge to engage in open, supportive, and well-informed discussions about sexuality and affectivity with teenagers. This has helped create a more positive and inclusive learning environment for young people.
- Improved wellbeing and relationship dynamics for young people – With over 900 students benefiting directly from the initiative, the project has contributed to fostering healthier, safer, and more respectful relationships, free from gender-based violence. It has also empowered young individuals to support one another in embracing their sexuality in a positive and affirming way.
- Strengthened local networks through the creation of the Local SexEd Council – A coalition of 30+ organisations, entities, and professionals have come together to form a Local SexEd Council, meeting more than 10 times to exchange expertise and develop new initiatives. They represent diverse fields, including gender identity and sexual orientation, relationships, gender-based violence, intersectionality, and sexual health. By collaborating closely, the council played a key role in amplifying the project’s impact; supporting school initiatives, participating in public demonstrations, and ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to CSE. If you would like to join a local SexEd Council near you, write to Nuria Casablanca at nuria.casablanca@cesie.org.
- Raised public awareness on the need for better CSE – By bringing the conversation to local, national, and international levels, the Love Act Project has helped highlight the critical role of CSE in preventing GBV and promoting a more informed and respectful.
To find out our publications and resources on CSE visit: https://cesie.org/project/loveact/. Make sure to check out The Gender Talk website, our hub for everything CSE. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
The fight for Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Italy is far from over. While political resistance and societal taboos continue to block progress, the ongoing efforts of projects like LoveAct, the mobilisation of civil society, and the increasing public demand for sexuality education demonstrate that there is momentum. Through continued advocacy and collective action, we can ensure that future generations grow up with the knowledge and skills they need to shape a safer, more equal and inclusive world.
About the project
Love Act – Living positive and intersectional sexuality education for gender-based violence prevention is funded by CERV-2022-DAPHNE programme.
Partners
- CESIE ETS (Italy, coordinator)
- Elan Interculturel (France)
- Symplexis (Greece)
- DDG (Lithuania)
- The Square Dot Team (Belgium)
- CSI (Cyprus)
- Intered (Spain)
- UPV/EHU (Basque Countries)
For further information
Read the project sheet, visit www.thegendertalk.eu and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Contact Rūta Grigaliunaite: ruta.grigaliunaite@cesie.org.
