Sexuality education is more than just a curriculum – it is a fundamental human right, a crucial tool for building a society where young people can grow up informed, empowered, and safe. Yet, despite growing evidence of its benefits, Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) remains underfunded, undervalued, and, in many places, under threat.
Our Manifesto to Advance CSE is a call to action for European decision-makers to recognise and prioritise the role of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in preventing gender-based violence and promoting equality, among others.
A critical moment for policy change
In May 2024, the European Union adopted its first-ever directive to combat violence against women and domestic violence. While this landmark legislation underscores the EU’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence, CSE is barely mentioned, despite its proven role in prevention. To break the cycle of violence, we must tackle its root causes, including gender inequality and lack of education.
By integrating CSE into the directive, policymakers can make a bold, evidence-based commitment to prevention, equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to build relationships based on respect, equality, and consent.
Securing long-term investment in CSE
Beyond policy change, sustainable funding is crucial. The next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) – the budget that will shape European priorities for seven years beyond 2027 – must include dedicated resources for CSE. Without investment, even the strongest policies will fail to deliver real change.
Our Manifesto calls on EU institutions to ensure that CSE is not left out of the next financial framework, guaranteeing the resources needed to support its implementation across all member states.
The time to act is now
CSE is about more than sexual and reproductive health – it is about rights, equity, and the future we want to build. By championing our Manifesto, we urge European leaders to take responsibility and commit to a Europe where every person has access to the knowledge they need to make informed, safe, and respectful choices. The decisions made today will shape the next generation.
Join us in making Comprehensive Sexuality Education a European priority: sign the Manifesto now.
Further information
The Manifesto was developed as part of the LoveAct project, together with members of the SexSense network.
SexSense is a European network of 70+ organisations, institutions and universities on a mission to promote opportunities for collaboration in research, training, advocacy and project design on Comprehensive Sexuality Education. Become part of quality projects and actions through EU cooperation and funding, send your membership request now.
For more information, contact us at info@sex-sense.eu.
Love Act – Living positive and intersectional sexuality education for gender-based violence prevention developed quality tools to build the capacity of educational staff and empower teenagers to live their sexuality and affectivity safely and positively with the aim to prevent gender-based violence through an intersectional & trauma-informed Comprehensive Sexuality Education approach. The project was funded by CERV-2022-DAPHNE programme.
For more information:
- read the project sheet,
- visit www.thegendertalk.eu,
- follow us on Facebook and Instagram,
- contact Rūta Grigaliunaite: ruta.grigaliunaite@cesie.org.
