The debate surrounding Comprehensive Sexuality Education is a reflection of the kind of society we wish to build.
Recognising it as a fundamental right means acknowledging its role in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, mainstreaming gender equality, and providing the tools needed to challenge the structural drivers of gender-based violence. However, as we navigate the complexities of 2026, this right is being increasingly challenged by the relentless rise of anti-gender movements and the proliferation of coordinated disinformation campaigns.
Within the Rights and Justice Unit at CESIE ETS, we believe that responding to these pressures requires more than just defending a curriculum. It requires a collective effort to reclaim a public conversation based on dignity, clarity, and facts, ensuring that Comprehensive Sexuality Education remains a safe and evidence-based space for all.
The SexSense Network: building collective action
To lead this effort, we founded SexSense, a network of associations, NGOs, public institutions, universities, research centres, for-profit companies, and other networks that advances comprehensive sexuality education. Now an international community of over 90 members, this multidisciplinary network acts as a strategic hub where research and grassroots action meet.
As we drive forward research and innovative practices across Europe, our strength lies in our collective expertise and diverse perspectives, in the face of an environment where myths about sexuality education are intentionally spread. The network’s annual meeting provides a vital space to strengthen our unity, share expertise, and ensure that no educator or advocate faces these pressures in isolation.
To address these challenges and strengthen our shared commitment, the fourth SexSense Annual Event & Assembly took place in Berlin on 10 and 11 March 2026.
A shifting paradigm: why narratives matter
The SexSense Annual Event & Assembly 2026 established a clear priority: reclaiming the public message. In his keynote address, UN Specialist at ILGA World Guillermo Ricalde highlighted how the dominant online platforms and recent political shifts amplify both knowledge and backlash. He pointed out that those who oppose comprehensive sexuality education often weaponise fear-based stories to promote exclusion. This perspective reframes the focus from a purely educational debate to one of fundamental human rights. Translating this vision into a practical plan, the network explored future EU funding opportunities, such as the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV), with insights from experts like Stefanie Ismaili-Rohleder (CERV National Contact Point Germany), while Maja Brkusanin (CESIE ETS) provided a comprehensive overview of additional EU fundings, such as Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, to keep future initiatives robust and competitive.
Building on these technical insights, the network engaged in targeted networking sessions facilitated by the CESIE ETS team, allowing members to move from initial ideas to active match-making and the formation of new partnerships. This collaborative momentum culminated in the presentation of the SexSense Strategy 2026–2027 by Cloé Saint Nom and Rūta Grigaliūnaitė (CESIE ETS), which defined the network’s key priorities and milestones for the coming years.
To bridge theory and practice, a high-level roundtable – featuring Jaakko Toivonen (Transfeminiinit ry), Vanessa Meyer (Knowbody), and Arushi Singh (CSE Specialist), and moderated by Isotta Rossoni (Criminologist and Sexuality Educator) – and an interactive Forum, focused on the co-creation of inclusive messaging.
For a more in-depth look at the sessions, the speakers involved, and the key outcomes of the SexSense Annual Event & Assembly 2026, read the full article on the SexSense website.
Shaping the future together, from insights to action
The SexSense Annual Event & Assembly 2026 concluded with a renewed collective mandate. By working together, SexSense active members are better equipped to foster a world where comprehensive sexuality education brings about equality, supports wellbeing and prevents all forms of violence.
For further information on how to join the network or our upcoming initiatives, please visit SexSense official website or contact us at info@sex-sense.eu.
