Each May for National Girls Inc. Week, Girls Inc. affiliates band together to promote a topic chosen by Girls Inc. participants from across the country – this year’s theme is “Access to Comprehensive Sexuality Education.” This is not going to be a typical Comprehensive Sex Ed program – all programming Girls Inc. provides has a different, girl centered approach to it, and sexuality programming is no different.
WHY THIS TOPIC? This was the topic voted upon by thousands of Girls Inc. girls and teens across the country, THEY are asking for this kind of information.
Girls Inc. champions health sexuality education programs that go beyond the prevention of disease or pregnancy, but also focuses on providing the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values girls need to live healthy and thrive in their bodies.
Through this year’s Healthy Sexuality programming, girls will be learning how to develop an appreciation for their bodies and all they can do, become aware of sexual diversity and rights, and explore personal values. Girls Inc. programming also allows girls the opportunity to build skills to engage in healthy relationships and think about their futures and the world around them.
The development of sexuality does not start at adulthood, or even during one’s teen years. It is our responsibility as adults to help young people understand sexuality so they can embrace it with a positive, empowered approach that is built on accurate information, cultural sensitivity, and values of inclusiveness and respect.
Our programming focuses on FOUR main areas:
Healthy Relationships – Assists girls in identifying, establishing, and cultivating skills to support healthy romantic and non-romantic relationships (family, peers, others).
Sexuality Thumbprint – Building girls’ understanding of themselves as sexual beings and of the diversity of human sexuality, including how to offer respect, equity, and positive support.
Sexual Health and Reproduction – Provides girls with critical information and opportunities to understand and communicate about their bodies, their values, and potential impacts related to sexual decision-making.
Sex, Media, and Technology – Assists girls in understanding the role that media and technology play in their self-perceptions and healthy development and practicing responsible use of technology in making decisions affecting their sexual health.
We believe girls have the right to accept, appreciate, and enjoy their bodies. We believe sexuality is a natural part of a young person’s emotional and social development. At every stage of their development, all girls should have access to age-appropriate information about the physical, psychological, and social aspects of sexuality.
At every stage of their development, all girls should have access to age-appropriate information about the physical, psychological, and social aspects of sexuality.