In most parts of Asia, discussions on sex are still considered taboo. Even more so when it comes to sexual education for children. Parents that oppose comprehensive sexual education in schools would often argue that teaching children would only encourage them to have more sex.
However, studies have shown that the opposite is true. Instead, they are more likely to have it later, with less partners, and engage in safe and protected sex when they do.
Sharing Sessions highlighted importance of open discussion
Our recent Mama Secrets session discussed sexual harassments experienced by our community of readers. It was to our great dismay that not only is this common, but in many cases, these harassments and abuses occurred when they were children.
When we broached the subject of sexual education, most parents agreed that an honest approach to this discussion is not only needed, but important. A reader shared that she is willing to discuss every aspect of sexual education with her children, including “autonomy, agency, pleasure, respect.” Others shared that they “wished they knew (more) at their age” and that “knowledge is power.” Some highlighted that it is important to teach “clear consent for both boys and girls” and to “use proper names for private parts.”
However, a few confessed that they were “not sure” where to begin and asked, “when is the earliest to start?”
Where to begin?
If you are looking for a way to begin this conversation with your daughter, Makchic together with SPOT, is organising a Mother-Daughter workshop at the upcoming The Cooler Lumpur Festival.
SPOT has been running comprehensive sexual education since 2015 and has reached 8,500 girls in more than 40 schools nationwide. Using evidence-informed approach based on the International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education (ITGSE 2018), the modules are also approved by the Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Health (MOH) and Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara (LPPKN). In respecting local values, SPOT is careful to deliver the facts in age-appropriate and culturally sensitive ways.
This workshop aims to create a safe, non-judgemental place to discuss the intimate details of human sexuality, to encourage a healthy discourse about it, and to empower daughters with the right knowledge. This is so she can learn to care for herself, her future, and her relationships, when she is ready.
A Mum & Daughter Conversation at The Cooler Lumpur Festival
Workshops at the #CoolerLumpur Festival are divided by age-groups to address each age group’s specific and sensitive concerns.
Session 1 on October 5th is for girls aged 9 – 12 years of age. For more details and tickets, click here.
Session 2 on October 6th is for girls aged 13 – 17 years of age. For more details and tickets, click here.
Please note that each child must be accompanied by her mum or a female guardian. And mums or female guardians may bring more than 1 child. Parts of the proceeds will go on to fund future programmes by SPOT.
Other programmes to check out at The Cooler Lumpur Festival
Apart from this discussion on sexual education, you could also look forward to other exciting programmes that will run during The Cooler Lumpur Festival. Since its inception in 2013, this festival has provided a strong platform for diverse communities to come together, share amazing ideas and raise awareness on great causes.
This year, families could check out the ‘Make Your Own Terrarium‘ that will teach you and your kids how to recycle and reuse those pesky plastic bottles and transform them into beautiful terrariums for your succulents. Alternatively, you could create your own ‘Wooden Table Light‘, or learn more about plastics and brilliant alternatives in ‘Bioplastic Packaging‘, and how you could do your part in saving the environment in a session about ‘Circular Design Strategies.‘
