Gender Sexual and Reproductive Health Case Study

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Gender Sexual and Reproductive Health

Sexual health awareness proves to be a pivotal context; despite huge importance it is often neglected, specifically, for marginalised population such as- people with learning disabilities (Mailhot Amborski et al, 2023). Research has revealed that; in Australia, individuals suffering from learning difficulties faces complexities regarding their sexual needs, access to quality services and sexual health education. In accordance with Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) learning disability comprised with varied cognitive impairments which influences an individual’s ability to learn and process information (Australia laws, 2023). People with leaning difficulties faces issues in understanding and responding towards sexual health information and thereby, this results in potential risk of exploitation and inappropriate health services.

The current assignment will focus on highlighting sexual health projects undertaken in Australia and specific emphasis would be implied on “Healthysexual” project. This is an effective initiative undertaken in Australia for promoting sexual health education for individuals with learning disabilities. The legal protection and policies relevant to sexual health and rights of individuals with learning disabilities will be highlighted. Furthermore, policies and programmes complying with sexual and reproductive health will be examined. Moreover, structural barriers would be explained and critical evaluation of Healthysexual intervention will be done and recommendation for enhancing practices would be highlighted.

Main Body

Assignment samples are offered to assist students in understanding coursework structure and key learning outcomes. Our Online Assignment Help emphasizes ethical learning support and original, plagiarism-free work. The Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health Case Study examines key health concepts, ethical considerations, policy frameworks, and evidence-based practice. These materials are intended solely as study aids and reference guides.

Legal Protection and Policy

In Australia, specific legal protection developed for safeguarding rights of individuals suffering from learning disability. Particular focus has been implied on gender equality, sexual discrimination and rights of people with learning disabilities. The Disability Discrimination Act (1992) providing systematic framework for promoting equality; prior focus of this act is on ensuring that people with disabilities are having equal rights and no discrimination is done with them (Australia laws, 2023). The Australian Human Rights Commission [AHRC] focusing on the significance of involving sexual education and further it has been considered as a fundamental human right. This right is significantly backed up with “The United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” (AHRC, 2023). AHRC has developed particular emphasis on Comprehensive Sexuality Education [CSE] with the aim of encouraging and promoting human rights; CSE is not limited to providing basic information; it is a wider concept that involves providing information related to sexual and reproductive health, gender orientation and gender identity, consent and healthy relationship (AHRC, 2023). AHRC supporting people with learning disability though CSE; they are protected from sexual violence. It is helping individual and making them aware about consent and healthy relationship so they can become aware about sexual exploitation and violence.

Gender Sexual and Reproductive Health Case Study

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From historical lens, it has been witnessed that rights of individuals with learning disability have been evolved throughout the period with the consideration of legal reforms. Whilst, still the gap is persisting in this context; varied strides are implemented for promoting sexual health and rights (Tomsa et al, 2021). However, stigma and discrimination against people with learning difficulties is still persisting; from the past years Australia has made an effective progress in promoting the sexual rights of people with learning disabilities. Nevertheless, challenges are developing in this area particularly, in remote and rural area where people are not able to access healthcare services. People living in rural areas are not aware about the policies and rights implemented for them and this is creating persistent barrier for them in accessing sexual health education and access to quality services. At global level, there are different legal frameworks implemented; for example- many countries such as Arab countries are lacking in implementation of comprehensive laws that protects sexual rights of people with learning disabilities (Molstad, Weinhardt and Jones, 2023). Whereas, Australia is standing at the forefront and advocating about sexual rights particularly for people suffering from learning disability. However, the implementation of the policies and reforms are yet to be improved so wider people can get access.

In Australia, sexual awareness education proves to be crucial for individuals facing learning difficulties. Despite legal protections concerning with discrimination act, AHRC and CSE, stigma associated with sexual exploitation is persisting. Research has demonstrated that there are varied people experiencing social stigmatization and this is developing feeling of shame and fear in them (AHRC, 2023). Thereby, individuals suffering from learning disability hesitate in seeking information and support; the stigma underpinning societal attitudes towards persisting disabilities complies with lack of understanding related to sexual rights. The existing laws and policies assuring that rights of people are protected and supported in terms of sexual protection. The general principles and rights such as “Right to Consent” depicts that people suffering from cognitive difficulties has the right to undertake informed decision regarding their sexual health; this is comprised with rights related to consent before involving in sexual activity. AHRC aims to protect vulnerable people from sexual abuse and exploitation (AHRC, 2023). Sterilization is not allowed; there is need to take permission from court and tribunal authority. Only in crucial case such as treating medical disease and condition sterilization is allowed.

Health and Disability Services Act 1996 outlining the rights of individuals with regards to health and disability of services; this is providing right to people for refusing treatment (Australia laws, 2023). Sexuality Education and Counselling for People with Disability [SECC] providing training to educators and social workers regarding sexuality education so they can support people suffering from disability (Australia laws, 2023). Hence, there are varied reforms undertaken in Australia, still the gap is persisting due to lack of awareness among people suffering from learning disability (Matin et al, 2021). Therefore, it is essential to ensure significant emphasis on this area so that consistent support to people suffering from learning disability can be ensured.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy and Programmes

The global framework concerned with sexual and reproductive health focusing on the importance of implying inclusive and accessible health services for all people. Sustainable Development Goal SDG-3 “Good Health and Well-Being” underpinning the importance of promoting sexual wellbeing of individuals, specifically for those who are suffering from learning disabilities (Sustainable goals, 2024). Furthermore, World Health Organisation [WHO] is also advocating about the importance of sexual education as this is important for reducing sexual exploitation among peoples suffering from cognitive impairments (Sustainable goals, 2024). Individuals with learning disability are not able to differentiate between good and bad touch as a result, they are often sexually exploited (McNally, Taggart and Shevlin, 2021). Despite facing sexual abuse, they are not able to able to witness it due to lack of awareness. In Australia, different indicators are highlighting about the ongoing challenges persisting within sexual and reproductive health. The research has revealed that people suffering from learning disability facing higher rates of sexual exploitation (McNally, Taggart and Shevlin, 2021). From the statistical estimation it has been identified that 1 in 10 individuals with learning difficulty faces sexual exploitation and they are further at the higher risk of sexually transmitted infections [STIs] (AHRC, 2023).

However, Australia has made effectual progress in addressing these challenges, there are different educational campaigns organised that is developing sexual awareness for vulnerable people. Nevertheless, there is need to adopt targeted interventions which are crucial for ensuring safeguarding to people suffering from learning disability (Cerna et al, 2021). There are different sexual awareness projects has been undertaken in Australia such as “Respect. Now. Always”, “Healthysexual” and “University Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Project”. Resect. Now. Always project was an initiative that was adopted by AHRC for identifying the extent of sexual harassment with people suffering from learning disability at workplace (Healthysexual, 2023). On the other University sexual assault and sexual harassment project was also undertaken by AHRC for examining the rate of sexual exploitation in universities and creating awareness in vulnerable individuals regarding sexual violence (AHRC, 2023).

The aim of this initiative was to make people aware regarding their sexual rights. The Healthysexual project was a comprehensive approach adopted for addressing the reproductive health and sexual needs of individuals suffering from learning disabilities (Healthysexual, 2023) The aim of this initiative was to provide inclusive sexual education to people; the focus was implied on allocating the essential resources that meets the requirement of people suffering from cognitive challenges (Healthysexual, 2023). The initial evaluation of the project provided significant insights and it was identified that it has positively impacted the understanding of candidates with regards to sexual health.

While comparing to other countries such as UK, it has been evident that Australia is lacking in developing awareness in secondary education. In UK; Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) has been made mandatory within secondary schools whereas, in Australia national curriculum is encouraging the comprehensive relationship regarding sexual education (UK sexual awareness project, 2023). The approach in UK is integrated with specific subject so that students suffering from learning disability can learn about these aspects and this makes them aware regarding their sexual rights (UK sexual awareness project, 2023). RSHE has been embedded in UK’s curriculum and this is enabling children and young individuals to develop understanding regarding sexual health and well-being.

In Australia Projects such as “Healthysexual” providing significant results in developing awareness regarding sexual rights (Healthysexual, 2023). However, there are certain loopholes witnessed which is hindering the efficacy of the programmes. Different factors related to societal stigma, lack of specialised training and ineffective funding developing persistent challenge in this area. Thus, these concerns are depicting that there is need to adopt a robust mechanism for enhancing the accessibility and engagement of individuals in sexual educational campaigns and programs within Australia (Carter et al, 2021). From the contextual information it has been evident that lack of accessibility developing significant barriers for vulnerable individuals for taking participation in the programmes. It is important to ensure significant focus on this area so that societal stigma impacting the effectiveness of program can be identified (Brown et al, 2020). People suffering from learning difficulties are not able to share their concerns and issues as they are not able to witness whether they have suffered from social exploitation or not, this is significantly due to lack of awareness in them. Thus, it is highly essential to increase accessibility of these programmes so that targeted population can be approached and awareness in them can be developed.

Structural Barriers

The Healthysexual project proves to an effective initiative that is focusing on developing awareness regarding sexual health education for people suffering learning disabilities. The objective of the initiative aligns with providing accessible resources that fosters collective and inclusive discussions based on sexual health (Healthysexual, 2023). This leads to empower individuals and further enhance their abilities to greater extent so they can become able to make informed choices and decisions regarding their sexual health. From the research, it has been identified that the project has employed an effective approach comprised with using visual aids, peer education activities and interactive activities for enhancing the engagement of participants within initiatives. Another important objective of the programme is to develop awareness related safe sex practices for reducing the cases of STIs and stigma associated with discrimination due to STI (Brown et al, 2020). This initiative encouraged people to talk about STI, further, this led to reduce the influence associated with social contexts. The specific focus was implied on the individuals suffering from learning difficulties. These individuals often face discrimination in educational and workplace setting due to their cognitive impairments and thereby, they are often not able to access the sexual awareness campaigns and further they hesitate in asking any question.

This initiative ensured significant support to people suffering from learning disability, core emphasis is implied on reducing the extent of discrimination among vulnerable individuals. Despite multiple strengths of Healthysexual initiative, there are significant structural barriers have been identified (Healthysexual, 2023). These barriers have been specifically persisting for individuals suffering with learning disabilities; Intersectionality theory signifying about overlapping societal domains that influences an individual’s ability in accessing societal resources (Roden, Schmidt and Holland-Hall, 2020). This theoretical instance is focusing on understanding the ways in which identities are intersecting with each other and further creating distinct experience concerned with disadvantage and privilege of individuals. The Societal stigma developing persistent issue for individuals suffering from learning difficulties; they are not able to receive the quality services due to existing societal domains. Inclusion is an important aspect of intersectionality theory, whilst, vulnerable individuals are often excluded from varied areas within society just due to their vulnerability (Maqbool et al, 2019). Thus, core aim of Healthysexual project aligns with understanding the complexities faced by people with learning difficulties and consequently, support is endured to them.

Theoretical mechanism such as patriarchy and ableism playing pivotal role in identifying and understanding the loopholes impacting people with learning disability; the patriarchal attitude demoralises the sexual belief of individuals suffering from disability. This is concerned with the existing stigma of society; people often assumes that individuals with learning disability are not able to differentiate between sexual exploitation and desire (Engel et al, 2019). These misconceptions leading to create issues for individuals as no one believes if they face exploitation; thus, these societal misconceptions impacting the ability of individuals in accessing quality healthcare services. Due to lack of knowledge people with learning difficulties has unrealistic expectations regarding sexual behaviour; thereby, it is important to develop awareness in this area as this issues leading to further marginalisation of this group (Lokot and Avakyan, 2020). Furthermore, by organising training for healthcare providers they can be motivated for developing an inclusive environment in the setting where each individual gets equal opportunity in terms of taking decision related to sexual and reproductive health.

Through evaluation of Healthysexual initiative it has been witnessed that; it led to enhance sexual health literacy among individuals with cognitive impairments. However, while comparing to other similar projects such as- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Funding for Innovative Projects and Sexual Health Improvement Framework, it has been identified that Healthysexual is lacking in providing effective results (UK sexual awareness project, 2023). This is significantly due to lack of consistency in the initiative and lack of awareness in lower-socioeconomic areas. There is need to undertake a structured framework, programs and policy that focuses on individuals with learning disability living in deprived areas. This structural barrier impacting their abilities in terms of receiving quality services and further they are not able to gain significant awareness in this context. Thereby, policymakers in Australia should implement prior focus on this area so that appropriate initiative can be adopted while ensuring consistency.

Such type of interventions should be aligned with holistic needs of individuals and accordingly, diverse needs of individuals should be recognised and subsequently, actions must be taken. The structural barriers will keep persisting; however, it is important to ensure focus on delivering equal services to individuals who are suffering from learning disability. It is important to ensure focus on addressing the intersectionality for identified factors so that significant actions can be taken for supporting individuals with disability (Gruskin et al, 2019). Lack of consistency within intervention developed barriers for Healthysexual project; through this evaluation insights can be gained and effective steps can be adopted that supports in developing sexual health awareness for people suffering with learning disability (Healthysexual, 2023). In this manner, effectual outcomes can be gained and further equality and inclusivity could be promoted. The core emphasis should be made on understanding the loopholes existing in society as this helps in promoting and encouraging the equality for vulnerable individuals and accordingly, they would be able to gain effective support and the rates of sexual exploitation or STIs can be decreased.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Conclusively; this can be said that people with learning difficulties facing varied issues in terms of accessing sexual and reproductive health education. Further they are facing barriers in accessing services; the rates of sexual exploitation in vulnerable individuals found to be high and this is significantly due to lack of awareness in them. The project has focused on a specific initiative “Healthysexual”, this is aiming to focus on the needs and requirement of people with learning disabilities in Australia and the core emphasis is made on creating awareness regarding sexual rights in this particular group. Despite gaining positive outcomes there are certain barriers identified which aligns with societal attitudes, inadequate accessibility and existing stigma. There is need to focus on existing loopholes for ensuring consistent support to individuals. Below mentioned are the major recommendations in present context.

Training to healthcare providers-It is important to organise training for healthcare providers; specific focus needs to be implied on encouraging them for developing an inclusive environment. People with learning disabilities should be treated in same manner as other individuals are treated; further, additional support must be provided to this groups for identifying their sexual needs and accordingly, they must be made aware regarding reproductive and sexual health (Gruskin et al, 2019). There is need to develop an inclusive environment in healthcare settings so that people can be treated equally. This supports in reduction of the discrimination with them and further enhances their trust in healthcare settings. This further helps in promoting the autonomy of individuals while taking decision regarding their sexual health.

Inclusive culture- In educational settings; inclusive culture should be developed and education regarding sexual and reproductive health should be made compulsory for individuals suffering from learning difficulties (Brown et al, 2020). Teachers often neglects the needs of such learners as a result, lack of sexual awareness can result in sexual exploitation for them. Therefore, it is important to imply focus on this area so that significant outcomes can be gained and further effectual support to individuals could be ensured.

Comprehensive policy reforms- There is need to promote collaboration among different stakeholders such as-policymaker, educators, healthcare provider and disability advocate. This results in developing and effective framework for delivering sexual health education to individuals suffering from learning disabilities (Perez-Curiel et al, 2023). Effective collaboration among the stakeholders results in taking significant initiative that aims to reduce the extent of discrimination faced by individuals due to their learning disability. Hence, it is important to ensure focus on this context so that significant support can be assured to individuals and their sexual health can be enhanced.

References

Books and Journals

• Brown, M., McCann, E., Truesdale, M., Linden, M. and Marsh, L., 2020. The design, content and delivery of relationship and sexuality education programmes for people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review of the international evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(20), p.7568.
• Carter, A., Strnadová, I., Watfern, C., Pebdani, R., Bateson, D., Loblinzk, J., Guy, R. and Newman, C., 2021. The sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people with intellectual disability: A scoping review. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, pp.1-19.
• Cerna, L., Mezzanotte, C., Rutigliano, A., Brussino, O., Santiago, P., Borgonovi, F. and Guthrie, C., 2021. Promoting inclusive education for diverse societies: A conceptual framework. OECD Education Working Papers, (260), pp.0_1-57.
• Engel, D.M.C., Paul, M., Chalasani, S., Gonsalves, L., Ross, D.A., Chandra-Mouli, V., Cole, C.B., de Carvalho Eriksson, C., Hayes, B., Philipose, A. and Beadle, S., 2019. A package of sexual and reproductive health and rights interventions—what does it mean for adolescents?. Journal of Adolescent Health, 65(6), pp.S41-S50.
• Gruskin, S., Yadav, V., Castellanos-Usigli, A., Khizanishvili, G. and Kismödi, E., 2019. Sexual health, sexual rights and sexual pleasure: meaningfully engaging the perfect triangle. Sexual and reproductive health matters, 27(1), pp.29-40.
• Iverson, S.V., 2023. Mapping identities: An intersectional analysis of policies on sexual violence. In Intersections of identity and sexual violence on campus (pp. 214-234). Routledge.
• Lokot, M. and Avakyan, Y., 2020. Intersectionality as a lens to the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for sexual and reproductive health in development and humanitarian contexts. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 28(1), p.1764748.
• Mailhot Amborski, A., Bussières, E.L., Vaillancourt-Morel, M.P. and Joyal, C.C., 2022. Sexual violence against persons with disabilities: A meta-analysis. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 23(4), pp.1330-1343.
• Maqbool, M., Khan, M., Mohammad, M., Adesina, M.A. and Fekadu, G., 2019. Awareness about reproductive health in adolescents and youth: a review. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, pp.1-5.
• Matin, B.K., Williamson, H.J., Karyani, A.K., Rezaei, S., Soofi, M. and Soltani, S., 2021. Barriers in access to healthcare for women with disabilities: a systematic review in qualitative studies. BMC women's health, 21, pp.1-23.
• McNally, P., Taggart, L. and Shevlin, M., 2021. Trauma experiences of people with an intellectual disability and their implications: A scoping review. Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities, 34(4), pp.927-949.
• Molstad, T.D., Weinhardt, J.M. and Jones, R., 2023. Sexual assault as a contributor to academic outcomes in university: A systematic review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 24(1), pp.218-230.
• Perez-Curiel, P., Vicente, E., Moran, M.L. and Gomez, L.E., 2023. The right to sexuality, reproductive health, and found a family for people with intellectual disability: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), p.1587.
• Roden, R.C., Schmidt, E.K. and Holland-Hall, C., 2020. Sexual health education for adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: recommendations for accessible sexual and reproductive health information. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 4(9), pp.699-708.
• Tomsa, R., Gutu, S., Cojocaru, D., Gutiérrez-Bermejo, B., Flores, N. and Jenaro, C., 2021. Prevalence of sexual abuse in adults with intellectual disability: Systematic review and meta-analysis. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(4), p.1980.

Online

• AHRC, Online. Available through < https://humanrights.gov.au/>
• Australia laws, Online. Available through < https://www.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/human-rights-and-anti-discrimination/australias-anti-discrimination-law>
• Healthysexual, 2023. Online. Available through < https://www.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Campaign-healthysexual-sexual-health-awareness>
• Sustainable goals, 2024. Online. Available through < https://sdgs.un.org/goals>
• UK sexual awareness project, Online. Available through < https://sexualabuseandsexualviolenceawarenessweek.org/>