A study conducted by Share-Net Jordan in 2021, had revealed the need for expanding SNJO activities and programs in the field of sexual and reproductive health to the Arab region. In accordance with this finding, SNJO initiated concrete steps to engage stakeholders in Egypt and Lebanon in the works on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights (SRH&RR). 

The initiative started by organizing a roundtable discussion in Jordan by SNJO with participants from Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan. This event aimed to define the gaps and priority areas of interest in SRHR in the region as well as to exchange information, experiences, and expertise among the countries of the region.

The deliberations during the roundtable discussion showed that not all aspects of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) are covered in the school curricula of countries in the Arab region, and moreover where it is covered, some educators tend to not to cover sexuality related topics to avoid embarrassment, given the sensitivity of some topics when dealing with young adolescents. The topics of  CSE have also been brought up and discussed in the periodic meetings of SNJO steering committee members and stakeholders. These meetings identified priority areas that need cross-country collaboration and highlighted specific needs, such as the integration of sexual and reproductive health concepts into educational curricula. 

To implement the concept of knowledge translation, Share-Net Jordan proceeded to a next logical step and organized a regional Co-Creation Conference (CCC) where scholars from Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, Jordan and Morocco came together and presented their experience with respect to incorporation of sexuality education in school curricula based on the students’ age. The CCC offered ample opportunities for a large number of attendees to educate themselves about concepts and topics of Sexual and Reproductive Health and the means for translating knowledge and improving SRHR outcomes, by developing culturally appropriate knowledge products, identifying areas for change, providing small grants for knowledge production, and fostering regional learning and networking opportunities on CSE.

CCC provides SNJO with an opportunity to engage with stakeholders from the region, deepen its understanding of the complexities of SRHR, improve policies and programs related to CSE , increase access to accurate and comprehensive information on sexual and reproductive health and rights for young people, and strengthen networks and partnerships between stakeholders working on sexual and reproductive health and rights in the region.

Experts from Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and Lebanon, in addition to Jordan, participated in the CCC which was held in two full days in April 2024. Speakers presented their papers before a large group of participants; their presentations were supported by scientific evidence considering the reality of comprehensive sexual education in their countries. The speakers evaluated their countries’ experience in this field and the extent of the need to integrate sexual health concepts in their countries’ school curricula. Based on the CCC, SNJO awarded three grants to researchers with focus on the topics that need further research.

Key lesson learned from the CCC was the diversity of approaches to address (CSE) across the MENA region. Each country follows its own unique path, reflecting the region’s varied experiences. Peer learning stood out as particularly valuable, with cross-country exchanges offering practical insights and real-life examples. Hearing how different countries tailored their strategies inspired the participants to adapt CSE to suit their local contexts. A notable takeaway from Lebanon was the critical role teachers play in shaping students’ understanding of CSE topics. Lebanon is currently overhauling its national curricula, and Lebanese representatives noted that their participation in the CCC introduced new perspectives and experiences that they intend to integrate into their updated curricula, particularly regarding CSE.

Looking ahead at the national level, SNJO has assembled a team of experts to review the adapted study developed by the Community of Practice (CoP) of the Regional Co-Creation Conference. This review is grounded in the UNESCO guidelines for integrating CSE into school curricula and tailored to Jordan’s religious and cultural context. The review needs to be approved by the relevant authorities and to further guide the follow-up on CCC recommendations, particularly regarding the integration of (CSE) and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concepts into Jordan school curricula.

For more information please visit:  https://share-net-jordan.org.jo/View_Article.aspx?type=2&ID=5338