A quarterly international newsletter on sexuality, sexual health, and sexuality education.
Volume 2, Issue 1 - Winter 2001/2002
United Kingdom: BBC’s Sexwise Provides Critical Sexual Health Information Worldwide
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) are working together in different regions of the world to speak to people in their own languages about sexual health and reproductive rights through a new project called Sexwise.
Sexwise consists of a Web site, book, and radio programs from the BBC. In collaboration with the IPPF and national Family Planning Associations (FPAs), the BBC has adapted and translated all the radio programs, books, and the Web site into 22 languages.
Sexwise has spanned the globe in three phases. Phase 1 was completed in 1996 in South Asia; Phase 2 took place in 1998 throughout Europe, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. Phase 3 was launched in June 2000 across Africa, the Arab region, South East Asia, and Latin America.
Sexwise aims to:
The radio is a particularly useful vehicle for sexuality education because it is an easily accessible and far reaching venue for wide dissemination of information. Poverty and high rates of illiteracy make the radio the cheapest and most accessible source of information in many countries.
Sexwise radio programs are designed to meet the needs and raise issues relevant to regional audiences. Each series is finely crafted, lively, and provocative. It features people describing their personal aspirations, experiences, and concerns which may be difficult and sensitive. Topics include puberty changes, attitudes and responsibilities relating to sexual relationships, contraception, and gender issues.
Local groups and individuals contribute to the series by providing professional expertise.This helps listeners make informed choices about their sexual health and rights.
Following the broadcast of radio programs, the FPAs offer advice and services to those people who want more support on particular issues.They also provide cassettes of the programs and the books in health centers, clinics, schools, and other venues.
This project’s goals are to provide listeners, readers, and online users with accurate information about sexual health issues along with useful contacts about sexual and reproductive rights.
Sexwise is a significant international project responding to worldwide needs. Globally, many people are unable to enjoy full sexual and reproductive health and freedom. For some, this is due to lack of access to the information that can help them make informed choices about their lives. For others, this is due to the lack of opportunity to exercise their rights as individuals to make decisions about their own sexual and reproductive development. Sexwise contributes to a wider national and international arena where sexual and reproductive health and rights are discussed and debated.
This collaboration between the BBC and IPPF is an example of how industry and NGOs can successfully link their missions to promote public health and well being.
One of the most heartening features of the post-AIDS world is the growth of corporate involvement in public health. Companies possess the skills and resources to play a significant role in controlling the AIDS epidemic.This includes marketing expertise to develop prevention education campaigns and galvanize government response to the epidemic.
For more information contact:
BBC World Service
Bush House
Strand
London UC2B 4PH
United Kingdom
Phone: (+44) 20 7240 3456
Fax: (+44) 20 7557 1258
Visit their Web site at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/aci_tech/features/health/sexwise
Web Master: siecus@siecus.org