DESCRIPTION OF TOPIC:
Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) supports adolescent development by promoting sexual health, preventing early pregnancies, and advancing gender equality. Girls and young women, in particular, benefit the most, as they are disproportionately affected by the absence of CSE. This includes increased vulnerability to sexual harassment and gender-based violence. Nonetheless, despite its importance, CSE often encounters resistance rooted in traditional beliefs and misinformation. These barriers can result in the exclusion or misrepresentation of essential content. Even where CSE is implemented, programs frequently overlook critical elements such as inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and gender equality, all of which are vital to their effectiveness. This research examines the implementation of CSE in two diverse jurisdictions: Peru and British Columbia, Canada. The study aims to assess whether CSE programs are current, evidence-based, and accessible to students within the school system. A comparative analysis of CSE content in secondary school curricula was conducted in both regions using UNESCO’s International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education as the benchmark for evaluation. The findings reveal that both jurisdictions offer CSE content that is curriculum-based, human rights-centered, and designed to develop life skills. However, areas for improvement remain, including timely delivery, comprehensiveness, socio-cultural adaptations, and addressing teacher biases. This study underscores the need for teacher training programs to ensure the delivery of inclusive, evidence-based sexuality education as a foundational element in advancing sexual and reproductive health outcomes among youth.

RELEVANCE TO MIDWIFERY:
The relevance of this research to midwifery practice lies in the role midwives play as educators, advocates, and frontline providers of sexual and reproductive health care. By participating in teacher training and health literacy, midwives can support educators in making CSE accessible to all students (particularly girls), thereby reducing unintended pregnancies and improving maternal and newborn outcomes, particularly in underserved populations. French - equity & breastfeeding (including three-minute presentation competition)