A Case for Sex Education in Pakistani Educational Institutions

Pakistani society has always been a conservative and traditional one; one which is often vehemently opposed to any new ideals or propositions which even remotely challenge the status quo of society. One such issue, which has been gaining in prominence- and inciting often violent reactions in the process-, is the controversial issue of sex education. In the conservative Pakistani society, sex tops the list of subjects which are largely shunned and considered to be taboo. Globalisation, which has led to widespread dominion of the Western culture and promoted freedom of speech and expression, has proved to be pivotal in breaking through this age-old taboo and inciting the controversial debate regarding sex education in Pakistan. Although many Pakistanis oppose the induction of sex education in Pakistani educational institutions, it is nevertheless undeniable that in light of the modern world and its associated problems, sex education should be made an integral part of the curriculum of all educational institutions since it helps to tackle rapidly spreading sexually transmitted diseases, removes misconceptions and confusions regarding basic sexual processes and practices and helps alleviate sex related problems in our society.

The period of adolescence is one of new experiences and encounters. The period of puberty, and the hormonal changes that accompany it, can be quite confusing for most teenagers. Often, this leads to immature and unwise decisions with regard to one’s sexual life and well-being. Even after the age of puberty, lack of knowledge regarding sexual matters can be quite harmful- sometimes even fatal. The rapid spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) across the world has quite aptly illustrated the catastrophic ...

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...hts the importance of proper sex education from the onset of puberty as such problems can be lessened by proper application of sex education.

Sex education is undoubtedly an issue which is growing in prominence in Pakistan. The value of professional and age-appropriate sex education which is in accordance with cultural and religious values can’t be denied since all it does is convey the necessary knowledge to the youth in a proper manner which gives them the opportunity to make wiser decisions and lead a healthier life. Refusing to acknowledge the need for such vital education will only serve to aggravate the various issues which plague our society. Proper sex education in Pakistani educational institutions may very well spell the difference between a healthy, robust life and a life plagued by constant problems and disorders for countless people across the nation.