Bringing Men and Boys into the Rape Conversation

Pamela Pizarro looks at prevention through education, reflecting on her high school education and the way in which girls and boys are taught (or not taught) about sexual violence.

Are We Meeting the Needs of Youth?

Pamela Pizarro interviews Lisa Middleton, the coordinator for Youth for Choice, a Canadian network of young people who advocate for the sexual and reproductive rights of youth.

The Pressure to Grow Up

Empowering young girls (and boys) to make educated choices over their bodies, rather than blindly following the "trend," is vital for their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Equality Under the Law: Same-Sex Marriage in Canada

Same-sex couples have the right to legally marry across Canada; this right is linked to sexual and reproductive health and rights through the core principle that every individual is free to love and be with another individual of their choice.

Sexually Transmitted Infections Increasing

A recent article in The Globe and Mail reveals that teen pregnancy and abortions are both declining in Canada. However, sexually transmitted infections are continuing to increase.

Health Professionals: The Gatekeepers In Youth Health Care

Young people deserve respectful, culturally competent care when accessing basic health care services. But some find a trip to the doctor winds up more like a stint in the principal's office.

Accessing Choice in Canada

An interview with Jessica Shaw of Canadians for Choice reveals that information about sexual and reproductive healthcare is not as easily accessible in Canada as we would like to think.

The Missing Link: Sexuality Education in Canadian Schools

Editor's Note: Today we welcome Pamela Pizarro, writing from Canada. She has experience with youth coalitions and will be writing about the sexual and reproductive health and rights of youth in Canada.

Youth are curious; it is one of our fundamental traits as young people. It helps us to explore and learn about the world around us. Curiosity about sex and sexuality is something that every young person goes through. We begin by exploring our own bodies, and then move on to exploring the bodies of others. It is a natural progression that each individual goes through, and when we encounter questions about our sexuality we look to our peers, educational institutions and our parents for answers.