Over 160 participants, including teacher unions, government representatives, civil society groups, youth organisations, UN agencies, and academics, came together in late September 2025 to address one pressing question: how can education systems better support teachers in delivering socially responsible, stigma-free, and gender-sensitive lessons? The focus was on integrating health, well-being, and gender equality into curricula across South Asia and Southeast Asia, with Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) seen as a key element for preparing children and young people for healthier lives.
I chose to write on this because it highlights an area often overlooked in education debates—how schools shape not just academic learning but also social awareness, health literacy, and gender sensitivity. In countries where taboos, stigma, and misinformation often dominate discussions on reproductive health and gender, these conversations are crucial.
By bringing together teacher unions and international organisations, the forum not only discussed innovative programmes but also emphasised the urgent need for systemic reforms. For parents, teachers, and policymakers alike, this is important to know because future generations must grow up with the tools to make informed choices, respect equality, and prioritise mental and physical well-being.
Forum highlights and key goals
The multi-stakeholder forum, held from September 23–25, 2025, was co-organised by:
- Education International Asia-Pacific (EIAP)
- Asia-Pacific Resource & Research Centre for Women (ARROW)
- UNESCO Regional Offices in Bangkok and South Asia
- UNICEF offices across South and East Asia
- UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional Office
- SDG 4 Youth and Student Network
- Y-PEER Asia-Pacific Center
The gathering aimed to:
- Strengthen teacher training for gender-responsive curricula.
- Share regional success stories and challenges in implementing health and well-being education.
- Advocate for the inclusion of CSE as part of mainstream education policies.
- Ensure young people’s voices are included in shaping curricula.
Why this matters for South Asia
Teacher unions stressed that many children and adolescents in South Asia face gaps in access to accurate health information, often due to cultural taboos or lack of trained educators. This not only impacts physical health but also reinforces gender inequality and stigma. By equipping teachers with proper resources, unions believe schools can become safe spaces where students learn to respect diversity, build empathy, and challenge harmful stereotypes.
Looking ahead
The forum concluded with a call for governments to work closely with unions, civil society, and international agencies to create education systems that go beyond textbooks. The focus now is on building partnerships that enable teachers to deliver lessons on health and gender equality with confidence and community support.
