Sexual rights ???

I am now working on sexual and reproductive health issue organization. We are working on the fulfillment of sexual rights which we believed integral part of human rights. We are often face challenges and barriers especially due to the terminology of ‘Sexuality” itself.. Sexuality is perceived as sexual relationship (sexual intercourse). Sexuality is assumed to be an obligation, rather than to be a right of the people. Talking about sexuality openly is still taboo.

All the efforts to support the fulfillment of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) have met some challenges, which can be addressed as bellows:

• Cultural Constraint :
1. Patriarchy as dominant culture, women are being considered only as an object in sexual relationship. Imbalance power between women and men (ideal woman is a passive woman)
2. Internalization of Hetero normativity : sexuality that is “good” ; ‘Normal” and “ Natural” should ideally be heterosexual, marital, monogamous, reproductive & non commercial
3. Ambiguity of Feminism: In Indonesia, Sex/Gender system more complex than in western countries. Contradictive and ambiguity of nation feminism represent ideal woman is woman whom not forget her GOD given nature ( Alimi: 2004)
4. LGBT is preserve as nationally sexual deviant bodies
5. Adolescent is not consider as sexual being

• Structural Constraint, Unsupportive law and regulations.
1. Marriage law ( for man ; 19 yo, for woman: 16 yo -child marriage)
2. Penal Code ( Article 299 & 346 : Criminalization on abortion services both to provider and client)
3. Health Law ( Article 75 & 76 : Abortion is prohibited unless due to medical and rape cases)
4. Population Law ( Article 23 : Family planning services are only for married coupled)

• Misinterpretation of Religion teaching related to Sexual Rights, In Majority Religion interpretation support hetero normativity ( the good, the normal the natural and the blessed sexuality = part of GOD given)

In overcoming all of the challenges, we have made partnerships with stakeholder especially those who share the same vision with us as one of advocacy approach i.e : progressive faith based organization, human rights organization, etc.

In this media industry, I see the possibility that we could learn from each other. Learn the best practices from other countries learn the new advocacy approach and learn to share resources.
So, my friends at world pulse. Do any of you have an experience in this? I would be more than happy if you could share your best practices with me.