Policy Discourse on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)

On 14 August 2025, YUWA and Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN), with support from Right Here Right Now, organized a Policy Discourse on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) at Hotel Royal Singi, Kathmandu. Nearly 70 stakeholders participated, including government representatives, academia, teacher networks, youth-led organizations, and civil society.

The discourse provided a collaborative platform to reflect on the status of CSE in Nepal, identify institutional and implementation gaps, and explore strategies for inclusive, age-appropriate, and sustainable CSE delivery.

Key highlights included a thematic presentation by Prof. Bhagwan Aryal of Tribhuvan University on the history and future of CSE in Nepal, followed by a panel discussion with representatives from CDC, CEHRD, UNFPA, TU, and the Nursing and Social Security Division. Discussions emphasized:

• The gap between progressive policies and weak implementation.
• The urgent need for teacher training and pedagogy reform.
• Ensuring disability inclusion, mental health, and gender sensitivity within CSE.
• Strengthening coordination across federal, provincial, and local levels.

Participants collectively recommended mainstreaming CSE across the curriculum, integrating it into pre-service and in-service teacher training, and fostering whole-school and community approaches to overcome stigma and cultural barriers.

The event concluded with a strong call for government ownership, inclusive approaches, and stronger collaboration among ministries, teacher networks, youth groups, CSOs, and development partners. Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to institutionalizing CSE so that all young people in Nepal—especially those from marginalized groups—can access evidence-based, rights-affirming, and inclusive sexuality education.