SEXUAL AND MENSTRUAL EDUCATION IN COUNTERING THE ANTI-GENDER AGENDA: DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

Abstract

n recent years, Brazil has witnessed a concerning number of live births among adolescent mothers aged 15 to 19. In 2021, over 347,000 births were recorded in this age group, and although the figure declined slightly in 2022, it still surpassed 300,000. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these rates can be mitigated through access to sexual education and accurate information on contraceptive methods and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, contrary to WHO recommendations, the rise of the anti-gender agenda in Brazil has propagated misinformation on crucial topics for addressing such high rates, particularly among adolescents. This study aims to present an experiential report on the development of educational materials focused on Sexual and Menstrual Education at the Federal Institute of Paraná. Additionally, it seeks to foster discussions on the rise of the anti-gender agenda in Brazil and highlight the importance of addressing sexual and menstrual education to counteract this conservative movement. The study draws upon bibliographic and documentary research to structure its analysis. As outcomes, it aims to contribute to the discourse on these critical topics and to share open-access educational materials on sexual and menstrual education.