Comprehensive Sexuality Education
1. Context and background
Sudan has made significant improvements in basic education over the last decade. However, following the military coup in October 2021, the country has experienced substantial upheaval at the socioeconomic, political and security levels. Obstacles to girls’ education include forced early marriage, insecurity due to conflict, constraining traditional and cultural beliefs associated with a patriarchal society, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure.
In Sudan, a comprehensive life skills curriculum was introduced and implemented across schools in 2008. The curriculum included developing self-confidence, HIV awareness, gender issues, and conflict resolution. In 2014, the Sudanese Ministry of Education defined life skills as ‘skills that enable learners to interact with life constantly and on a daily basis.’ These skills have been further elaborated as necessary for adapting to and effectively interacting with others and the environment, positively dealing with society’s needs and challenges, establishing sound relations with others, and leading a successful life (UNICEF 2015).
Recently, the Ministry of Health in Khartoum established an effective coordination mechanism with NGOs through the Department of Voluntary Agencies. There is no comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) programme delivered in schools at present (UNFPA 2020).
2. Terminology
No consistent terminology on how sexuality education is addressed or referred to was found in the policy or programme documents.
3. Laws and policies
3.1. Relevant international/regional agreements to which the country is a signatory
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INTERNATIONAL |
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Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) Not ratified |
Acknowledges the need to guarantee sexuality education free from discrimination and stereotypes, conveying gender equality values. |
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Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) Ratification date: 1990 |
Commits to the right to access appropriate health-related information. |
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Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) Ratification date: 2009 |
Commits to the highest attainable standard of health for persons with disabilities. |
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International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Accession date: 1986 |
Acknowledges that the right to sexual and reproductive health is an integral part of the right to health. |
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3.2. Relevant national laws and policies mandating comprehensive sexuality education
The Constitution of Sudan, 2019 (later amended) enshrines the right to health and education for all Sudanese; however, it does not include the integration of health education or life skills into education curricula.
The General Education Sector Strategic Plan 2018/19 -2022/23 does not directly address sexuality education and CSE in schools. Its goals include increasing pre-school health education with a focus on nutrition, deworming and safety programmes, as well as strengthening school guidance and counselling in primary education to prevent students from dropping out of school.
The National Strategy for Reproductive Health 2006-2010 mentions the need to enhance health education and information, education, and communication (IEC) programmes. According to the National Strategy for Reproductive Health 2006-2010, a partnership was developed between the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and the Ministry of Basic Education to include life-skills-based curricula in primary and secondary schools, with a focus on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially HIV.
The Sudan National Strategic Plan and Sectoral Plan on HIV&AIDS 2004-2009 refers to several activities in life skills and citizenship education under the health, education, sports, and security sectors.
3.3. Curricula
Mandatory or optional
No curriculum or programme addresses CSE. The 'life skills and HIV&AIDS prevention education' was initiated in Sudan as an extracurricular programme targeting teachers, learners and parents.
Model of delivery
Components of sexuality education have been integrated within an existing mainstream subject, such as biology and religious studies.
3.4. Teachers
No information was found on teacher training on sexuality education in Sudan.
3.5. Schools
There was no information found on contraceptive distribution regulations in schools or reproductive health referrals to health clinics.
4. Governance
4.1 Responsible ministries
The Sudanese Ministry of General Education and the Federal Ministry of Health have established a coordination mechanism that governs HPS – the National Council for School Health. Membership of this council includes representatives from other related sectors, such as health, education, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
4.2. Level of responsibility/decentralization and autonomy
There is no national programme for sexuality education. Schools have the flexibility to create institution-specific programmes, such as sexuality education programmes.
4.3. Government budget allocation
No information was found.
5. Monitoring and reporting
No information was found.
