WAS Newsletter: Empowerment, Insight, and Education

Explore impactful stories, research highlights, and vital educational events in our latest issue.

View this email in your browser Dear WAS Members and Friends, Welcome to this week's edition of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) newsletter, on International Women's Day 2024. As we observe International Women's Day, our focus is not only on celebrating the transformative power of investing in women but also on highlighting our deep concerns regarding the impacts of conflict, as evidenced in the vital study "War-Time Stress and Sexual Well-Being in Israel." This research underscores the grave repercussions that war has on the sexual well-being of civilians, aligning with our commitment to address and mitigate the adverse effects of such crises on sexual health globally. In addition, we reflect on the enriching discussions from the 11th Edition of the African Conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Family Well-being (ACSHR) and look ahead to the Austrian Academy for Sexual Medicine online lecture series on Sexual Medicine and Oncology. Keep reading to learn more. Celebrating International Women's Day: Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress Today, as we observe International Women's Day, we embrace the United Nations' theme: "Invest in women: Accelerate progress." The message from the UN is clear. In a world beset by challenges, from conflicts to poverty, and the adverse impacts of climate change, the path to resolution is through empowering women. Investing in women not only promotes equality but also promises significant economic and social returns, potentially increasing GDP per capita by 20%. With a critical call for gender-responsive financing, the UN highlights how prioritizing women's needs can ignite nearly 300 million jobs by 2035 and combat the poverty threatening over 342 million women and girls.   Learn More: UN International Women's Day Spotlight on The 11th Edition of ACSHR In Rabat, Morocco Last week saw the 11th Edition of the African Conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Family Well-being in Rabat, Morocco, hosted by AMPF and convened by Dr Uwemedimo Esiet. WAS President, Dr Elna Rudolph, took to the stage in an official capacity and moderated a session alongside the AMPF, MHSP, UNAIDS, OXFAM, Equality Now, and the ODAS Centre on the trajectory of sexual health policies and strategies. The photos above feature distinguished guests of the Conference. From top left:  - WAS Executive Committee Member and Chair of the WAS Sexual Rights Committee, Eszter Kismödi, Dr Uwemedimo Esiet, Convener of the African Conference on Sexual Health and Rights and Co-Founder & Director of Action Health Inc, WAS President Dr Elna Rudolph, Human Rights Lawyer and Campaigner, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo. - IPPF Director General, Alvaro Bermejo, Her Excellency the First Lady of Zambia, Mutinta Hichilema, Her Excellency the First Lady of Central African Republic, Bridgette Touadera, Her Excellency the Minister for Solidarity, Social Integration and the Family, Morocco, Ms Aawatif Hayar, and Dr Uwemedimo Esiet. - Dr Uwemedimo Esiet, Convener of the African Conference on Sexual Health and Rights speaking at the Opening Ceremony. From centre left: - Chair of the Organising Committee of the ACSR, Dr Latifa Mokhtar Jamai and Congress Convener, Co-Founder & Director of Action Health Inc, Dr Uwemedimo Esiet. - WAS President Dr Elna Rudolph with the participants of the session that she moderated: Plenary sessions: "Projections, Vision/Policies and Strategy: Where are we?" AMPF: AMPF's Strategy 2023-2028 on SHRH, Pr. Abdellatif Maamri, Executive Director MHSP: National Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy 2021-2030, Hanane Rassimi, Head of Family Planning Programming and Activities Department UNAIDS: HIV response in Africa / Where are we in relation to the 2030 Agenda? Hind El Hajji, UNAIDS Morocco OXFAM: Improving access to contraceptives for adolescent girls through community and facility-based interventions in the districts of Lilongwe and Balaka (Malawi). Rejoice Misozi Kankhande, Coordinator of the "Her Future Her Choice" project, Malawi. Maputo Protocol: Where are we? Faiza Mohamed, Equality Now ODAS Centre: The recommendations of the ODAS movement during the celebration. - Dr Elna Rudolph, visiting the UNFPA stand, visibly demonstrating the commitment of WAS to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals. From bottom left: - Invited Keynote Speaker from Ghana, Human Rights Lawyer and Campaigner, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo with Dr Elna Rudolph. - WAS President Dr Elna Rudolph moderating the session on "Projections, Vision/Policies and Strategy: Where are we?" Their contributions underscore a global commitment to advancing Sexual Health and Rights, and WAS extends its heartfelt congratulations on the success of the congress.   War-Time Stress and Sexual Well-Being: A Focused Study from Israel In a compelling lead article published by the International Journal for Sexual Health, WAS' official journal, researchers explore the delicate interplay between war-time stress and sexual well-being. Authored by Aryeh Lazar, Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan, and Talli Y. Rosenbaum, the study titled "War-Time Stress and Sexual Well-Being in Israel" offers an unprecedented look at how the 2023 Israel–Hamas conflict has impacted the intimate dimensions of life for civilians. Utilizing a quasi-longitudinal online survey with 1033 Israeli adults, the study assesses sexual satisfaction, function, and distress in relation to direct exposure, media exposure, and acute stress symptoms experienced during the war. The findings reveal significant links between war-related stressors and sexual well-being, with direct exposure correlating uniquely to sexual dysfunction, while media exposure and acute stress symptoms show significant predictive value for overall sexual well-being. For a deeper understanding of this study and its implications, we encourage you to read the full open-access article.   Read the full article here Educational Opportunity - Sexual Medicine & Oncology Online Lecture Series Mark your calendars for a free online lecture series presented by the Austrian Academy for Sexual Medicine, an initiative we are pleased to share for the benefit of our community. Engage with experts as they discuss Sexual Medicine and Oncology in two upcoming seminars: March 15th–16th, 2024: "The Impact of Cancer on Sexual Health" - This seminar will provide insights into how cancer can affect sexual health, offering knowledge that is vital for healthcare professionals and patients alike. May 10th–11th, 2024: "Cancer Treatment - Preventive & Therapeutic Approaches" - The second seminar will explore innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment and their implications for sexual medicine. Learn more and register here Thank you for being a part of the WAS Community. We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences, contribute to our growing body of knowledge, and connect with us and your peers through our social media channels. Together, let's strengthen our resolve to ensure Sexual Health and Rights for all. Warm regards, The World Association for Sexual Health Copyright © 2024 World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), All rights reserved. You are receiving this mail because you opted in at our website. Or your country's organization is affiliated with us. Our mailing address is: World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) 1300 South 2nd Street Suite 180 West Bank Office Building Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.