[WAS 2025] 6 Days to Go

What You Need to Know

View this email in your browser We Can't Wait to See You in Brisbane! Dear WAS Members and Friends, The 27th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health is just around the corner. As we prepare to gather in Brisbane / Meanjin from 16–19 June, this final pre-congress update brings you important highlights - including voting details, an invitation to the Opening Ceremony, and a spotlight on the Sexual Justice Symposium.   You can still register to join us in Brisbane!  Dress in Solidarity at the WAS 2025 Opening Ceremony We invite all attendees to wear blue, orange, and/or white to the Opening Ceremony - a bold and beautiful visual expression of our shared commitment to Sexual Health, Rights, Justice, and Pleasure: Everyone, Everywhere, Every Time.  Let's begin the Congress in unity - across regions, disciplines, and identities. When: Monday, 16 June |  6:00 PM Where: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre  If you can't attend in person, why not still dress in solidarity and share your photos on social media? Tag us and use #WAS2025 to show your support from wherever you are.   Thank You to the Organizations Supporting AC Candidates Each candidate standing for election to the 2025–2029 Advisory Committee (AC) of WAS submitted their application with the formal endorsement of a WAS member organization. This requirement reflects our commitment to participatory governance, transparency, and global representation. Your engagement strengthens the legitimacy of this process and helps shape the future of our global association.   Organizations That Supported AC Candidates You can view the full list of Advisory Committee candidates, along with their application materials, in the downloadable PDF below.   Download the Candidate Profiles Voting Details for the Advisory Committee Election The AC election will be conducted via secure electronic voting. - Voting opens: 24 hours before the General Assembly - Voting closes: 3 hours before the Assembly begins Only registered voters can vote. You must register in advance using a unique link that will be sent by email. Final voting instructions will be sent once the system goes live.   Important: RSVP Required to Vote at the General Assembly All AC members and Member Organizations must RSVP by tomorrow, 11 June 2025, to confirm their participation. Please email membership@worldsexualhealth.net and indicate: - Whether you will attend in person or virtually - The name of the person who will represent your organization - The email address of the designated voter You will not be able to vote if you do not RSVP in advance. If you believe you are eligible to vote but have not received an email, please contact membership@worldsexualhealth.net immediately. Only WAS Advisory Committee and Executive Committee members, as well as representatives from WAS Member Organizations, can vote. Individual WAS members are not eligible to vote.   Featured Session: Sexual Justice Symposium Title: Sexual Justice to Dismantle Barriers and Obstacles to Sexual Health and Rights Date: Monday, 16 June 2025 Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, #WAS2025  Convened by WAS Vice President Alain Giami and WAS Advisory Committee Member, Esther Corona-Vargas, this powerful symposium brings together global leaders in sexual health, rights, education, and justice to explore how we can dismantle the systems that continue to marginalize, exclude, and harm. Framed around the evolving Declaration on Sexual Justice, this session dives into the lived realities of injustice, from harmful social norms and discriminatory policies, to health system failings and gaps in comprehensive sexuality education. Together, speakers present country-specific case studies and radical reimaginings of justice across disciplines and identities. Presenters & Topics: Alain Giami (France): Why Sexual Justice Is Necessary Now A foundational reflection on sexual justice as an urgent response to structural and systemic barriers in SRHR worldwide. Jaime Barrientos (Chile): Sexual Justice from the Perspective of LGBT People in Latin America Drawing from pioneering research in Chile, this talk examines the impact of homophobia, stigma, and violence on LGBTQ+ mental health. Esther Corona-Vargas (Mexico): Comprehensive Sexuality Education from the Perspective of Sexual Justice Exploring the role of inclusive, rights-based education in transforming societal norms and advancing equity. Uwem Esiet (Nigeria): Reflections on Attaining Sexual Justice in Africa Despite a range of non-binding SRHR frameworks, Africa still faces preventable harms. This presentation interrogates the role of political will, inclusion, and norm change. Yuko Higashi (Japan): Sexual Justice and Genital Modification of Minors A deeply ethical exploration of bodily autonomy and the rights of minors, focusing on the Japanese context. Ons Kaabia (Tunisia): Justice & Equity in Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Tunisia: Progress, Challenges, and the Path Forward A medical and policy analysis of Tunisia's SRHR landscape, with lessons for the broader MENA region. Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad (Norway): How Can We Navigate Justice in Oceans of Different Needs? A moving inquiry into the subjective nature of justice, diversity of needs, and what equity means in deeply personal contexts. Zahra Stardust (Australia): Justice Re-Investment: Redistribution of Resources to Ensure Access to Sexual Rights A call for structural reallocation—shifting power and funding toward communities historically excluded from sexual rights and healthcare. This session promises to be one of the most conceptually rich and globally representative at WAS 2025, bridging theory, policy, lived experience, and political action. PLUS – keep the momentum going by joining our open Sexual Justice Consultation! Taking place on June 17 at 4:15 PM, This will be your chance to share feedback, ask questions, and help shape the movement for sexual justice. Stay Connected We'll be sharing photos, moments, and key takeaways throughout the Congress. Follow us and tag your own highlights using #WAS2025: Instagram: @wasworldsexualhealth Facebook: WAS.org LinkedIn: world-association-for-sexual-health   Thank you to our sponsors for #WAS2025 Major Sponsors   Silver Sponsor   Supporters Destination Sponsors   We can't wait to welcome you for this landmark gathering. Thank you for being part of the WAS community and for standing with us in the movement for sexual health, rights, justice, and pleasure for all. The World Association for Sexual Health   Not on our mailing list yet? Sign up here! Click here to visit the WAS website Support the Mission of WAS We invite you to support the ongoing work of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS). Your contributions help us continue our mission of promoting Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice globally. Consider becoming a supporting member or making a financial contribution today. Donations are tax-deductible in the USA. Donate Here Copyright © 2025 World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), All rights reserved. You are receiving this newsletter because you have previously expressed interest in our content by opting in on our website or through participation in one of our online events, such as our monthly webinars. We're committed to keeping you informed with the latest updates and insights. 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