WAS Congress Awards

+ 3 Weeks to WSHD!

View this email in your browser Dear WAS Members and Friends, Just three weeks to go until World Sexual Health Day 2025 - officially marked each year on September 4, and celebrated throughout the month by communities, educators, and advocates around the world. This year's theme, Sexual Justice: What Can We Do?, invites all of us to take part. In the weeks leading up to WSHD, we're sharing inspiration, tools, and highlights to help you join the movement. In this issue: Spotlight on the 2025 WAS Congress Awards A closer look at the origins of World Sexual Health Day How WSHD is gaining political recognition around the world Tools to support your September events Let's dive in.   WAS 2025 Congress Awards Erick Janssen, Chair of the WAS Scientific Committee, and newly appointed WAS Secretary General, presented the 2025 Congress Awards during the Closing Ceremony of the 27th WAS Congress in Brisbane, Australia. At the Closing Ceremony of the 27th WAS Congress in Brisbane, Australia, the World Association for Sexual Health proudly presented the WAS Congress Awards 2025 - honoring outstanding presentations and abstracts that stood out for their scientific rigor, innovation, and global relevance. "These awards celebrate excellence as well as the passion and purpose that drive our global field forward."- Erick Janssen, WAS Secretary General and Chair of the WAS Scientific Committee. This year's recipients represent a vibrant range of disciplines and regions, from basic science and clinical practice to social research, policy, and education.   Go behind the scenes with Erick Janssen, as he shares what made the 2025 Congress program so powerful - and why WAS brings research, policy, care, and education together under one roof. The WAS Scientific Committee, chaired by Erick Janssen with Vice-Chairs Kristen Mark and Terry Humphreys, led the abstract review and selection process with rigor and vision. WAS also extends warm thanks to the Congress Organizing Committee, chaired by Armin Ariana, and supported by Christopher Fox, Margaret Redelman, Rosediani Muhamad, Elna Rudolph, Luis Perelman, Alain Giami, René de Klerk, Hanna Saltis, Merle Meyer, and Ella Shannon, for their exceptional coordination and commitment to the success of WAS 2025. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the International Scientific Committee, whose contributions enriched the academic program and helped ensure a global, inclusive lens on sexual health.   Read the Official WAS Press Release here WAS 2025 Congress President's Choice Award   Katrina Marson (University of Sydney) receives the WAS 2025 Congress President's Choice Award from Armin Ariana, President of the 27th WAS Congress. Keynote: Preventing sexual violence isn't good enough, but is it a good enough place to start? WAS 2025 Congress Awards Across the 7 Tracks   Award winners from the 27th WAS Congress are recognised during the Closing Ceremony in Brisbane, celebrating outstanding contributions across science, education, and advocacy in sexual health. Presented by WAS Scientific Committee Chair and Secretary General, Erick Janssen. Track - Basic Science: Authors: Stefan Ückert, Karin Richter, Andreas Bannowsky, Markus A. Kuczyk Presentation: A re-evaluation of the expression and distribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the human vagina using the Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA) technique Track - Education:  Authors: Marielle Le Mat, Hannah Kabelka, Chantale Al Lakis, Kathleen Chau, Leonie Werner, Yasmine El Addouli, & Maryse Kok Presentation: Adolescent and youth perceptions on sexuality education in LMICs Track - Social & Behavioral Sciences:  Author: Janet Ross Presentation: Girl Talk: A qualitative study on how Sub-Saharan African women living in the United States learn about sex and pleasure Track - Sexual Medicine: Authors: Alexandra Lipa, Sarah Maunsell, Cherie Bennett, Courtney Gibbs, Lona Brown, & Sara Whitburn Presentation: Implementation and evaluation of a learning framework to guide evidence-based and patient-centred contraceptive consultations Track - Public Health & Policies: Author: Nadia Morand Presentation: Anti-Ableism and Sexual Health: fostering autonomy and self-determination for people with disabilities Track - Sexual Rights & Ethics: Authors: Raphaël Jacques, Artemis C. Guay, & Geneviève Pagé Presentation: Navigating sexual and reproductive health services as a neurodivergent adult in Quebec (Canada): a qualitative study of obstacles and strategies Track - Clinical Sciences & Therapy: Authors: Maxi Xie & Hailey Lin Presentation: Behind Closed Doors: Navigating Love, Shame, Sex, and Healing in Chinese-Speaking Communities in Australia   Origins of World Sexual Health Day World Sexual Health Day (WSHD) was first launched by the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) in 2010, under the leadership of then-President Rosemary Coates. The aim was simple yet powerful: to break the silence and promote global conversations about sexuality, rights, and wellbeing. Held each year on September 4, WSHD has since grown into a vibrant international movement - celebrated in more than 60 countries across schools, clinics, parliaments, public squares, and online platforms. Each year, WSHD focuses on a different theme. The very first, "Let's Talk About It," invited people everywhere to speak openly about sexuality, challenging stigma and shame. Since then, WSHD has spotlighted key issues such as consent, digital wellbeing, pleasure, and inclusive education. In 2025, the theme "Sexual Justice: What Can We Do?" calls on all of us to take meaningful action.   Visit the World Sexual Health Day Website WAS Up Did you know...?   Governments across the globe celebrate World Sexual Health Day - and in some places, it's officially recognised. In 2021, the Portuguese Parliament unanimously voted to declare September 4 as National Sexual Health Day, making Portugal the first country in the world to do so. Similarly, the state of Jalisco, Mexico, issued a declaration naming September 4 as Día Estatal de la Salud Sexual (State Sexual Health Day), affirming its commitment to advancing sexual health at the local level.   WAS in Photos Curtin University staff, present students, and alumni pictured here at the 27th WAS Congress in Brisbane. Their presence reflected the next generation of professionals committed to inclusive, evidence-based sexual health.   Ready to Take Part? World Sexual Health Day is just around the corner - and there's still time to get involved. Whether you're organizing an event, sharing a resource, or starting conversations in your community, every action contributes to the global movement for sexual justice. Mark your calendar: September 4, 2025 Spread the word: Use #WSHD2025 and #SexualJustice Use the Toolkit: Posters, slides, cards & more Submit your event: Let us know how you're participating Let's make this WSHD a global celebration of rights, health, and dignity. The World Association for Sexual Health   Submit your WSHD event details here 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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