Tomorrow: Out-of-school CSE

Zero Tolerance for FGM, and new IJSH research

View this email in your browser Dear WAS Members and Friends, This week's newsletter shares a final reminder for tomorrow's WAS–UNFPA webinar, a note on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), new open-access research from the International Journal of Sexual Health (IJSH), and an upcoming event from WAS Organizational Member, SSTAR.   WAS–UNFPA webinar tomorrow Insights and Trends in Out-of-School Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Eastern European and Central Asia Region Date: 3 February 2026 Time: 16:00–17:30 SAST | Find your local time here Across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, conflict, displacement, discrimination, poverty, and restrictive social environments continue to exclude many young people from formal schooling. Out-of-school comprehensive sexuality education is not a "nice-to-have" add-on. For many young people, it is the only route to accurate information, safer relationships, and rights-based support. This webinar will explore: - Current developments and challenges in out-of-school CSE across the region - Evidence and insights from recent global and regional research - Youth- and community-led approaches responding to restrictive contexts Speakers include: - Yana Panfilova (Ukraine), Eurasian Union of Adolescents and Youth (Teenergizer), CEO and Founder - Andrey Poshtaruk (Türkiye), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Regional Advisor on HIV and Youth - Elizabeth Schroeder (United States), World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), Consultant on Out-of-School CSE - Natalia Zakareishvili (Georgia), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Program Analyst The discussion will be moderated by Esther Corona-Vargas, WAS Vice-President and Co-Chair of the Sexual Justice Initiative. Register to join us 6 February: International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation On 6 February 2026, the international community marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)—a moment to strengthen commitment to ending a harmful practice that remains widespread and persists across contexts, including within diaspora communities. UN agencies continue to emphasize both the scale and urgency: over 230 million girls and women are estimated to be living with the consequences of FGM, and around 4 million girls are at risk each year. The 2026 theme highlights the need for sustained political and financial commitment through 2030. If you are looking for authoritative materials to support education, policy engagement, or clinical and community work, these resources are a solid starting point.  UNFPA event UN observance UNICEF background WHO-linked overview IJSH Spotlight: Editor's Choice (Open Access) FULLSENSE—An Online Intervention Program for Adults Reporting Sexual Difficulties: A Two-Armed Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial Protocol Ana Rita Barros, Priscila A. Vasconcelos, Ana Luísa Quinta Gomes, Mariana Carrito, Ana Luísa Patrão, Leonor de Oliveira, Sandra Aguiar, Joana Carvalho, and Pedro J. Nobre Read the open access article here This Editor's Choice protocol outlines FULLSENSE, an 8-week guided online intervention integrating cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches, with feasibility outcomes (acceptability, usability, retention) and preliminary efficacy outcomes (sexual satisfaction, functioning, pleasure, and distress). The protocol also proposes exploratory cognitive and neurophysiological measures in a nested sample. For practitioners and researchers, it is a useful snapshot of where digital sexual health interventions are heading: scalable formats, privacy-preserving delivery, and an explicit attempt to hold together functioning, distress reduction, and pleasure-inclusive outcomes. WAS Organizational Member Event: SSTAR 2026 Annual Meeting (Vancouver) Registration is now open for the 2026 SSTAR Annual Meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, with a program focused on "Sexuality in Connection: A Systemic Perspective." The meeting takes place 7–9 May 2026 at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection. Organisers note that early-bird registration is available until 1 March 2026, with additional opportunities for workshops, scholarships, and continuing education credits. Register to save your place We hope these updates support your work—and invite you to stay engaged in advancing sexual health through evidence, partnership, and accountability. Warm regards, World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) 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 © 2026 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. 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.