Project Overview

Through Sexwise, the BBC World Service (BBC) and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) have been working together in different regions of the world to speak to people in their own languages about sexual health and reproductive rights.

Sexwise consists of a website, book and radio programmes from the BBC, and publicity provided by national Family Planning Associations (FPAs). The BBC has developed, researched and recorded each radio series in the different countries, to be edited and broadcast from London, UK. Listeners will hear the series in their own language.

In collaboration with the IPPF and FPAs, the BBC has written and translated the accompanying book, commissioned its design and print along with the publicity poster. The BBC has also commissioned the creation and design of the Sexwise website.

Following the broadcast radio programmes, the FPAs provide advice and services to those people who want more support about particular issues. They also use the cassettes of the programmes and the book in health centres, clinics, schools and other venues they work in.

Sexwise has spanned the globe over three phases. Phase 1 was completed in 1996 in South Asia; Phase 2 took place in 1998 throughout Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The 3rd and final phase launched in June 2000 across Africa, the Arab region, South East Asia and Latin America. Phase 3 received financial support from the Packard Foundation and the European Commission.

Click on right hand menu for details of radio programmes for Phase 3 of the project.

Aims of the Project

In some countries even the most basic information concerning people's sexual well being is rarely discussed and/or disseminated. The BBC and IPPF have worked closely with FPAs to gain from their experiences and technical expertise. The IPPF and the national FPAs have assisted the BBC to find local groups and individuals to contribute to the radio series. This has enabled BBC World Service producers to be conversant with critical reproductive health and information needs in each country.

Sexwise aims to provide listeners, readers and on-line users with accurate information about sexual health issues along with useful contacts about sexual and reproductive rights.

Sexwise aims to:

* improve people's knowledge and understanding of their bodies and emotions
* increase discussion of specific sexual and social concerns amongst individuals and communities
* raise awareness about safer sex and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV/AIDS
* respond to people's anxieties about sexual health
* assist people to make more informed choices about their sexuality
* dispel myths about sex and sexuality

Educational Resources

The Sexwise book accompanies each series and provides information in addition to the Radio series. In participating countries, the FPAs will publish and distribute the book in their own countries.(click on the right hand menu "21 languages" to download in vernacular languages). The Sexwise website offers an accessible way of learning about physical and emotional sexual journeys through the Sexwise guide, audio clips, news and links.

Summary

Sexwise is a significant international project responding to worldwide needs. Globally, many people are unable to enjoy full sexual and reproductive health or freedom. For some, this is because they do not have access to the knowledge and information that can enable them to make informed choices about their lives. For others, it is because they are denied the opportunity to exercise their rights as individuals to make decisions about their own sexual and reproductive development. Sexwise contributes to a wider national and international arena where sexual and reproductive health and rights can be discussed and debated.