Right to Sexual and Reproductive Health Education 2016 It is essential to note that the frequency with which such cases occur could be reduced if the appropriate information were made available to the public and awareness was created regarding SRH. The availability of a comprehensive sexual education programme is important in situations where a person is at risk of having STIs or is being subjected to Gender‐Based Violence (GBV).23 In addition, the lack of appropriate information among the public on SRH cause difficulties in identifying the perpetrators in the cases of abuse. Additionally, it should be noted that, awareness and knowledge of SRH would also reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, which in turn could lead to the reduction in the number of illicit abortions, reduce infanticides and diminish the number of maternal deaths occurring as a result of the complications which arise during these procedures. Accurate information about SRH could help in transforming the way men and women look at sexuality. This would reduce the number of sexual offences committed and create a supportive environment when it comes to SRH. Hence, having an accurate, realistic, age appropriate and culturally sensitive SRHE programme can enable individuals to make concrete decisions regarding their reproductive and sexual health, enhancing the quality of their lives. However, it should be noted that providing education about SRH can be a challenge, especially in a geographically challenged country like the Maldives. It may require the expansion of considerable effort, financial cost and manpower to organize such workshops or seminars in each island. Additionally, with this limitation, it should be realized that despite the maximum effort expanded to provide the service to as many people as possible, the people who are in dire need of this information might not be able 23 Report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to education (2010). Sixty‐fifth session; Item 69(b). 6 INTRODUCTION

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