Sexual and reproductive health care services for students

Sexual Health Services

Background

The JSS AHER Student Support Center recognizes the importance of providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services to students and other stakeholders. In India, many young adults face challenges related to sexual health due to stigma, lack of information, and limited access to appropriate services. The center aims to bridge this gap by offering youth-friendly, confidential, and non-judgmental support to students and other stakeholders, promoting their well-being and sexual health.


What does it mean to be a sexually healthy adolescent?

"A sexually healthy adolescent is able to realize his/her individual potential around critical developmental tasks related to sexuality. These tasks include: accepting his/her body, gender identity and sexual orientation; communicating effectively with family, peers and partners; possessing accurate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology; understanding the risks, responsibilities, outcomes and impacts of sexual actions; possessing the skills needed to take action to reduce his/her risk; knowing how to use and access the health care system and other community institutions to seek information and services as needed; setting appropriate sexual boundaries; acting responsibly according to his/her personal values; and forming and maintaining meaningful, healthy relationships"

Tangible Assistance

Informational Support

Sexual Health Services

  • STI/RTI Testing and Treatment
  • Adolescent-Friendly Clinics
  • Mental Health Support
  • Peer Education and Support

Objectives

Esteem Assistance

Equip students with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.


Esteem Assistance

Reduce the incidence of STIs, RTIs, and unintended pregnancies through education and preventive care.


Esteem Assistance

Provide a supportive, non-judgmental space for students to access care and counselling.


AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON GENDER SENSITIZATION AND PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The Awareness programme on Redressal of prevention of sexual harassment and gender sensitization was conducted on 15.07.2023 by Dr. S. Brindha Assistant Professor, Department of Education, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu. The target audience included First year students of Diploma, UG, PG and Ph.D. Scholars. Dr. B. Gowramma, Associate. Professor, JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty, gave a welcome address, and introduced the speaker. Around 250 students participated in this programme.

The expert talk was delivered by the following topics:

  • Protection of Women under the present regime.
  • Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act 2013 and recent amendments.
  • Domestic Violence: Mentioned physical abuse, verbal and emotional abuse, repeated threats to cause physical pain, and economic abuse.
  • Public & Police Relationship: She mentioned the details of the contact details to contact in case of grievances.
  • The complaint Filing Mechanism.

The speakers discussed about the redressal procedure providing the information on who can complain, to whom to complain, and what a complaint should contain. The Do’s and Don’ts for complaint committee were also discussed as per the UGC norms. The key elements of workplace sexual harassment were explained in detail with examples. They also gave information on possible penalties/punishments for a proven offence including false complaints

Yes, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER) provides students with access to essential information and education on sexual and reproductive health through various programs and initiatives aimed at promoting awareness and ensuring a safe and informed campus environment.

A key initiative in this regard is the Awareness Programme on Gender Sensitization and Prevention of Sexual Harassment, which was conducted on 15th July 2023. This program addressed various crucial aspects of sexual health and protection, offering students important insights into their rights and the legal frameworks in place for their protection. The target audience included students across diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs, ensuring that a broad range of students were informed.

During the program, Dr. S. Brindha, Assistant Professor at SASTRA Deemed University, delivered an expert talk that focused on several key topics related to gender sensitivity and sexual health, such as:

  • Protection of Women under the current legal regime.
  • Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal Act, 2013) and its recent amendments.
  • Domestic Violence, including physical, verbal, emotional, and economic abuse, which is an important part of sexual and reproductive health discussions.
  • Public and Police Relationship, providing students with information on who to contact and how to approach authorities in case of grievances.

In addition to addressing the legal aspects, the session focused on the complaint filing mechanisms, including the procedures, whom to approach, and what information is necessary to file a complaint. This crucial component ensures that students are aware of their rights and have access to resources should they need support related to sexual or reproductive health.

Through this program, JSS AHER demonstrates its commitment to providing students with comprehensive information on sexual and reproductive health, ensuring that they have the knowledge, resources, and support needed to navigate these sensitive issues.