Institute of Development Studies
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Sexuality and Development
Development usually treats sexuality as a problem - to do with over-population, sexually transmitted disease, or sexual violence in the home and as a weapon of war. The images that come with any mention of the subject are those of risk and danger, disease and death. This focus well describes some of the consequences of the disregard for sexual rights that exists the world over. However, this negativity generates fear and disempowerment, and discourages us from seeing how we might be able to change our situations. Rather than focusing on pain, harm and wrongs, a more positive, pleasure-oriented, view of sexuality offers an entirely different set of entry points for work to make sexual rights real.
It is with these entry points that the work of the IDS Sexuality and Development Programme is concerned. We are currently supporting research and communications aimed at rethinking the relationship between sexuality, rights and development and building stronger links between people in different contexts working to realize their sexual rights.
News »»
08 Dec 11 Clinton and LGBT rights: Whose voice really matters?
IDS's Stephen Wood calls for countries like the UK and US must match thier resolve to progress LGBT rights with new financial resources to support grassroots organisations.
30 Nov 11 Improvements in the evidence base but where is the will to end AIDS?
Reflections on the advances and tragedies this year on the rocky path to becoming an AIDS-free generation.
31 Oct 11 Aid conditionality and the limits of a politics of sexuality
In response to David Cameron's recent statement on cutting aid to countries with homophobic policies, IDS Fellow Akshay Khanna reflects on the UK government's approach to politics and sexuality.
Latest Publications on Sexuality and Development »
- Greig, A. and Edstrom, J. (2012) 'Mobilising Men in Practice: Challenging Sexual and Gender-based Violence in Institutional Settings' , Brighton: IDS
- Esplen, E. Greig, A. Cornwall, A and Edstrom, J. (2012) 'Politicising Masculinities: Beyond the Personal' , Brighton: IDS
- Pathways of Women's Empowerment Research Consortium (2011) 'Empowerment: A journey not a destination'
- Sharma, J. (2011) 'Bringing Together Pleasure and Politics: Sexuality Workshops in Rural India', IDS Research Summary of IDS Practice Paper 6, Brighton: IDS
- Sharma, J. (2010) 'Bringing Together Pleasure and Politics: Sexuality Workshops in Rural India', IDS Practice Paper 6, Brighton: IDS
- Ganesh, I.M. (2010) 'Mobile Love Videos Make Me Feel Healthy: Rethinking ICTs for Development', IDS Research Summary of IDS Working Paper 352, Brighton: IDS
- Ganesh, I.M. (2010) 'Mobile Love Videos Make me Feel Healthy: Rethinking ICTs in Development', IDS Working Paper 352, Brighton: IDS
Sexuality and Development projects at IDS
Related Resources
Sexuality and Development People
Summary of IDS work on Sexuality (pdf)
Siyanda - gender, sexuality and development website
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Key Issue Guide on Eldis
BLDS Subject Guide on Sexuality
Rethinking Sexuality and Policy (Eldis)
Partners
Africa Regional Sexuality Resource Centre, Nigeria
Institute for Women's Studies in the Arab World, Lebanon
Mulabi - Latin American Space for Sexualities and Rights, Argentina
Nirantar Centre for Gender and Education, India
Pink Space Sexuality Research Group, China
Sexuality Institute, People's University of China
Sexuality Policy Watch, Brazil
The Brazilian Interdisciplinary Association on HIV/AIDS

