What is the connection between sexuality and development? This introduction to an issue of the Bulletin published by the Institute of Development Studies, addresses the role of sexuality in development. The mainstream literature has largely ignored this subject, either reducing it to a health and reproduction issue, or dismissing it as a “luxury”. In fact, sexuality is a matter of major concern to people worldwide, and development policies are already making an impact on sexuality, intended or not. Sexuality is an issue that cuts across various domains and is linked to human well-being. Silences, taboos and societal expectations around sex often reinforce or build up negative gender stereotypes and affect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.
In the past, most development agencies have focused on only one manifestation of sexuality, particular to heterosexuality – pregnancy and childbirth. Recently, the Ford Foundation has pioneered an approach that addresses other aspects of sexuality, opening regional centres on four continents to address the issue. Similarly, Sweden’s 2005 sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) policy emphasises sexual rights and well-being, the first such move by a donor country. On the other hand, DFID’s 2004 Position Paper on the same set of issues largely ignored sexual rights, but did acknowledge women’s right to choose their sexuality.
The following findings on the connection between sexuality and development are discussed:
- Concern among policymakers about population growth led to the regulation of women’s sexuality and reproductive choices. Coercion was the mechanism in China, other parts of Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, while numerous awareness raising campaigns and education programmes took place elsewhere.
- Democratic development and the expansion of democratic citizenship require engagement with sexuality. Those deprived of their sexual rights face many forms of discrimination that need to be addressed.
- The women’s and LGBT movements have in many cases successfully used legal activism to fight discriminatory laws. The law has also played a positive role as these movements have implemented protective frameworks to counter sexuality-based discrimination.
- Women, LGBT people and those living with HIV/AIDS are often made to feel that they should not enjoy their sexuality. Although men in many contexts are supposed to enjoy and express their sexuality, only particular channels of expression are usually sanctioned.
A number of recommendations are drawn out from the case studies:
- Policymakers should recognise that sexuality cuts across multiple issues and many dimensions of life and well-being.
- The link between poverty and sexuality should be addressed, given that the marginalised and impoverished often have their sexual rights disregarded.
- Current advocacy strategies have been largely defensive, developed in response to the Religious Right. Instead of claiming that they are not advocating for more rights, activists should work to convince the UN and member governments that sexual rights are human rights.
- Building on the last recommendation, several authors emphasised that sexuality should be portrayed and discussed as empowering, positive and tied to pleasure. The first staging of The Vagina Monologues in Serbia serves as an example of creative, positive activism.
- Sexual rights should be seen as an integral aspect of human rights for all people and should extend beyond narrowly demarcated identities.
