On February 13th, 2025 We for Change organized a Panel Discussion & Interactive Engagement Program on International Condom Day 2025 in collaboration with National Public Health Students’ Society and funded by AHF Nepal. On February 13th ,2025 we proudly hosted the Celebration of International Condom Day 2025: Interactive Engagement Program at Yellow Building, Institute of Medicine (IOM), Maharajgunj. The target audience were youth (18 - 25 years old) from public health background. This initiative aimed to foster open dialogue, educate youth, and promote a supportive environment for discussing sexual health and rights. Additionally, we sought to create an interactive and engaging environment through performances, quizzes, and activities that promote inclusive learning.

Event Highlights

Panel Discussion

The event kicked off with a thought-provoking panel discussion titled, “Breaking Taboos: The Role of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in ensuring Sexual and Reproductive Health” featuring public health and HIV/AIDS professional Ms. Ashmita Ojha, Public Health Administrator from Nepal Centre for AIDS and STD Control, LGBTQ+ rights advocate, Mr. Sunil Babu Pant, founder of Blue Diamond Society, SRHR, CSE and research expert, Mr. Anup Adhikari, and Mr. Arjun Aryal, a faculty member of Central Department of Public Health and policy and program implementation experts. There were more than 100 participants from the public health background in the panel discussion. Panelists emphasized the importance of CSE, dispelled common myths about condoms, and discussed how policies and programs can bring positive change towards sexual and reproductive health.

Open Mic Performance

Another highlight of the event was a live painting and painting exhibition. The live painting was done by three fabulous participants of the event showing their beautiful art with insightful information. Similarly, there was a dance performance by the WFC team and musical performance by the participants. The event hall was also mesmerized by the deep poetry by Ms. Sudikshya Singh Thakuri, a general member of We for Change. In addition there was a quiz segment with prizes for the participant and a stall filled with handmade crochet items from National Federation of Women Living with HIV and AIDS.

Social Media Campaign

To extend the reach of the event, We for Change launched a dynamic social media campaign using hashtags like #InternationalCondomDay2025, #SexualHealth #YouthforChange, #ComprehensiveSexualityEducation, #BreakingBarrier. The campaign intended to engage a diverse audience, particularly the youth for public health backgrounds. The registration forms for participation and performance were released to confirm the participation. Additionally, the panelists bio was also shared in the various social media platforms to attract a wide range of participants.

Impact and Outcomes

The Celebration of International Condom Day 2025, achieved significant results leaving a lasting impact on the participants. The event provided a platform for the participants to showcase their talents. By participating in the open mic performance such as live painting, singing, dance, poetry, youths gained exposure and confidence to advocate for positive change through their art.

The panel discussion addressing the need for Comprehensive Sexuality Education, the myths and stigmas associated with sexual health and contraceptive use, HIV/AIDS, created a safe space to discuss such topics by normalizing it. The panel discussion boosted the confidence of participants to advocate for the CSE, use of contraceptive measures and sexual and reproductive health.

Looking Forward

The celebration of International Condom Day 2025 was a step forward in addressing the role of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in ensuring sexual and reproductive health and advocating to normalize the discussions associated with it. We for Change successfully brought the conversation about CSE, contraceptive use, STI prevention and gender-based violence.

Moving forward, it is crucial to continue these conversations, both online and offline. Comprehensive Sexuality Education is a curriculum that teaches about sexuality in a way that’s holistic and empowering. CSE aims to help young people develop the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices about their sexual and social relationships.

By maintaining awareness initiatives and fostering open discussions, We for Change aims to establish a future where CSE is a mandatory component of the school curriculum in Nepal. The goal is to ensure that young people possess the necessary knowledge and skills to make healthy choices regarding their sexual and social relationships. Together, we can strive toward a society where subjects related to sexual and reproductive health are destigmatized, and every member holds a positive and informed perspective