BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Democracy and Sexuality (DEMYSEX) is a network comprising more than 162 organizations working in the fields of sexual education and advocacy of sexual rights, including civil, government and academic organizations and institutions. It was founded in October 1996 and professionals in various disciplines participate in it.

Our mission is to strengthen sexual education with a commitment to the exercise and advocacy of sexual rights and gender equity to advance in the construction of a democratic culture.

Our general objective is:

To develop a democratic, executive, dynamic and flexible national structure to educate various social sectors and influence public policies based on our principles.

Our strategic objectives are:

1.To improve the technical capacity of the representatives of the network's member organizations throughout the country for the promotion of sexual education from a political perspective.

2.To educate specific groups of civil society: teachers, parents, legislators, communicators, youth leaders and government authorities, on the importance of integrating sexual education and sexual rights into public policies.

Current Activities
DemySex is currently carrying out activities in two areas:

a)Internally:
a.Technical consulting for the organization of state networks.
b.Technical consulting, training and follow-up of activities of already existing state networks
c.Exchange of newspaper articles and information on sexual education and sexual rights through our electronic network.
d.Support for the exchange of specialized printed materials on the subjects of sexual education and sexual rights.
e.We provide technical resources for the organization of forums, press conferences and announcements in newspapers.
f.Research on the social forces influencing sexual education.

b)Externally:
a.Advocacy of sexual education and sexual rights with federal and state government officers.
b.Talks or workshops on sexual education and sexual rights targeted at decision-makers, communicators, parents and youth leaders.
c.Training of teachers in sexual education and sexual rights.
d.Participation in national and international forums.
e.Appearances on radio and TV programs.