between 2015 and 2019 were unintended, with 36% of them resulting in abortion, according to the United Nations Population Fund in its State of the World Population 2022 report.
“Despite the challenges posed by cultural and religious attitudes and a measure of political resistance, there is growing evidence of the importance of CSE in promoting total well-being, health-seeking behaviour, and informed decision-making about overall sexual and reproductive health,” she said. Bessenaar emphasised that CSE is crucial to fostering gender equality, too. She reiterated that many adolescents and youth are at risk of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections , and gender-based violence, including hate crimes and marginalisation of those who identify as LGBTQ+.