Recently, in the village of Slavske, where the Sex Education Camp organized by the Foundation of Regional Initiatives (FRI) took place, a lecture on the topic “What are Sex and the Culture of Consent?” was held. The lecture was delivered by Hanna Chyr, a legal expert from the Feminist Workshop, who spoke to the youth at this camp for the second time.
Hanna began her lecture with an important message: “Sex is what you consider sex to be. There are no sex experts who will come and tell you how you should have sex. It is your choice and your responsibility.” This approach fostered an open and safe discussion on taboo topics. She encouraged the participants first to define the characteristics of sex together to understand that each person independently determines what is right and acceptable in their life. This approach helped young people realize that everyone has the right to set their boundaries and rules for their relationships.
One of the central themes of the lecture was active consent, which, as Hanna Chyr emphasized, is primarily about respecting each other’s boundaries. Active consent is when both parties respect each other’s desires and boundaries by openly communicating their intentions. It is essential to understand that consent to sex should not be coerced or persuaded but rather respectfully communicated by expressing one’s desire and asking if it is mutual.
To better understand the concept of active consent, participants, along with Hanna Chyr, analyzed simulated situations to determine whether there was consent to sex. This exercise helped identify the general characteristics of active consent, which include clear, voluntary, and mutual desire.
The lecture in Slavske was part of the broader work of the Feminist Workshop, which regularly organizes educational events aimed at raising awareness and fostering healthy relationships among young people.
We want to extend our special thanks to the camp organizers for their commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment where participants can freely express their thoughts and discuss important issues.
