JAKARTA, Indonesia – Teaching reproductive health to adolescents takes special skills, creativity, dedication and compassion. Four extraordinary teachers in Indonesia shared with UNFPA how such education can transform students’ understanding of their bodies and their rights.
All four have benefited from UNFPA-backed training on integrating reproductive health education into standard teaching curricula. Conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology and the Ministry of Health, the training was supported by Global Affairs Canada through the Better Reproductive Health and Rights for All in Indonesia initiative.
Upholding rights through innovation
Nurlinawati, a 44-year-old former banker, changed careers to pursue her passion to teach children with intellectual disabilities. Initially unsure of what reproductive health involves, she pushed forward, fired by the desire to empower her students with information to protect themselves and safely navigate the world.
She created the cuda (meaning “sister” in the Acehnese language) doll to teach her students how to manage menstruation with dignity. Once shy and unsure, they now openly discuss their health and can handle their hygiene independently.
“Students with intellectual disabilities have the same rights as us. There is no difference, be it access to education, the right to reproductive health education… the right to marry, or other rights,” Nurlinawati said. “Providing such learning will improve their capacity not only for the time being, but also for their future.”
Making reproductive health education fun
Siti Muflihah, a dedicated junior high school teacher, takes an unconventional approach to reproductive health education. She has replaced awkward lectures with innovative teaching methods, incorporating games to address sensitive topics. "Students can learn and discuss important issues without feeling embarrassed," she explained.
Her commitment to teaching reproductive health has occasionally been met with resistance by her colleagues. "I've been told it's a subject we shouldn't discuss, but I believe these conversations are vital," she stressed.
She passionately advocates teaching not just the biology of reproduction but also crucial aspects such as values, respect and emotional well-being.
Turning science into advocacy
Lufia Krismiyanti once taught only a basic science course. But learning to incorporate reproductive health material into her curriculum sparked a commitment to empowering her students to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.
"It's very beneficial," she commented. "I feel I have a moral responsibility to convey more to the children, to help them be healthy physically, mentally and socially."
Lufia has even created a mobile app so young people can confidentially report issues, seek advice and access information on reproductive health. Her journey is an inspiring example of how educators can go above and beyond to meet the evolving needs of their students.
Protecting students from violence
Yuliana Yolanda Luhulima was once reluctant to start conversations about sexual and reproductive health among her students with special needs. But her mindset changed after she participated in UNFPA training, combined with her personal experience. “Now I believe that talking openly about reproductive health, particularly the prevention of sexual violence, is very important,” she said.
Rates of gender-based violence among girls with disabilities are up to 10 times greater than among girls without disabilities, according to a global UNFPA study. After one of Yuliana’s own pupils was forced into having sex by an older man, she accompanied her student and the family until the perpetrator was charged and found guilty of sexual violence.
Her unwavering support exemplifies the critical role teachers play in safeguarding their students. “After taking some months off to psychologically recover, we welcomed our student again to the school,” Yuliana said. “She has a right to education, like other students.”
