ICFP News & Insights

‘It’s always fear-based’: why sexual health projects should switch the focus to pleasure

Nov 22, 2022

After decades of emphasis on STIs, HIV, Aids and unwanted pregnancy, a wave of initiatives around the world are using a more sex-positive narrative

Originally posted by The Guardian

Swiry’s work was part of a wider campaign to introduce the concept of pleasure into sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa, run by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), one of the biggest providers of sex education globally.

Its digital campaign Treasure Your Pleasure was aimed at young adults and ran in three languages (French, Portuguese and English) from March to November over TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. It featured videos from influencers from all over Africa, Twitter chats, and pop art-style graphics with sex-positive messaging posted on its Instagram page.

The campaign reached 9 million people and added 40,000 new followers to IPPF Africa digital platforms. It drove 330,000 people to the campaign’s landing page on the IPPF website, which features a quiz, downloadable stickers for use on social media and evidence-based research. The IPPF regional office in Asia now hopes to run a similar campaign.

Explore More

Webinar: Whose Voices are Missing? Breaking Language Barriers in SRHR

Webinar: Whose Voices are Missing? Breaking Language Barriers in SRHR

Webinar: Imagining Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Beyond Aid

Webinar: Imagining Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Beyond Aid

❗️Important Updates: Standing Strong with Our Community Amidst Challenges

❗️Important Updates: Standing Strong with Our Community Amidst Challenges

No results found.

ICFP 2025

Key Dates & Deadline

  • Abstract Reviewer Sign-Ups Due: 1 April 2025
  • Abstract Reviewers Receive Confirmation of Selection: 14 April 2025
  • All Abstracts Submissions Due: 19 April 2025
  • Conference Registration: To Be Announced — Coming Soon!
  • Confirmation of Abstract Reviewers: 21 April 2025
  • Reviewer Support Webinars: 28–30 April 2025
  • Abstract Reviews Due: 9 May 2025
  • Abstract Acceptance Notifications: 20 June 2025
  • Travel Award Applications Open: 20–30 June 2025
  • Travel Award Notifications: 14 July 2025
  • ICFP 2025 Pre-conferences: 1–3 November 2025
  • ICFP 2025: 3–6 November 2025

ICFP Abstract Submissions Now Open!

*** Deadline Extended to 19 April 2025, 11:59 PM ET 

ICFP 2025—taking place 3–6 November 2025 in Bogotá, Colombia—invites abstracts in English, French, and Spanish presenting cutting-edge research, program, and advocacy results related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). See full details and submit an abstract at the link below.

ICFP 2025 Theme — Equity Through Action: Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for All

Spread the Word

Save these graphics in English, French, and Spanish to share this opportunity with your networks—including researchers, practitioners, policymakers, advocates, and youth leaders—letting them know that the ICFP 2025 Call for Abstracts is open through 19 April 2025, 11:59 PM ET (***Deadline Extended***).