Discussion on the Condom Vending Machine (CVM)

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,

I have been reading the thoughts posted on this particular thread about young

people and CVMs increasing the likelihood of them having sex. I would like to

share my thoughts on this as well.

First of all, we need to examine our own thoughts, feelings and morals

regarding sex and sexual activity, among people in general, rather than just

young people. There are different cultures and different morals adopted by

different societies.

With or without CVMs our young adults are indulging in sexual activity, and

the point is, they need to have options to protect themselves.

It doesnt matter what any of us feel about the issue of young people having

sex personally, they are their own persons and we need to accept that they have

a sexuality and that they also have an ability to make responsible decisions.

We all talk about sexuality education and educating our adolescents and youth

on matters of sexuality...what good is it if we dont back it up with access to

services?

It took a long time for India to acknowledge the need for sexuality education

in schools, its similar resistance towards services for young people, as it goes

against our conservative stand on sexuality.

But, in the end, irrespective of proclaiming ourselves as moral and

conservative, we're on our way to becoming the nation with the highest number of

HIV/AIDS infections...so something's not right here.

Having young people indulge in resonsible sexual behaviour, coupled with

education, life skills and CVMs is much much more effective than no education,

no CVMs and irresponsible sexual activity.

Chandni

Chandni Malik

Asia pacific Division

United Nations Population Fund

220 E 42nd St

New York, NY 10017

U.S.A

E-mail: <talktochandni@...>