Sexy-Back to Basics: Annual SHAG Week to Renew Focus on Contraception and STIs
Drop in contraception use and rise in STIs highlight the need for continued awareness.
Key topics include contraception, STI awareness, consent, and LGBTQ+ inclusion in sexual health education.
UCDSU Welfare Officer Donohue: "It’s vital that students equip themselves with the skills to engage with sex at an enjoyable, safe, and consensual level."
UCD Students’ Union (UCDSU) is set to kick off its annual Sexual Health Awareness & Guidance (SHAG) Week, bringing the focus back to key issues like contraception, STI awareness, consent, and ensuring LGBTQ+ inclusion in sexual health education.
While SHAG has been a key part of UCD's academic calendar for years, research suggests that the fundamentals were perhaps lost during the pandemic years, serving as a reminder that the battle for meaningful sexual health education is never truly over.
The campaign comes at a crucial time, following recent reports of a significant rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and a concerning drop in contraception use among young people in Ireland. According to the HSE, the country has seen a steady increase in reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis, sparking concern over the long-term health impacts for students and young adults.
UCDSU Welfare Officer Ciara Donohue emphasised the importance of these conversations:
"Due to the gaps in sex education, part of transitioning to third level is destigmatising these discussions. We want students to take solace in the fact that they’re not in school anymore. It's actually grand to talk about sex now, and it’s vital that students equip themselves with the skills and knowhow to engage with sex at an enjoyable, safe, and consensual level."
A series of fun and informative events will take place, including the popular SHAG Table Quiz, scavenger hunt, and a panel discussion on whether LGBTQ+ inclusion is the missing piece in sexual health education.
ENDS
See the full SHAG Week schedule HERE
