Brittain, A.W., Briceno, A.C.L., Pazol, K., Zapata, L.B., Decker, E., Rollison, J.M., Malcolm, N.M., Romero, L.M. and Koumans, E.H. (2018) ‘Youth-Friendly Family Planning Services for Young People: A Systematic Review Update’, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 55(5).

The results of this study indicate how gender equality attitudes might have a positive impact on adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health and well-being

De Meyer, S., Jaruseviciene, L., Zaborskis, A., Decat, P., Vega, B., Cordova, K., Temmerman, M., Degomme, O. and Michielsen, K. (2014) ‘A cross-sectional study on attitudes toward gender equality, sexual behavior, positive sexual experiences, and communication about sex among sexually active and non-sexually active adolescents in Bolivia and Ecuador’, Global Health Action, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.3402/gha.v7.24089

This study addresses how gender diversity and gender attitudes are linked to the sexual well-being of young adolescents

De Meyer, S., Degomme, O. and Michielsen, K. (2024) ‘Gender diversity among young adolescents: Are gender attitudes, sexual orientation, gender roles, gender identity and sex assigned at birth associated with liking to become a wo/man and the body image of young adolescents in Belgium?’, Sage Open, 14(3).
https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241271315

Cassetti, V., Powell, K., Barnes, A. and Sanders, T. (2020) ‘A systematic scoping review of asset-based approaches to promote health in communities: development of a framework’, Global Health Promotion, 27(3), pp. 15–23.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1757975919848925

Becasen, J.S., Ford, J. and Hogben, M. (2015) ‘Sexual health interventions: A meta-analysis’, Journal of Sex Research, 52(4), pp. 433–443.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2014.947399

Castellanos-Usigli, A. and Braeken-van Schaik, D. (2019) ‘The Pleasuremeter: exploring the links between sexual health, sexual rights and sexual pleasure in sexual history-taking, SRHR counselling and education’, Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 27(1), pp. 313–315.
https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2019.1690334

The results of this study indicate how gender equality attitudes might have a positive impact on adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health and well-being

De Meyer, S., Jaruseviciene, L., Zaborskis, A., Decat, P., Vega, B., Cordova, K., Temmerman, M., Degomme, O. and Michielsen, K. (2014) ‘A cross-sectional study on attitudes toward gender equality, sexual behavior, positive sexual experiences, and communication about sex among sexually active and non-sexually active adolescents in Bolivia and Ecuador’, Global Health Action, 7(1).
https://doi.org/10.3402/gha.v7.24089

Fava, N.M. and Fortenberry, J.D. (2021) ‘Trauma-informed sex positive approaches to sexual pleasure’, International Journal of Sexual Health, 33(4), pp. 537–549.
https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2021.1961965

This article offers practical guidance on the content, meaning and application of the World Association for Sexual Health Declaration on Sexual Pleasure for stakeholders and practitioners in sexuality, sexual health and sexual rights

Ford, J.V., Corona-Vargas, E., Cruz, M., Fortenberry, J.D., Kismodi, E., Philpott, A., Rubio-Aurioles, E. and Coleman, E. (2021) ‘The World Association for Sexual Health’s Declaration on Sexual Pleasure: A Technical Guide’, International Journal of Sexual Health, 33(4), pp. 612–642.
https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2021.2023718

Fricker, M. (2007) Epistemic Justice: Power and the Ethics of Knowing. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Greteman, A.J., Morris, K. and Weststrate, N.M. (2021) ‘Countering epistemic injustice: The work of intergenerational LGBTQ+ dialogues’, Studies in Art Education, 62(4), pp. 408–413.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00393541.2021.1975492

Gruskin, S., Yadav, V., Castellanos-Usigli, A., Khizanishvili, G. and Kismödi, E. (2019) ‘Sexual health, sexual rights and sexual pleasure: meaningfully engaging the perfect triangle’, Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 27(1), pp. 29–40.
https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2019.1593787

This research indicates that gender and power should be considered a key characteristic of effective sexuality and HIV education programmes

Haberland, N.A. (2015) ‘The case for addressing gender and power in sexuality and HIV education: A comprehensive review of evaluation studies’, International Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 41(1), pp. 31–42.
https://doi.org/10.1363/4103115

This systematic review and meta-analysis asked: what are the milestones that LGB+ people experience in the development of their sexual orientation identity? At what ages and in what order do these milestones occur? Milestones include, coming out, sexual activity, awareness of attraction, questioning one’s sexual orientation, coming out to parents and family members, and more.

Hall, W.J. (2019) ‘Sexual orientation identity development milestones among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, Journal of Homosexuality, 66(7), pp. 955–975.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2018.1537685

This study suggests that differences in sexual pleasure are not biological, but social and contextual factors that limit women’s opportunities for pleasure.

Laan, E.T.M., Klein, V., Werner, M.A., van Lunsen, R.H.W. and Janssen, E. (2021) ‘In pursuit of pleasure: A biopsychosocial perspective on sexual pleasure and gender’, International Journal of Sexual Health, 33(4), pp. 516–536.
https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2021.1965689

This research paper indicates why the lack of inclusion of sexual pleasure in comprehensive sexuality education could be detrimental to sexual development, be a missed opportunity for inclusive education, and may have a long-term impact on sexual well-being.

Mark, K., Corona-Vargas, E. and Cruz, M. (2021) ‘Integrating sexual pleasure for quality & inclusive comprehensive sexuality education’, International Journal of Sexual Health, 33(4), pp. 555–564.
https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2021.1921894

The 4Q Framework is a tool for analyzing and advancing gender equality within organizations. It examines four interconnected quadrants—individual, relational, institutional, and structural—to identify barriers and opportunities for change, helping organizations design more holistic strategies for gender equity.

Menon-Sen, K. and Gordezky, R. (2021) 4Q Framework [film]. Available at:
https://genderatwork.org/resource/gender-at-work-associates-kalyani-menon-sen-and-ray-gordezky-on-their-approach/ [Accessed 17 October 2025]

This study identifies 237 reasons why people engage in sex, ranging from pleasure and stress relief to social and emotional motives, providing a comprehensive psychological and evolutionary analysis of human sexual motivation.

Meston, C.M. and Buss, D.M. (2007) ‘Why humans have sex’, Archives of Sexual Behavior, 36(5), pp. 477–507.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-007-9175-2

This article argues that while sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies remain major global public health concerns, traditional fear-based campaigns have had limited impact, and promoting the pleasurable aspects of condom use – alongside safer sex messages – could increase consistent condom use and improve sexual health outcomes.

Philpott, A., Knerr, W. and Maher, D. (2006) ‘Promoting protection and pleasure: amplifying the effectiveness of barriers against sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy’, The Lancet, 368(9551), pp. 2028–2031.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69810-3

This book argues that lasting gender equality in organizations requires transforming hidden cultural norms and offers the Gender at Work Analytical Framework to identify and challenge these biases.

Rao, A., Sandler, J., Kelleher, D. and Miller, C. (2016) Gender at Work: Theory and Practice for 21st Century Organisations. London: Routledge

Rubin argues that society decides which sexual behaviors are acceptable, and she calls for a theory that values pleasure and challenges these social rules.

Rubin, G.S. (1984) ‘Thinking sex: notes for a radical theory of the politics of sexuality’, in Vance, C.S. (ed.) Pleasure and danger: exploring female sexuality. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, pp. 267–319

This chapter explores how dramatizing versus normalizing adolescent sexuality involves different forms of power and self-formation, showing that Foucault’s view of modern power overlooks the roles of connection, support and self-mastery.

Schalet, A.T. (2011) ‘Sexuality, self-formation, and the state’, in Not under my roof: parents, teens, and the culture of sex. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. Online edition, Chicago Scholarship Online, 26 Sept. 2013. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.7208/chicago/9780226736204.003.0008 [Accessed 17 October 2025]

This article emphasizes the importance of integrating sexual pleasure into sexual health programmes, highlighting that focusing solely on risks and avoidance can lead to an unrealistic view of sexual well-being. It advocates for a pleasure-based approach that celebrates sexuality and empowers individuals to understand, consent to and control their own bodies and desires.

Singh, A. and Philpott, A. (2019) ‘Pleasure as a measure of agency and empowerment’, Medicus Mundi Schweiz, MMS Bulletin, 151, August

The Pleasure Project, Get Up Speak Out and SRHR Alliance Kenya (2020) Measuring pleasure in Kenya: How to measure sex-positive approaches in sexuality education for young people: A qualitative pilot study in Nairobi County, Kenya. Nairobi: The Pleasure Project. Available at:
https://thepleasureproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Measuring-Pleasure-in-Kenya-FINAL-REPORT.pdf [Accessed 18 October 2025]

The Pleasure Project, Get Up Speak Out and SRHR Alliance Ghana (2020) Measuring pleasure in Ghana: How to measure sex-positive approaches in sexuality education for young people: A qualitative pilot study in Tamale, Ghana. Available at:
https://thepleasureproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Measuring-Pleasure-in-Ghana-FINAL-REPORT-1.pdf [Accessed 18 October 2025]

Marcus, R., Samuels, F., Jalal, S. and Belachew, H. (2020) Gender-transformative programming. UNICEF. Available at:
https://www.unicef.org/lac/en/media/43146/file [Accessed 18 October 2025]

UNFPA (2019) Sexual and reproductive health and rights: An essential element of universal health coverage. New York: United Nations Population Fund. Available at:
https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/SRHR_an_essential_element_of_UHC_2020_online.pdf [Accessed 18 October 2025]

This review found that pleasure-inclusive sex education is associated with sexual agency and sexual well-being, and that sexual agency is positively linked to well-being outcomes. However, evidence is limited, and it remains unclear whether the pleasure component adds significant benefits, highlighting the need for higher-quality research.

Van Ditzhuijzen, J. and Overeem, A. (2024) ‘Pleasure-inclusive sex education, sexual agency and sexual wellbeing in youth: A scoping review’, European Journal of Public Health, 34(Suppl_3), ckae144.2032. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckae144.2032

This book examines how social and cultural contexts shape sexual problems and satisfaction, offering case studies and guidance for culturally sensitive psychotherapy. It explores whether therapists should adapt to clients’ cultural norms and provides practical strategies for addressing sexual issues across diverse cultural settings.

Van Lunsen, R.K.W., Brauer, M. and Laan, E. (2013) ‘Sex, pleasure, and dyspareunia in liberal Northern Europe: How sexual pleasure is seen as the most important goal of all nonreproductive sexual activity in a postmodern Northern European society, but is denied by women and scientists who are still under the influence of male-dominated sexual scripts’, in Hall, K.S.K. and Graham, C.A. (eds.) The cultural context of sexual pleasure and problems: Psychotherapy with diverse clients. London: Routledge

World Health Organization (2018) WHO’s concise guide to implementing and scaling up family planning service improvements. Geneva: World Health Organization. Available at:
https://fps-scale-up-guide.srhr.org/ [Accessed 18 October 2025]

The SHAPE questionnaire is a flexible tool for collecting standardized data on sexual practices, behaviours and health outcomes across diverse populations, combining interviewer- and self-administered modules, and includes guidance on its development and implementation but not on sampling or data analysis.

World Health Organization (2023) Sexual Health Assessment of Practices and Experiences (SHAPE): questionnaire and implementation considerations. Geneva: World Health Organization. Available at:
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240085909 [Accessed 18 October 2025]

This toolkit, featuring the Pleasuremeter, is designed to help sexual and reproductive health providers adopt a sex-positive approach, enabling discussions about sexual well-being, pleasure and rights. It offers guidance, training modules and practical strategies to support clients in making informed, autonomous decisions about their sexuality.

Global Advisory Board for Sexual Health and Wellbeing (2018). Sexual pleasure: the forgotten link in sexual and reproductive health and rights – training toolkit.

This tool aims to help sexual and reproductive health programme designers and managers integrate sexual health, sexual rights and sexual pleasure into services and education, improving overall programme delivery.

Global Advisory Board for Sexual Health and Wellbeing (2020). Sexual Pleasure: An Assessment Tool.

This toolkit provides organizations with a quality assessment system – including a conceptual framework, procedures, and tools – to ensure their health services are of high quality and continuously improved.

IPPF (2015). Quality of Care Framework 2015.

This Toolkit includes a ‘Gender Assessment Tool’ to evaluate existing practices and a ‘Guidance for Gender Work Toolkit’ offering practical guidelines and checklists to strengthen programmes and services.

IPPF (2019). Gender Assessment Toolkit.

These tools were designed to explore how to implement pleasure-based youth programming within the context of IPPF’s Youth-led and Gender-Transformation SRHR Program.

International Planned Parenthood Federation & The Pleasure Project (2023). Talking Pleasure with Ease: A guide to the “Why” and “How” of Pleasure-Based Sexual Health in Youth Programming.

This toolkit provides guidance on how to become a sexual pleasure champion and trainer.

The Pleasure Project (2023). Training toolkit.

These Pleasure Principles are intended to serve as a guide and source of inspiration for individuals and organizations pursuing a sex-positive, pleasure-focused approach to sexual health. They are designed to support and inspire anyone working as a pleasure activist, advocate or practitioner.

The Pleasure project (2022). The Pleasure Principles.

The Pleasure Project is an international education and advocacy organization dedicated to integrating pleasure into sexual health.

The Global Advisory Board for Sexual Health and Wellbeing

Important global work on definitions of pleasure (e.g. WAS declaration)

LGBT+ legal equality index, 2025 The index captures the extent to which LGBT+ people have the same rights as straight and cisgender people.