Advocating for comprehensive sex education and gender equality
Presenting at the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential (GCAPP) annual sex education summit was not only a professional highlight of my Fulbright Program in the United States but also a deeply fulfilling personal achievement.
The summit’s purpose was to bring together educators, advocates, and professionals to discuss critical issues in sex education and adolescent health.
My presentation focused on the current gender disparities in Lebanon, examining the legal and regulatory frameworks that perpetuate discrimination and evaluating the effectiveness of existing advocacy initiatives and policy reforms. Through this, I aimed to highlight the importance of comprehensive sex education in addressing these disparities and promoting gender equality.
Preparing for and delivering this presentation was an incredible learning experience. I deepened my understanding of the complex intersection between gender, policy, and education. It also provided me with an opportunity to refine my public speaking skills and engage with an audience passionate about similar issues.
My involvement in this summit can be traced back to my ongoing work in sex education and gender advocacy. Over the years, I have been actively engaged in creating and delivering educational content that addresses various aspects of sexuality and gender, particularly through my online initiative, “Mish Aayb” (Arabic for No Shame). This platform, which I re-launched and rebranded in March 2024, aims to provide a holistic approach to sex education for young adults and adults (13+). The recognition of “Mish Aayb” by the WGSS department for the Diane Fowlkes Research Award further propelled my involvement in broader conversations and summits like GCAPP.
What I enjoyed most about this experience was the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and advocates. Engaging in meaningful discussions, sharing insights, and learning from others’ experiences was incredibly rewarding. It was also gratifying to see the impact of my presentation on the audience, as it sparked conversations and reflections on the importance of addressing gender disparities through education.
The Fulbright Program played a crucial role in helping me achieve the milestone of presenting at the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential (GCAPP) annual sex education summit. It provided me with the opportunity to gain rigorous academic training and research skills from my school, which were essential for analyzing and presenting gender disparities in Lebanon. The program’s professional development workshops enhanced my public speaking and presentation abilities, while the global network it offered connected me with valuable resources and opportunities. Fulbright also fostered my cultural competence and sensitivity, enabling me to approach complex topics with nuance.
Nazih is a 2023 Fulbright Student from Lebanon. He studies Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Georgia State University.
