New university-taught sexuality course to reach Ireland

London, Jul 10 (ANI): Breaking taboo over sex education in schools, Ireland is all set to introduce a groundbreaking new university-taught course. Dublin City University (DCU) has announced it will be offering a programme in sexuality and sexual health education for the first time in September, the Independent reported. According to the institution's website, the course's content will focus on developing knowledge around the diversity of sexualities, culture and sexual health education and promotion. The programme will also work to equip participants with "appropriate, accurate, evidence-based, up-to-date knowledge, and free from discrimination, gender bias, and stigma." DCU said the launch had come shortly after a national sexual health strategy highlighted how the importance of promoting sexual health, wellbeing, and reducing negative sexual health outcomes could only be achieved by "high-quality training for relevant professionals." DCU programme chair and lecturer in sociology and sexuality studies, Dr Mel Duffy, told the Irish Examiner: "When we talked about the education the students had, they reported having had very minimal sexual education at second level." Denise Proudfoot, a lecturer in Nursing at DCU, added: "The course will deal with everything from STIs to contraception and cervical smears." Dr Duffy also acknowledged how society has changed "enormously" in the last number of decades, adding: "But significant work still remains with regards to discussing our sexual health, sexual identity, and gender identity in an open and transparent manner. (ANI)