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EFS report 2023-2024

Grimstad Norway Oct. 18th. 2024

 

The EFS board is as follows:
Goran Arbanas (Treasurer); Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad (president), Filippo M. Nimbi (secretary general) Mehmet Sungur (past president); Kevin Wylie (past, past president) Patricia Pascoal; Tal Peleg-Sagy; Astrid Højgaard; Charmaine Borg; Sam Geuens; Stefano Eleuteri; Tiina Vilponen.

 

Committees:

Scientific committee: Sam Geuens(chair), Goran Arbanas, Patricia Pascoal, Charmaine Borg, Stefano Eleuteri.

Training and education committee: Stefano Eleuteri (chair), Tiina Vilponen, Sam Geuens, Goran Arbanas, Mehmet Sungur.

Congress committee: Mehmet Sungur, Stefano Eleuteri, Patricia Pascoal, Filippo M. Nimbi, Tiina Vilponen, Goran Arbanas, Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad.

Liason, membership and fundraising committee: Astrid Højgaard, Goran Arbanas, Tal Peleg-Sagy, Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad.

Social media committee: Filippo M. Nimbi, Charmaine Borg.

 

 

Our laws and statutes are to be found on our webpage: https://europeansexology.com/about-us/

 

 

Collaborations: We have continuously collaborated with partner societies and organizations, namely by organizing symposiums, lectures and international meetings (e.g., ESSM and hence ISSM, WAS, IOSS)

 

 

Practically all our meetings have included all members. This to accomplish continuity and transparence.

 

 

Main task and accomplishment was the conference in Bologna.
We have received many good evaluations both via the PCO and through personal conversation with various members, we may conclude that the evaluations were very positive, and this was due mainly to novel features, to group cohesion created by fruitful mingling, to speakers with varying level of recognitions and expertise, diverse backgrounds of speakers (clinicians, researchers, educators, nurses, urologist, psychologists etc).
We also learned important lessons for the future. There is room for improvement, and we are committed to do so in the next meetings/conferences. Maybe the most important being that there are signs that those who could have been members of EFS, have not found enough reason to be so, causes unknown, but might have to do with what benefits a membership offers. It is a challenge to plan for room sizes in relation to session themes, this will also be an issue for the next conference.
The most evident token of the success of the Bologna Conference is the emergence of an early career group presently numbering 80 individuals on our WhatsApp list. A young career committee will be organized /reorganized to accommodate these promising individuals for the future of EFS!
In conjunction with the congress, the scientific committee selected two presenting participants for prizes:

The prizes and winners:

Best oral presentation:
Andrea Stašek- A Network Approach to Minority Stress: Sexual Identity Groups Comparison
Best poster:
Amina Shah- Exploring Factors Facilitating Sexualized Violence In The Protestant Church In Germany: A Qualitative Analysis Of Survivors’ Perspectives

Our PCO from before the conference that was held in Aalborg, Denmark in 2022, has been Artion, a company located in Greece. Over the years the cooperation with this PCO has improved, and we have found good reasons to renew the contract and capitalize on what we have learned thus far.

The conference in Bologna came out with a surplus, a final positive financial balance was achieved between EFS and Artion.
We have practiced what one might call low-, medium and high season with increasing number of meetings as time to next conference come closer.
There has been no major, if any at all, conflict in the board. Hence work has gone by smoothly.
A new activity in EFS is monthly letters from the president, that are published after a review by all the board. These letters are published on our website and distributed to all member organization plus organizations we find it useful to be in contact with.

As for our next conference. The venue will soon be decided.

A matter for considerations is sexological accreditations and webinars, with member benefits. We are also working on arranging an away-day where we all can be physically present.

Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad (N) (president)
Goran Arbanas (HR) Filippo M. Nimbi (I) Mehmet Sungur (TR) Kevin Wylie (GB) Patricia Pascoal (PT) Tal Peleg-Sagy (IL) Astrid Højgaard (DK) Charmaine Borg (MT) Sam Geuens (BE) Stefano Eleuteri (I) Tiina Vilponen (FI).

 

Escrh logo

A Shared Commitment to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

The ESCRH Position Paper reaffirms that sexual and reproductive health and rights are fundamental human rights and should be guaranteed to all individuals without discrimination, coercion, or violence. The document highlights the importance of evidence-based healthcare, equitable access to contraception, comprehensive sexuality education, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, and protection from gender-based violence.

The position paper also emphasizes the need to address inequalities affecting marginalized populations, including adolescents, LGBTQIA+ individuals, migrants, refugees, people with disabilities, older adults, and sex workers. It calls for inclusive, accessible, and rights-based healthcare systems capable of meeting the needs of diverse communities.

Key Areas of Focus

Among its main recommendations, the document advocates for:

  • Universal access to modern contraception and family planning services;
  • Safe, legal, and dignified reproductive healthcare;
  • Comprehensive sexuality and reproductive health education throughout the lifespan;
  • Stronger prevention, screening, and treatment strategies for sexually transmitted infections and HIV;
  • Improved access to HPV vaccination and reproductive cancer prevention programs;
  • Action against gender-based violence and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation;
  • Protection of evidence-based healthcare from misinformation and ideological interference.

The paper further highlights the importance of professional education, scientific research, and international collaboration in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Supporting Evidence-Based and Rights-Centred Healthcare

EFS shares the view that sexual and reproductive health is closely linked to human dignity, equality, public health, and social justice. The Federation therefore supports the principles and recommendations outlined in the ESCRH Position Paper and welcomes continued collaboration among professional organizations working to promote sexual health and wellbeing throughout Europe.

Read the Full Position Paper

EFS encourages members, professionals, and stakeholders to consult the complete document published by the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health.