Happy Valentine’s Day!!
As Valentine’s Day draws near, conversations about love and romance are everywhere. But beyond the chocolates, candlelight dinners, and sex frenzy, it’s crucial to talk about the foundations of healthy relationships—consent, boundaries, and respect. These principles are not just important for romantic connections; they shape all interactions, fostering equality, trust, and well-being.
Education as a Vaccine (EVA) recently launched the Rights and Realities Podcast, a bi-monthly virtual discussion series. This platform sparks real conversations about gender justice, youth empowerment, sexual health, and equity in our communities. To deepen this conversation, In the latest episode, “Navigating Consent and Boundaries for Healthy Relationships,” anchored by Sandra Jonathan, Bernard Otu, Isaiah Uganden and Efa Ofem, we explore how young people can build healthier, more respectful connections in their relationships.
Meet the participants
The episode begins by defining consent in clear, relatable terms: it is voluntary, informed, and can be withdrawn at any time. Consent is essential not only in sexual relationships but in all interactions, promoting mutual respect and equality.
One key highlight is addressing the misconception that consent is unnecessary in long-term relationships or marriage. This harmful notion often leads to violations of rights, such as marital rape. The anchors emphasize that consent is a non-negotiable right in every relationship, regardless of its status or length.
The conversation then transitions to boundaries, exploring their role in helping individuals feel safe, respected, and valued in their relationships. From physical and emotional to digital boundaries, setting and respecting these limits fosters trust and equality.
For many young people, asserting boundaries can be challenging due to societal pressures or fears of rejection. The anchors share practical advice for communicating boundaries effectively, highlighting how they strengthen trust and create healthier dynamics.
The discussion concludes by emphasizing that healthy relationships go beyond simply avoiding harm. They’re about creating environments where individuals feel empowered, valued, and supported. Through consent, boundaries, and open communication, young people can build connections rooted in trust, equality, and mutual respect.
At EVA, we believe that knowledge is power. Through the Rights and Realities Podcast series, we’re creating a space for meaningful discussions on issues that matter—from breaking the silence on sexual harassment to championing girls’ education and tackling gender-based violence.
Stay informed, get inspired, and be part of the movement for change. Subscribe to the Rights and Realities Podcast on your favorite platforms, and tune in bi-monthly for stories of impact, actionable solutions, and thought-provoking conversations.
For this Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate love that’s built on consent, boundaries, and respect. Watch our latest episode, reflect on the principles discussed, and join the conversation online using the hashtag #HealthyRelationshipsEVA. Together, let’s create a world where rights are respected, and realities are transformed!
See Video Here: https://youtu.be/yG2eQhYpK1Q
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