Let’s Talk About Sex (Education): Breaking Taboos, Building Truth
Every day, over 1 million people contract a sexually transmitted infection (WHO). Half of all pregnancies are unintended (UNPF). These numbers are preventable - but only with better sex education.
In many countries, the topic still receives minimal attention. In Germany, for instance, students spend an average of only 20 minutes per year on it in class. The internet age was expected to expand access to reliable information—and indeed, more than 60% of people worldwide use the internet to search for medical information, including 87% of young people (Hopelab). Yet despite this accessibility, most of us still encounter misinformation and fake news. The consequences are seen through rising sexually transmitted diseases. Even in countries with track records of low rates. For example, Germany is experiencing a 40% rise in 18- to 24- year-olds.
It’s time to break taboos and take back control. Join our expert panel to explore how sex education can empower young people, support LGBTQ+ and disabled communities, and put dignity and wellbeing at the centre of learning.
Speakers
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Summer PeetSenior Program OfficerSummer Peet
Speaker
Senior Program Officer
USC Institute on Inequalities in Global HealthSummer Peet is a Senior Program Officer with the USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health (IIGH). In her role, she oversees the Durex x USC IIGH Global Initiative on Young People’s Sexual Rights and Health, which works across policy, education, and research to address the structural and social barriers that impede understanding, expression, and fulfilment of sexual rights and health. Among other accomplishments, Summer designed and launched the Sexual Rights for Social Change Academy, a unique fellowship program which gives young people the strategic communications skills to successfully advocate for sexual health and rights at the local and global levels. The program is currently active in both the U.S. and Brazil. Before coming to IIGH, Summer spent five years with the Open Society Foundations, working within their global communications team and later with the Culture and Art program to support the growth of vibrant and inclusive democracies around the world. She served as an advisor with the Permanent Mission of Guatemala to the United Nations in New York and has lived and worked across Latin America. Summer graduated from Occidental College with a degree in Diplomacy and World Affairs and has completed professional coursework with the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, Germany, and with Georgetown Law in Washington D.C.
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Michaela KuhndörferRegional Marketing Director Central EuropeMichaela Kuhndörfer
Regional Marketing Director Central Europe
ReckittMichaela Kuhndörfer is the Marketing Director for Central Europe at Reckitt. In various global and local assignments with stations in Germany, Hong Kong and The Netherlands, she has gained a fundamental understanding of consumer needs and challenges across categories, including sexual wellbeing and health care. Next to her work as Marketing Director she engages in several DEI communities, representing the Co – Chair for Lead Germany and heads the Global ERG for Women @ Reckitt. Her key aspirations are to celebrate diversity and inclusion, drive meaningful change, and pave the way for a more equitable future for generations to come.
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Roman MalessaCo-Founder and VP GrowthRoman Malessa
Speaker
Co-Founder and VP Growth
F/A/Q Health