Call for applications to the CSBR Sexuality Institute

***Deadline for Applications: May 21, 2010***

The Coalition for Sexual and Bodily Rights in Muslim Societies (CSBR)
is pleased to announce the 3rd CSBR Sexuality Institute 2010 to be held
between September 18th and 25th 2010 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Designed as
a comprehensive curriculum on sexuality, sexual and reproductive health
and rights with an in depth discussion on the linkages between research
and practice, the CSBR Sexuality Institute offers a holistic
interdisciplinary program combining history, theory, research and
politics of sexuality with applications of advocacy, and fieldwork.

The CSBR Sexuality Institute brings together leading leading sexual and
reproductive rights activists, academics and researchers. Held
previously in Malaysia (2008) and Turkey (2009) with participants from
20 countries throughout Asia, Africa and the Middle East, the
institutes include lectures, group work, roundtables, panels, site
visits and film screenings, as well as a methodology to engage
participants’ own experiences around sexuality.

Background

“I would summarize the experience I had at the CSBR Institute in one
word - that is: LIBERATING. The novelty of this [CSBR’s] discourse in
our socio-cultural context is certainly one important aspect, but more
importantly, the silence that our society harbors around sexuality has
become so “normal” that we often forget how integral it is to our
existence and well-being.” (Mahrukh Mouhiddin, BRAC University –
Bangladesh, CSBR Sexuality Institute 2008).

“In one sentence; the Institute has shown me that sexuality is not only
about problems, ill-being and repercussion; it is also about pleasure,
happiness, well being and CHANGE” (Gulalai Ismail, Aware Girls –
Pakistan, CSBR Sexuality Institute 2009).

The realization of sexual and reproductive health and rights is an
integral part of gender equality, development and social justice.
However, sexuality continues to be a contested site of political
struggles both in Muslim societies and across the globe. Increasing
global militarism, conservatism, and nationalism over the last decades
provoked a serious backlash on sexual and reproductive health and
rights, both at national and global levels. Given the current
polarizations, it is more pertinent than ever to strengthen critical
insight, further research, enhance knowledge and capacity on sexual and
reproductive health and rights, and build an inclusive and affirmative
discourse on sexuality.

Aim

In the above mentioned context, the aims of the CSBR Sexuality
Institute are:

To further knowledge on the multi-dimensional and intersecting aspects
of sexuality, health and rights;
To develop a deeper theoretical understanding of sexuality through a
historical overview and analysis of current debates and research at the
global level;
To provide a comprehensive and holistic understanding of sexuality in
Muslim societies through a discussion of the history, legal frameworks,
research, and current discourses;
To enhance participants’ sexual and reproductive health and rights
advocacy skills on national and international levels;
To increase participants’ capacity as leading advocates, practitioners
and researchers on sexuality issues at national, regional and
international levels.