Sexual Consent Awareness Week (July 1-July 5, 2024)
In early July, the Faculty of International Studies, in collaboration with the Health Support Center (Yokohama), organized a series of events to raise awareness of sexual consent: setting clear personal boundaries and respecting the boundaries of others. By bringing different perspectives on the topic, we offered students opportunities to learn how to engage in healthy, positive, and respectful relationships and safeguard their own well-being.
The week commenced with an ALSOK (SOHGO SECURITY SERVICES CO., LTD.) seminar on self-protection for young women. Our speakers offered plentiful practical advice on how female students can lead safer lives and avoid potential risks, especially those adjusting to life away from home. The seminar ended with a demonstration of self-defense techniques beneficial to all attendees.
Next, nine international students came together for a roundtable discussion to share their perspectives on what constitutes a healthy relationship. Coming from the Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, Lithuania, the Philipines, Spain, Sri Lanka, and the USA, the students discussed how their home institutions approached sexual consent education, how young people set personal boundaries in their cultures, and why boundaries in relationships matter. This exchange provided valuable insights into attitudes toward intimacy across cultures and religions.
The international student roundtable was followed by an informative lecture by our public health nurse Ai Akutagawa of the Health Support Center (Yokohama). Defining sexual consent, outlining the criteria that are necessary for consent to happen, and explaining that lack of consent leads to sexual violence, Ms. Akutagawa emphasized that the person initiating the escalation of sexual intimacy is responsible for making sure that the other person is comfortable and safe. She also introduced important resources available on and off campus, including the One-Stop Support Center for Victims of Sexual Crimes and Sexual Violence (#8891 [HAYAKU ONE-STOP]), the Yokohama Health Support Center (045-863-2020), and the Yokohama Harassment Counseling and Support Center (045-863-2218).
The Week concluded with a compelling talk by Shiori Onuki, a midwife, adolescent counselor, and YouTuber specializing in sex education. Introducing the audience to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Ms. Onuki explained that these are fundamental human rights and are essential for achieving the right to health—one of the UN sustainable development goals. Presenting various birth control methods and options, she stressed the importance of making informed decisions about our bodies and lives.
Despite the safety of our campus, real life is full of unexpected situations that make us vulnerable. Knowledge is power in all senses, and understanding sexual consent is no exception. It is important to end the stigma about sex education and support our students as they are unfolding their wings by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for forming healthy relationships, protecting their own health, and preventing sexual abuse.
