Pacific Activists Launch Pleasurenesia to Redefine Sexuality Education

A group of young Pacific activists has released a new guide called Pleasurenesia. It aims to reframe discussions on sexuality, pleasure, and wellbeing in the region. The group argues that current sexuality education has failed because of its foundation, not just its lack of focus on pleasure. Pleasurenesia presents pleasure as the starting point for talking about consent, communication, bodily autonomy, and safe relationships. Its seven principles are arranged around a woven mat, representing interconnection and shared meaning. The framework is designed to be adaptable, as the Pacific is not a single, uniform context.

The guide comes at a time of growing sexual and reproductive health challenges in the region. HIV infections among young people aged 15 to 29 are increasing. In Fiji, teenage pregnancies reached 858 in 2024, nearly twice the number from the previous year. Across parts of the Pacific, teenage pregnancy rates remain two to three times higher than the global average.

Access to contraception is also unequal, with unmet needs in rural and outer island communities ranging from 40 to 60%. High rates of gender-based violence persist in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Vanuatu, affecting 60 to 70% of women in some areas. Pleasurenesia offers an alternative approach to sexuality education in the Pacific. It seeks to address gaps in existing programmes by centring pleasure and collective values. The guide’s adaptable design may help communities tackle persistent issues like unplanned pregnancies, HIV, and gender-based violence.