Let's Talk About Sex. 

How did you first learn about sex? 

For many Muslims, the answer is often brief. Your school may have introduced you to the birds and the bees. Or perhaps you learned about sex from friends or from television.  

How you learn about sex is important. Are you equipped to navigate subjects of sexual health when your background on the topic stems mainly from the movie Titanic? Can you cope with issues of consent and boundaries when most of your information comes from young people your own age rather than professionals?

For young Muslims, sex education often misses the mark, even for those who are allowed to attend. Secular sex education often lacks cultural sensitivity and assumes sexual activity to be predetermined or imminent. At the same time, due to emphasis on modesty and sexual purity, religious sex education often omits important information on pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and consent. This leaves many with limited knowledge and unprepared to identify and address many sexual health issues.

HEART Women & Girls is here to fill those gaps in sex education. We promote sexual health and sexual violence awareness in Muslim communities through health education, advocacy, research, and training. Since HEART’s inception, we have provided safe spaces for numerous individuals through our workshops and trainings across the country, our virtual resource center, and one-on-one advocacy.

But to continue this important work, we need your help. The purpose of this campaign is to raise funds to expand HEART’s virtual resource center. This center will provide individuals with accurate and culturally-aware sexual health information that they can easily access from the privacy of their own home.  

We all play a role: You don’t have to be a sex educator, doctor, or expert to promote accurate, empowering sexual health information. You just have to be committed to instilling positive healthy attitudes about sex and sexuality.

Informing and Empowering Muslims 

Our virtual resource center provides a unique and necessary medium for Muslims to learn about their bodies, sex, and sexual assault, in a way that offers: 

Accuracy. With television, social media, and other numerous information outlets, it can be difficult to obtain accurate and relevant sexual health information. Our virtual resource center will provide you with correct information, free from bias.  

Anonymity. We know it can hard to explore these issues, and we want to honor your privacy. Providing a virtual resource center allows you to access sexual health information without fear of shame or blame.  

Cultural-sensitivity. Mainstream health education does not consider the faith-based and cultural values that may be important to you, your family, and community. We make every effort to offer accurate, nuanced information and guidance.

Empowerment, inspiration, & critical thinking. True change and empowered decision-making cannot be controlled or dictated. We hope to offer you the tools and support you need to feel personal agency with respect to your sexual health needs.

Let's get it on(line)!

Over the past 2 years, we have had 18 online publications collectively downloaded more than 25,000 times. To increase our impact and accessibility, we need YOUR help in expanding our virtual resource center.This center will include, but is not limited to the following:

• “HEART to HEART” video series on sexual and reproductive health topics (15 videos), topics include:
  • Contraception options
  • Understanding Male and Female Anatomy
  • HPV vaccine
  • Menstruation & Hygiene, and
  • Much more!
• “Sex Talk” Guide
• Puberty Guide for teen girls
• Webinars

These online resources will provide a safe space for all to learn about their bodies and health, in a way that is anonymous, accurate, free of shame, and most importantly, considers cultural and religious context.

4 ways to help today! 

1. Donate and share this campaign widely
2. Download our publications and start a conversation at home
3. Donate your talents! We are looking for creative people who can offer their skills as illustrators, filmmakers, graphic design, etc.
4. Stay connected on social media! Follow and like us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook! 

Please consider making a donation today!