Culturally diverse youth & sexual health ME’AD ASSAN, POLICY OFFICER ETHNIC COMMUNITIES’ COUNCIL OF VICTORIA (ECCV) Culturally diverse youth & sexual health ME’AD ASSAN, POLICY OFFICER

MAIN POINTS OF THE PRESENTATION ECCV – Who are we? What do we do? Findings of the 2013 ECCV forum on sexual health of young people from culturally diverse backgrounds Forum recommendations

ECCV – WHO ARE WE? WHAT DO WE DO? State’s peak multicultural body / Voice o Multicultural Victoria Member based organisation Project delivery Advocacy

KEY FINDINGS OF THE 2013 ECCV YOUTH FORUM – “SEXUAL HEALTH, CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND YOUNG PEOPLE: WHAT DO WE KNOW?” Engaging in conversations – challenges Sensitive topic Discussion about sex but not sexual health Interpreter’s role and lack of accuracy in interpretation Engaging young people – challenges / opportunities Cultural/sporting activities School settings Sexual health and wellbeing of international students High rates of unplanned pregnancy Forum participants

FORUM’S RECOMMENDATIONS More active role for young people in addressing their needs ECCV’s role in ensuring young people needs are met Advocacy Awareness forums