Page 363 - RUICHSS 2023 Proceeding

University of Ruhuna ISSN: 2706-0063
Matara, Sri Lanka

Education on sexual and reproductive health is also essential to reduce sexual

harassment faced by girls with disabilities living alone. Knowing about sexual
and reproductive health issues is also very important to know about the

changes in girls' bodies and reproductive problems that occur with age.

In addition, sexual and reproductive health education is essential as they
prepare for marriage and parenthood in the future. Counseling and soft skills

awareness programmes are recommended to fill the knowledge gap related to
sexual and reproductive health for students with disabilities. In addition,

independent life should be organised at the individual and group levels within
the university system.

6. Conclusions

In conclusion, this study highlights the urgent need to provide inclusive sexual

and reproductive health (SRH) education to female university students with
disabilities in Sri Lanka. It sheds light on the significant barriers these students

face in accessing SRH education, stemming from societal constructs related to

disability and gender. To ensure equitable and inclusive education, it is
imperative to address these challenges and promote comprehensive SRH

education for all individuals, transcending age, gender, or ability.

This exploratory study highlights the critical need to address the perceptions

and barriers surrounding sexual and reproductive health education among

female university students with disabilities in Sri Lanka. The study highlights
the existing socio-cultural constructs that contribute to the marginalization of

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