Glossary
Results 1 to 7 of 7
S
- SDGs
Sustainable Development Goals
- Sex
Sex refers to biological attributes, i.e. physical, sex-specific characteristics such as chromosomes, hormones and internal and external genitalia. People whose sex is ambiguous are often assigned to one of the binary categories (male/female). In medicine and biology, the binary model is now contested and sex is recognised as a spectrum.
- Sexism
Sexism is a form of discrimination based on a person’s sex or gender. It often takes the form of prejudice and unequal treatment, but it can also include oppression and mental and physical abuse. In patriarchal structures in particular, men are generally assigned a higher status. Sexism goes further than this and may include the demeaning and devaluing of all persons with feminine traits; it can also affect queer and trans persons.
- Sexual orientation
Sexual orientation describes a person's identity in relation to the gender(s) to which they are attracted emotionally, physically and/or sexually (e.g. heterosexual, homosexual, pansexual, asexual).
- Shrinking Spaces
“Shrinking spaces” refers to the increasing constraints on civil society’s freedom of action worldwide. Measures range from restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly to bans on civil society organisations. In extreme cases, members of social movements or organisations are criminalised, threatened or even murdered.
- SRHR
The term “sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)” refers to unrestricted physical, mental and social wellbeing in relation to all aspects of sexuality and reproduction. It aims to safeguard sexual and reproductive health and individual self-determination. This includes every person’s right to decide freely on matters relating to parenthood, the number and spacing of births, and sexuality; it also includes safeguarding non-discriminatory access to information, health services and resources.
- STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics