3rd DAY

Today we have discussed sexual health promotion, how to gather sexual anamnesis. We expressed our feelings being as a client and as a health professional. We can say it was important to create sensitive and respectful atmosphere to let people talk freely about delicate matters. And we understand how hard it could be to talk about it, especially for those who are not ready to reveal their feelings and thoughts.

It is crucial that the nurse stays calm and professional; it helps in getting the trust and making the connection.

During workshop we revealed some shocking information from other cultures’ perspectives, and we felt upset and angry, what can be done to change this system.

The issues were about physical isolation during menstruation and sexual abuse during the first period as proof of womanhood. The confirmation of womanhood comes with pregnancy. If the girl does not get pregnant, she is outcast. If the girl denies following the ceremony, she also thrown out from the society.

In some cultures several mothers insist on their daughters being isolated for three days to two weeks during the menstruation (depending on culture).

It is the greatest idea to have international groups because we learned a lot from each countries. Actually we learned more from the group discussions than from the theories because we got to dig deeper into the matters and discussed the hints about bringing the change in today’s society. 

After lunch we visited “Tukinainen”, an organization, which helps all, who was sexually assaulted (also in rape crisis). The most interesting method of dealing was painting therapy; we saw emotionally filled drawings of victims.