April 2004

Booklet illustrates sexual health

A unique family planning and sexual health resource will help the Filipino community.

The Ating pag-usapan ang seks (Let’s Talk About Sex) cartoon booklet was produced through a three-way partnership between Women’s Health West, Family Planning Victoria and the Centre for Philippine Concerns Australia, Victorian branch.

The first of its kind produced in Australia, Let’s Talk About Sex draws on the long-standing Filipino tradition of conveying information through stories told in the form of strip cartoons in Tagalog, the main Filipino language.

‘We were fortunate to find Marta Tesoro and Maridel Andanar, a cartoonist and a scriptwriter, who are both Filipino women,’ said Women’s Health West CEO Melissa Afentoulis.

‘They ensured the stories and illustrations reflect the reality of Filipino women’s lives.

‘This method of health promotion was identified through consultation as effective and culturally-appropriate,’ Ms Afentoulis said.

‘Tagalog is the sixth most-spoken language in the Western Region, yet the Filipino community has had few resources produced specifically for them.’

The booklet follows on from Chika Tayo, a CD and series of radio plays on women’s health produced last year in Tagalog by Women’s Health West and the Centre for Philippine Concerns, broadcast nationally on SBS and community radio.

There are two stories in the 16-page booklet.

One features a young, engaged couple seeking contraception advice of their ‘ninang’, or godmother.

It explores myths, facts and cultural attitudes to different methods of contraception, emphasising that it is the responsibility of both men and women.

The second story features the dilemma of a young woman being asked out by a popular boy.

Her friends talk with her about safe sex, making good decisions and the impact of sexually-transmitted infections.

The stories are followed by an explanation of various forms of contraception and contacts for finding out more information.

‘This booklet is a good tool for our community and it will help agencies provide appropriate services,’ said Maria Selga from the Centre for Philippine Concerns.

‘Information in people’s first language means they can relate it to their own lives.

‘It also encourages younger people maintain their language.

‘I encourage the Filipino community to read and distribute these booklets, which will assist them in their settlement needs and will inform isolated Filipinos in the rural areas.’

While Family Planning Victoria has produced translated resources in other languages, this booklet is their first in Tagalog.

‘It’s great for us to extend our services to the Filipino community,’ said CEO Lynne Jordan.

‘We were pleased to collaborate with Women’s Health West and the Centre for Philippine Concerns to produce such a unique resource.’

Let’s Talk About Sex will be distributed through Migrant Resource Centres, Filipino community organisations and groups, women’s health services, Family Planning Victoria services, community health centres and GPs.