Lead the Global Movement for Sexual Health, Rights, Justice and Pleasure

Become a Candidate for the WAS Advisory Committee (2025–2029)

As sexual health and rights face growing threats across the world, the need for informed, inclusive leadership has never been more urgent.

The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) invites experienced professionals from across its Member Organizations to stand for election to the Advisory Committee (AC)—a vital governance body that helps guide the strategic direction, mission, and impact of our global confederation between General Assemblies.

Election Date: 17 June 2025

Location: WAS General Assembly at the 27th Congress in Brisbane, Australia

Application Deadline: 23 May 2025

Term: 2025 to 2029

A Call for Courageous Leadership

From increasing resistance to sexuality education and LGBTQIA+ rights to shrinking resources for public health, this is a pivotal moment for our field. WAS is calling on dedicated health professionals, educators, researchers, and advocates to help meet this moment through principled and collaborative leadership.

Why WAS?

Founded in 1978, WAS is the world’s leading multidisciplinary organisation advancing sexual health and rights through advocacy, education, research, strategic partnerships, and professional development. Our work centres equity, ethics, and evidence in all areas of sexual health, rights, justice, and pleasure.

About the Advisory Committee

The WAS Advisory Committee is composed of 19 elected representatives from Member Organizations, in addition to the immediate Past President and the Presidents of Regional Federations. It is the second-highest governing body of WAS, responsible for shaping key decisions between General Assemblies.

AC members:

• Help define the global agenda, strategic direction, and policy priorities of WAS

• Represent WAS in their respective regions and across international platforms

• Support the development of programmes, events, and resources

• Engage with key partners, including WHO, PAHO, UNFPA, UNESCO, and IPPF

• Champion diversity, inclusion, and the rights of marginalised communities

This is a high-impact volunteer role that carries both responsibility and opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Guidance: Contribute to the long-term vision, priorities, and policy positions of WAS.

Advocacy and Outreach: Serve as an ambassador for WAS within your professional networks, institutions, and region.

Knowledge and Expertise: Bring your experience to publications, events, and the continued development of sexology and sexual health as recognised fields.

Program Development: Help shape content and speakers for conferences, webinars, and educational initiatives.

Ethics, Inclusion, and Justice: Uphold WAS’s core values and ensure inclusive representation across all activities and decisions.

Time Commitment

• A minimum of one hour per week (with greater involvement depending on committee roles)

• Two Advisory Committee meetings per year (one in-person, one virtual)

• Ongoing participation in working groups or projects

While attendance at the WAS Congress is not mandatory, applicants must be realistically able to participate in in-person meetings, including at least one per year, which are self-funded. Individual circumstances are considered, but all AC members should have a strong likelihood of being able to travel to represent WAS as needed.

What You Will Gain

Global Recognition: Enhance your professional profile through service in one of the world’s most respected sexual health organisations.

Networking: Build meaningful relationships with international leaders and advocates.

Professional Development: Strengthen your leadership, governance, and strategic planning skills.

Purposeful Contribution: Be part of a global movement advancing equity, justice, and pleasure in sexual health.

Eligibility and Application Process

To apply, you must:

• Be endorsed by a WAS Member Organization or Federation

• Have a demonstrated commitment to sexual health, rights, justice, and/or pleasure

• Agree to uphold WAS’s declarations, policies, and values

• Be willing to serve for a four-year term

How to Apply

Send the following to exec@worldsexualhealth.net by 21 May 2025:

• A current CV, including a profile photograph

• A cover letter outlining your interest, region, and gender identity (to ensure regional and gender balance in accordance with WAS statutes)

• A letter of endorsement from your WAS Member Organization or Federation

The new Advisory Committee will be elected and officially announced during the WAS General Assembly on 17 June 2025 in Brisbane.

Join Us

This is your opportunity to step into a leadership role with global influence—joining a diverse, passionate, and principled community working to advance sexual health, rights, justice, and pleasure for all. We hope you’ll consider contributing your voice and expertise at a time when informed, inclusive leadership is more vital than ever.

If you have any questions about the role or application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the WAS Executive Office at exec@worldsexualhealth.net or call +27 828 729 353 (South African business hours).

We look forward to your candidacy.

World Association for Sexual Health

For more information, read the full letter here.