Since the Aubry Law of July 4, 2001, sexuality education has been mandatory in France, requiring three sessions per year in schools, middle schools, and high schools. However, the 2021 report from the General Inspectorate of Education, Sport, and Research reveals that fewer than 15%[1] of students actually receive these sessions, despite the National Sexual Health Strategy 2017-2030 aiming for full coverage by 2023[2]. In response to this gap, the RAJA-Danièle Marcovici Foundation supports initiatives that facilitate access to this essential education.
A new program in 2025 for education on emotional, relational, and sexual life
On January 23, 2025, live on France Inter, Education Minister Élisabeth Borne introduced the new Education on Emotional, Relational, and Sexual Life (EVARS) program, set to be implemented in the 2025-2026 school year. According to the minister, this program will be “highly attentive to providing appropriate information based on the student’s age,” ensuring a tailored pedagogical approach.
The primary goal of this initiative is to raise awareness among younger generations about sexual violence, consent, and gender equality. It also addresses major challenges, such as combating the rise of gender-based and sexual violence, including online abuse, dismantling gender stereotypes, and preventing sexual assaults, which remain alarmingly prevalent among young people. In France, 160,000 children fall victim to sexual violence each year[3], with the majority being cases of incest.
EVARS: principles and objectives
EVARS is founded on several key principles:
What EVARS is not
According to the High Council for Gender Equality, a significant majority of children are exposed to pornographic content by the age of 10, often without any preparation. Contrary to misconceptions, education on emotional, relational, and sexual life (EVARS) does not aim to sexualize children or encourage premature practices. Its goal is to provide informed understanding, helping young people better understand their bodies, develop a healthy perspective on relationships, and grasp the importance of consent.
Consequences of the absence of EVARS
Without this essential education, young people face numerous risks:
Initiatives supported by the RAJA-Danièle Marcovici Foundation
“Sexotrucs” Series
Available on Lumni.fr, this educational program helps children as young as eight understand relationships and discover their bodies. Through a caring and age-appropriate approach, “Sexotrucs” unfolds in a poetic universe where paper and animated objects intertwine to address essential topics such as gender equality, diverse family models, and acceptance of differences.
White paper: for comprehensive sexuality education
This document, developed by a collective of associations, presents 46 recommendations proposing deep, cross-sector, and lasting advancements in the governance, implementation, content, training, and facilitation of sexuality education sessions.
The recommendations primarily focus on three key areas:
📄 Access the full document here.
A continued commitment
Education on emotional and sexual life is a fundamental right. The RAJA-Danièle Marcovici Foundation is committed to ensuring access to this education through the initiatives it supports, enabling every child, especially young girls, to grow and thrive in a respectful and nurturing environment.
[1] https://www.lecese.fr/actualites/education-la-vie-affective-relationnelle-et-sexuelle-demeler-le-vrai-du-faux-0
[2] https://sante.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/strategie_nationale_sante_sexuelle.pdf
[3] https://www.ciivise.fr/le-rapport-public-de-2023
