ABSTRACT The global COVID-19 pandemic caused significant economic and financial losses in the Ecuadorian banking sector. This study aims to determine the extent to which credit risk and liquidity affect the profitability of mutual savings banks in Ecuador between 2018 and 2021. To this end, the population consisted of the four existing mutual savings banks, and data from a panel of 192 observations were used, applying a PLS-SEM model to demonstrate the relationships. The results showed that credit risk has a negative impact on the liquidity and profitability of these financial institutions; in the case of liquidity, it was found that it does not affect profitability. Consequently, it is essential to control credit risk through delinquency indices, which makes it necessary to consider the structure of the loan portfolio.

RESUMEN La pandemia mundial producto del COVID-19 ocasionó importantes pérdidas económicas y financieras en el sector bancario ecuatoriano. El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar en qué medida el riesgo crediticio y la liquidez afectan la rentabilidad de las mutualistas en Ecuador, entre el 2018 y 2021. Para tal efecto, la población estuvo constituida por las cuatro mutualistas existentes, con cuyos datos se trabajó con datos de panel de 192 observaciones, aplicando un modelo PLS-SEM para evidenciar las relaciones. De esta manera, los resultados mostraron que el riesgo crediticio incide negativamente sobre la liquidez y la rentabilidad de estas instituciones financieras; en el caso de la liquidez, se ha podido percibir que esta no afecta a la rentabilidad. En consecuencia, es sumamente importante controlar el riesgo crediticio, a través de los índices de morosidad, por lo que es necesario considerar la estructura de cartera.

Abstract In this article we investigate neopaganism as a cultural imprint of contemporary Western societies. Closely related to the opposition to Christianity, neopaganism is configured as a philosophy that, consciously and radically, is reluctant to all types of dualism. In this order of ideas, God and the world become two different, separate and irreducible ontological levels. The main objective of the work is to demonstrate that neopaganism is another form of nihilism, through a qualitative approach typical of the human sciences, and will use both the hermeneutical phenomenological method and documentary analysis since it seeks to deepen the rupture with the popular religious traditions, to return to the old sacred conception of the world as a place full of gods, in which there are no more moral demands than those indicated by man as the center of this neopagan metaphysical and anthropological scheme. The main result obtained is the verification of the nihilism that the neopagan proposal contains in the religious, moral, anthropological and political order with a detailed characterization of the phenomenon and its relativistic consequences in Western thought.

Resumen En el presente artículo investigamos acerca del neopaganismo como una impronta cultural de las actuales sociedades occidentales. Relacionado estrechamente con la oposición al cristianismo, el neopaganismo se configura como una filosofía que, de manera consciente y radical, se muestra reacia a todo tipo de dualismo. En este orden de ideas, Dios y el mundo devienen dos niveles ontológicos distintos, separados e irreductibles. El objetivo principal del trabajo es el de demostrar que el neopaganismo constituye una forma de nihilismo, mediante un enfoque cualitativo propio de las ciencias humanas, y se servirá tanto del método fenomenológico hermenéutico como del análisis documental, puesto que busca profundizar en la ruptura con las tradiciones religiosas populares, para retornar a la vieja concepción sagrada del mundo como un lugar lleno de dioses, en el que no hay más exigencias morales que las que señale el hombre como centro de este esquema metafísico y antropológico neopagano. El principal resultado obtenido es la comprobación del nihilismo que encierra la propuesta neopagana en el orden religioso, moral, antropológico y político con una detallada caracterización del fenómeno y sus consecuencias relativistas en el pensamiento occidental.

RESUMEN Esta investigación constituye un planteo crítico-reflexivo cuya pretensión es dotar de legitimidad al derecho penal. Sus objetivos se basan principalmente en los aportes que la criminología crítica pueda informar al saber jurídico-penal a fin de que este pueda sustentarse en la dignidad humana, como un saber que propicia el bienestar de la sociedad latinoamericana. Debido a aquello, se utiliza el método polifacético de la crítica criminológica, que permite no solo observar la real operatividad del sistema penal, sino además transformar dicha realidad, deconstruyendo al penalismo latinoamericano. En ese sentido, se emplea la técnica de investigación documental para examinar diversos textos relacionados con la hipótesis propuesta. El objetivo es obtener información que contribuya a promover una potencial ruptura epistemológica en el ámbito de este conocimiento jurídico, especialmente en lo que concierne a sus objetivos fundamentales. Así, se establecen algunos aportes para que el derecho penal deje atrás su pasado de persecución hacia los excluidos, su ínsita selectividad penal, así como su indolencia ante las injusticias que perpetra el Estado a través del poder punitivo, todo lo cual es incompatible con las premisas garantistas, encaminándolo como un saber jurídico digno de llamarse derecho y, por tanto, destinado a perseguir crímenes de sistema o globales que afectan gravemente a nuestras sociedades contemporáneas.

ABSTRACT This research constitutes a critical-reflexive approach whose aim is to provide criminal law with legitimacy. Its objectives are mainly based on the contributions that critical criminology can make to criminal-legal knowledge so that it can be based on human dignity, as a knowledge that favors the welfare of Latin American society. Because of this, the multifaceted method of criminological criticism is used, which allows not only to observe the real operation of the penal system, but also to transform this reality, deconstructing Latin American penalism. In this sense, the documentary research technique is used to approach different texts on the hypothesis raised to generate inputs to promote a possible epistemological rupture of this legal knowledge regarding its purposes. Thus, some contributions are established for criminal law to leave behind its past of persecution of the excluded, its inherent criminal selectivity, as well as its indolence before the injustices perpetrated by the State through the punitive power, all of which is incompatible with the guarantee premises, and to direct it as a legal knowledge worthy of being called Law and, therefore, destined to prosecute system or global crimes that seriously affect our contemporary societies.

Resumen El artículo pretende actualizar el Humanismo Crítico que su autor encuentra en el legado de la Escuela de Frankfurt. En una primera parte argumenta que la “abolición del ser humano” es una tendencia que acompaña a nuestras sociedades desde hace tiempo (1) y que esta tendencia se hace más visible a través de una crítica comprometida de la “modernidad neoliberal” (2). En la segunda parte el ensayo explica lo que se entiende aquí por “Humanismo Crítico”, tratando primero de distanciarse de una de las propuestas más actuales por definir este concepto (3), para después indicar que el concepto, tal como es usado aquí, se orienta en las obras de la Escuela de Frankfurt, de las cuales se discuten por razones de espacio solamente las de Max Horkheimer (4) y de Theodor W. Adorno (5). El argumento central del artículo es que desde la perspectiva de la Escuela de Frankfurt el compromiso con el Humanismo Crítico obliga a la práctica de la investigación social crítica.

Abstract The article aims to update the Critical Humanism that its author finds in the legacy of the Frankfurt School. In the first part, it argues that the “abolition of the human being” is a tendency that has been accompanying our societies for some time (1) and that this tendency becomes more visible through a committed critique of “neoliberal modernity” (2). In the second part the essay explains what is understood here by “Critical Humanism”, trying first to distance itself from one of the most current proposals for defining this concept (3), and then indicating that the concept as used here is oriented in the works of the Frankfurt School, of which only those of Max Horkheimer (4) and Theodor W. Adorno (5) are discussed for reasons of space. The central argument of the article is that from the perspective of the Frankfurt School, the commitment to Critical Humanism follows the practice of critical social research.

Resumen En esta charla Lorena Madrigal nos comparte sus reflexiones en torno a la manera en que los investigadores del Norte global se relacionan con sus colegas del Sur global, específicamente en relación a las investigaciones bioantropológicas. Para esto, pone como ejemplo emblemático el tipo de práctica que Aleš Hrdlička realizó a inicios del siglo XX. Habla sobre su descontento en relación a cómo los investigadores de países y universidades del norte son referidos en comparación con lo que ocurre con los investigadores locales, por ejemplo, en notas científicas informativas y otros espacios de difusión de la ciencia. Ahonda en el enfoque evolucionista de sus investigaciones, y contrasta éstas con los estudios de corte biomédico. Por último, sugiere ideas para que los antropólogos biológicos latinoamericanos, y concretamente la Asociación Latinoamericana de Antropología Biológica, establezca mejores procesos de organización de la propia asociación y genere vínculos con sociedades o instituciones científicas locales y también del Norte global.

Abstract In this talk, Lorena Madrigal shares her reflections on how researchers from the global North engage with their counterparts in the global South, particularly regarding bioanthropological studies. For this, she uses Aleš Hrdlička's practices in the early 20th century as an emblematic example. Madrigal discusses her dissatisfaction with the disparities in how scientists from northern universities and countries are recognized compared to local researchers, such as in scientific news and other science communication platforms. She delves into the evolutionary focus of these research practices, contrasting them with biomedical approaches. Finally, she offers suggestions for Latin American biological anthropologists, especially the Latin American Association of Biological Anthropology, on establishing better organizational processes and fostering connections with scientific societies or institutions at the local level and with the global north.

Resumo Nesta palestra, Lorena Madrigal compartilha suas reflexões sobre a forma como os pesquisadores do Norte global se relacionam com seus colegas do sul global, especificamente em relação à pesquisa bioantropológica. Para isso, ela dá como exemplo emblemático o tipo de prática que Aleš Hrdlička realizou no início do século XX. Ela fala sobre sua insatisfação com a forma como os pesquisadores de países e universidades do norte são referidos em comparação com o que acontece com os pesquisadores locais, por exemplo, em notas científicas informativas e outros espaços de divulgação científica. Ela investiga a abordagem evolutiva de sua pesquisa e a contrasta com os estudos biomédicos. Finalmente, ela sugere ideias para os antropólogos biológicos latino-americanos, e especificamente a Associação Latino-Americana de Antropologia Biológica, para estabelecer melhores processos de organização da própria associação e gerar vínculos com sociedades ou instituições científicas locais e do Norte global.

Resumen Este trabajo tiene por propósito compartir algunos de los avances alcanzados en una línea de investigación, que se encuadra en una maestría en Género, Sociedades y Políticas Públicas (FLACSO), en la cual se buscó indagar qué significados con relación a ESI desde una perspectiva de género(s) enuncian estudiantes y docente en el campo de formación, espacio común que reúne a estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias Humanas y de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (UNLPam) en el período 2021/2022. Se optó por una investigación cualitativa, la cual permite interpretar significados construidos, habilitar múltiples miradas y brinda la posibilidad de trabajar desde varios marcos de referencia. Para la construcción de datos, se trabajó con planes, programas y propuestas de enseñanza; entrevistas a docentes, y encuestas de opinión y entrevistas grupales a estudiantes. Estas voces estudiantiles compartimos en este escrito.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho é compartilhar alguns dos avanços alcançados em uma linha de pesquisa, que faz parte do mestrado em Gênero, Sociedades e Políticas Públicas (FLACSO), na qual buscamos investigar quais os significados em relação ao ESI de uma perspectiva de gênero(s) afirmada por alunos e professores do campo de formação, um espaço comum que reúne estudantes da Faculdade de Ciências Humanas e de Ciências Exatas e Naturais (UNLPAm) no período 2021/2022. Optou-se pela pesquisa qualitativa, que permite interpretar significados construídos, possibilitando múltiplas perspectivas e oferecendo a possibilidade de trabalhar a partir de vários quadros de referência. Para construir os dados, trabalhamos com planos, programas e propostas de ensino; entrevistas com professores e pesquisas de opinião e entrevistas em grupo com alunos. Essas vozes de estudantes compartilham en esta escrita.

Abstract The purpose of this work is to share some of the progress made in a line of research, which is part of a master's degree in Gender, Societies and Public Policies (FLACSO), in which we sought to investigate what meanings in relation to ESI from a gender perspective are expressed by students and teachers in the training field, a common space that brings together students from the Faculty of Human Sciences and Exact and Natural Sciences (UNLPAm) in the period 2021/2022. A qualitative research was chosen, which allows to interpret constructed meanings, enable multiple perspectives and offers the possibility of working from various frames of reference. To construct data, we worked with teaching plans, programs and proposals; interviews with teachers, and opinion surveys and group interviews with students. These student voices share this writing.

Resumo O artigo foca-se na discussão da Renda Básica Universal (RBU) como proposta política redistributiva radical que projeta modos alternativos de organizar a sociedade e de viver a vida, mais ajustados às muitas exigências, desafios e expectativas que marcam a vida contemporânea. O propósito central da análise passa por discutir os grandes princípios da RBU, procurando compreender as suas implicações em termos de construção de condições de liberdade material, bem como o seu potencial para induzir transformações sociais estruturais. Considerando estes objetivos e tendo por base os contributos proporcionados pela pesquisa bibliográfica, é possível depreender que a RBU poderá assegurar uma base material de liberdade efetiva, promotora de capacidades de autodeterminação, e contribuir para (novas) sociedades e subjetividades de bem-estar, num quadro de renovação e reforço do Estado de bem-estar social. focase foca se (RBU exigências contemporânea estruturais bibliográfica efetiva autodeterminação novas (novas bemestar, bemestar estar, estar social

Abstract The article focuses on discussing Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a radical redistributive political proposal that envisions alternative ways of organising society and living, more attuned to the diverse demands, challenges and expectations of contemporary life. The primary aim of the analysis is to discuss the main assumptions of the UBI, seeking to understand its implications for material freedom and its potential to induce structural social transformations. Considering these objectives and based on the various insights provided by the bibliographical research, it is possible to deduce that UBI could ensure a material basis for effective freedom, promoting self-determination capabilities, and can contribute to (new) welfare societies and subjectivities, within a framework of renewal and reinforcement of the welfare state. (UBI living demands life transformations research selfdetermination self determination capabilities new (new subjectivities state

Resumen Esta revisión conceptual analiza exhaustivamente las políticas educativas implementadas en América Latina y el Caribe, y su impacto en el fortalecimiento de sociedades democráticas. Mediante una búsqueda sistemática en bases de datos académicas reconocidas y aplicando criterios rigurosos de inclusión y exclusión, se seleccionaron y validaron fuentes relevantes. Éstas fueron analizadas en profundidad a través de fichas de lectura, resúmenes analíticos y evaluación de su solidez metodológica. Los resultados revelan desafíos significativos, como la desigualdad en el acceso a la educación, la influencia de intereses económicos y políticos y la falta de continuidad en las políticas educativas. No obstante, también se destacan experiencias exitosas y estrategias innovadoras, como la promoción de enfoques pedagógicos críticos, el fortalecimiento de la formación docente y la participación comunitaria en la gestión escolar. Esta revisión contribuye sustancialmente al debate académico y público sobre la relación entre educación y democracia, y ofrece una perspectiva crítica y actualizada que puede orientar a los tomadores de decisiones en el diseño e implementación de políticas educativas más efectivas para el fortalecimiento de sociedades democráticas en la región.

Abstract This conceptual review exhaustively analyzes the educational policies implemented in Latin America and the Caribbean and their impact on strengthening democratic societies. Relevant sources were selected and validated through a systematic search in recognized academic databases and applying rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria. These were analyzed in depth through reading sheets, analytical summaries, and evaluation of their methodological soundness. The results reveal significant challenges, such as inequality in access to education, the influence of economic and political interests, and the lack of continuity in educational policies. However, successful experiences and innovative strategies are highlighted, such as promoting critical pedagogical approaches, strengthening teacher training, and community participation in school management. This review contributes substantially to the academic and public debate on the relationship between education and democracy. It offers a critical and updated perspective that can guide decisionmakers in designing and implementing more effective educational policies for strengthening democratic societies in the region.

Resumen México enfrenta profundas desigualdades: el 10% más rico concentra el 57.4% de los ingresos y el 78.7% de la riqueza del país, mientras que el 50% más pobre apenas accede al 9.2% de los ingresos y carece de riqueza significativa. La desigualdad social y la pobreza están estrechamente relacionadas. Aunque la desigualdad no es la única causa de la pobreza, desempeña un papel significativo en su perpetuación. Abordar la desigualdad social es esencial para combatir eficazmente la pobreza y construir sociedades más equitativas y justas. La tasa de mortalidad infantil TMI es un indicador clave, fuertemente influenciado por factores estructurales como la pobreza, que refleja muertes evitables, innecesarias y prematuras, que pueden prevenirse mediante acciones individuales y colectivas de atención. La relación entre pobreza y salud infantil es bien reconocida, ya que la pobreza está asociada con los peores resultados en la salud infantil, particularmente en la mortalidad infantil. En 2020, la distribución de la mortalidad infantil entre las entidades federativas de México fue notablemente heterogénea, con tasas que oscilaron entre 6.1 y 20.5 defunciones por cada 1,000 nacimientos. El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson entre la TMI y el porcentaje de personas en situación de pobreza extrema r = 0.550, el rezago educativo r = 0.530, la carencia de acceso a los servicios de salud r = 0.547; y las personas con 3 o más carencias sociales r = 0.520 fue alto y estadísticamente significativo; pero también la TMI está moderadamente asociada a la pobreza r = 0.494 y la carencia de seguridad social r = 0.494. Las 9 entidades con altas o muy altas tasas de mortalidad infantil y pobreza extrema fueron Chiapas, Guerrero, México, Michoacán, Puebla, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Tlaxcala y Yucatán. Aunque México ha logrado reducir su tasa de mortalidad infantil, esta sigue siendo muy superior al promedio de los países de la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico OCDE. Para continuar disminuyendo esta tasa, es necesario abordar la reducción de la pobreza, expandir el acceso a servicios de salud esenciales, mejorar la atención prenatal y posnatal, y fortalecer los servicios preventivos, como la vacunación. Se requiere impulsar un programa especial que involucre a todas las instituciones de salud y cuente con recursos adecuados. Es crucial priorizar las acciones en las 9 entidades más afectadas. Resulta inaceptable que, en el año 2020, la mortalidad infantil en Oaxaca haya sido más de 3 veces superior a la de Nayarit.

Abstract Mexico faces deep inequalities: the richest 10% concentrate 57.4% of the country's income and 78.7% of its wealth, while the poorest 50% have access to barely 9.2% of the income and lack significant wealth. Social inequality and poverty are closely linked. While inequality is not the only cause of poverty, it plays a significant role in perpetuating it. Addressing social inequality is essential to effectively combat poverty and build more equitable and fair societies. The infant mortality rate IMR is a key indicator, strongly influenced by structural factors such as poverty, which reflects avoidable, unnecessary and premature deaths, which can be prevented through individual and collective actions. The relationship between poverty and child health is well recognized, as poverty is associated with the worst outcomes in child health, particularly in infant mortality. In 2020, the distribution of infant mortality among the Mexican states was remarkably heterogeneous, with rates ranging from 6.1 to 20.5 deaths per 1,000 births. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the IMR and the percentage of people living in extreme poverty r = 0.550, educational gap r = 0.530, lack of access to health services r = 0.547; and people with 3 or more social deficiencies r = 0.520 was high and statistically significant; but the IMR is also moderately associated with poverty r = 0.494 and lack of social security r = 0.494. The nine entities with high or very high rates of infant mortality and extreme poverty were Chiapas, Guerrero, Mexico, Michoacán, Puebla, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, and Yucatán. Although Mexico has managed to reduce its infant mortality rate, it is still much higher than the average for Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development OECD countries. To further reducing this rate, it is necessary to address poverty reduction, expand access to essential health services, improve prenatal and postnatal care, and strengthen preventive services, such as vaccination. A special program involving all health institutions and with adequate resources is required. It is crucial to prioritize actions in the nine most affected Mexican states. It is unacceptable that, in 2020, infant mortality in Oaxaca was more than three times higher than Nayarit.

Abstract The management of lithic resources is a central activity in the reproduction of social life in many past societies. In the context of these operations, individuals and groups developed actions, values and attitudes based on their technological habits, cultural patterns and symbolic representations, closely linked to the landscape they inhabited and its natural resources. The aim of this paper is to approach the social practices related to rock procurement and the social landscapes, that make up indigenous quarries. To achieve this, we first conducted a bibliographic review of different ethnoarchaeological cases that document different activities and practices related to rock procurement. Then, concerning some of these data, we analyzed the archaeological landscapes and the material record of two quarry areas located in the center-East of Tandilia hills (Buenos Aires, Argentina) and Antofagasta de la Sierra (Catamarca, Argentina).

Resumen La gestión de los recursos líticos es una actividad central en la reproducción de la vida de muchas sociedades pasadas. En el marco de estas operaciones, los individuos y grupos desarrollaron acciones, valoraciones y actitudes enraizadas en sus hábitos tecnológicos, sus patrones culturales y sus representaciones simbólicas, que se encuentran estrechamente ligadas al paisaje que habitaron y sus bienes naturales. El objetivo de este trabajo es abordar las prácticas sociales relacionadas con la obtención de rocas y los paisajes culturalmente construidos que conforman las canteras prehispánicas. Para ello se efectúa un recorrido bibliográfico sobre diferentes casos etnoarqueológicos que documentan actividades y prácticas diversas en torno al aprovisionamiento. Luego, a la luz de algunos de esos datos, se analizan los paisajes arqueológicos y el registro material de dos áreas de canteras localizadas en el centro-este de las Sierras de Tandilia (Buenos Aires, Argentina) y Antofagasta de la Sierra (Catamarca, Argentina).

Abstract: This article explores the key themes of current research on anger and to identify challenges to address in future studies. More research on anger across diverse cultural contexts is needed, particularly in non-Western societies, and for comparative studies that consider both historical and cross-cultural perspectives. Some widely held beliefs about anger must be challenged, including the idea that it is the primary driver of social action against injustice, without acknowledging the potential role of positive emotions in motivating such action. There is also a need for contemporary studies that examine the intersections between anger and gender, as well as the social and political implications of anger. Finally, an important area of study involves the links between anger and illness from the standpoint of modern medicine. Addressing these challenges requires the development of multidisciplinary approaches that can capture the complexity and nuance of anger from various perspectives-historical, literary, philosophical, anthropological, gender studies, sociology, politics, psychology, and medicine, among others-using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

Resumen: El objetivo de este artículo es analizar las líneas fundamentales de las investigaciones actuales en torno a la ira y, principalmente, señalar algunos de los retos que estos estudios tienen que enfrentar en el futuro. Necesitamos, en este sentido, investigaciones sobre la ira en distintos contextos culturales, especialmente no occidentales, y desarrollar estudios comparados tanto desde el punto de vista histórico como transcultural. Es conveniente también matizar algunas ideas bastante extendidas sobre la ira, como aquella según la cual esta emoción es prácticamente el único factor que moviliza la acción social frente a la injusticia, sin considerar el papel que las emociones positivas también pueden desempeñar en esta tarea. Por otra parte, requerimos más estudios actuales sobre la vinculación entre la ira y el género, y sus usos sociales y políticos. Por último, también es imperativo explorar las relaciones que existen entre la ira y la enfermedad desde el punto de vista de la medicina contemporánea. En conclusión, todos estos desafíos apuntan, tal y como proponemos en el artículo, a la necesidad de desarrollar enfoques multidisciplinares que permitan abordar la complejidad y la ambigüedad que afecta a esta emoción desde distintos puntos de vista (histórico, literario, filosófico, antropológico, de género, sociológico, político, psicológico y médico, entre otros) y analizarla con distintas metodologías tanto cualitativas como cuantitativas.

Resumo: O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as principais linhas de pesquisa atuais sobre a ira e, acima de tudo, apontar alguns dos desafios que esses estudos devem enfrentar no futuro. Nesse sentido, precisamos de pesquisas sobre a ira em diferentes contextos culturais, especialmente os não ocidentais, e desenvolver estudos comparativos tanto históricos quanto interculturais. Também é útil qualificar algumas ideias muito difundidas sobre a ira, como a ideia de que esta é praticamente o único fator que mobiliza a ação social diante da injustiça, sem considerar o papel que as emoções positivas também podem desempenhar nessa tarefa. Além disso, precisamos de pesquisas mais atuais sobre a ligação entre ira e gênero e seus usos sociais e políticos. Por fim, é imperativo explorar as relações entre ira e doença do ponto de vista da medicina contemporânea. Todos esses desafios apontam, como propomos neste artigo, para a necessidade de desenvolver abordagens multidisciplinares para lidar com a complexidade e a ambiguidade que afetam essa emoção de diferentes pontos de vista (histórico, literário, filosófico, antropológico, de gênero, sociológico, político, psicológico e médico, entre outros) e analisá-la com diferentes metodologias, tanto qualitativas quanto quantitativas.

Even though sexuality is an important aspect of humanity, talking about issues concerning sexuality is still taboo in many communities. Different religions and colonial structures banished African sexuality rituals and rites of passage in many communities because they were believed to be pagan. This wholesale erasure of sexual traditions created spaces in which the good was thrown out with the bad. That legacy has created many challenges in modern-day society, which could be addressed by comprehensive sexuality education. Therefore, a group of master's and doctoral students from contexts where sex talk is taboo were invited to join a funded project to conduct research on gender and sexuality in education. This paper presents a collaboration between the students and their supervisor in rethinking the need for comprehensive sexuality education in African contexts. A round-table discussion was used to generate data for this qualitative, critical, collaborative self-study. The findings highlight several societal challenges that provide a basis for the urgent inclusion of comprehensive sexuality education into curricula across schools and communities. We argue, from the findings, that maintaining the taboo status of sexuality issues does not serve anyone. It is like hiding our head in the sand even as our whole body is exposed. Thus, the study has implications for teacher education and community development projects towards equitable societies with healthy sexual lives.

Abstract Objective Child sexual violence is a multidimensional problem of many contemporary societies, affecting people of all sexes, social stratum and age groups. Offenses involving children and adolescents are more serious, given their total or partial dependence on parents and caregivers. Information on child sexual violence in Brazil is found in raw form and without detail. The objective was to compare the information with social and economic data in the state of Paraná. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective study of secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) on cases of sexual violence involving victims aged 0 to 19 years. Results are presented according to notification characteristics. The authors applied exploratory spatial data analysis to assess spatial autocorrelations and investigated relationships by the ordinary least squares regression model. Results Between 2017 and 2021, there were 13,403 reports of child sexual violence in Paraná State, Brazil. Most victims (82.8%) were female and aged between 10 and 14 years. The majority of sexual violence cases (67.8%) occurred in the home environment. The highest rates on a population basis were observed in the North Central and Greater Curitiba regions, mainly in cities with higher population density and with higher rates of other types of violence. Conclusion The results provide data that can promote a broader understanding of the distribution of sexual violence and the state and associated variations. It is expected to improve the provision of care for victims of child sexual violence and assist in strategic planning to prevent future offenses. societies sexes groups serious caregivers detail SINAN (SINAN 1 years characteristics model 201 2021 13403 13 403 13,40 State 82.8% 828 82 8 (82.8% 67.8% 678 67 (67.8% environment regions variations offenses 20 202 1340 40 13,4 82.8 (82.8 67.8 6 (67.8 2 134 4 13, 82. (82. 67. (67. (82 (67 (8 (6 (