Since most are too shy to discuss it and have been conditioned since childhood to consider sex as a taboo for discourse, we remain ignorant of physiological and psychological aspects of this natural, human phenomenon.

Our collective ignorance results in multifaceted problems, i.e. superstitions, psychosomatic disorders in couple-relationships -- not to mention the malpractice and exploitation by pseudoscientific treatment facilities. Moreover, any social scientist would agree that suppression of true and healthy sex education will cause insecurity and phobia among pubescent boys and girls (when they become very sensitive about the changes their bodies go through).

If implemented, introduction of sex-education will create a knowledgeable generation of well-prepared parents and families. Parents should know about sexual complications, and related psychosomatic issues, so that they can guide the children in advance. It's helpful for their personal relationships as well. Many couples remain unhappy throughout their lifetime, which often originates in the lack of physical intimacy. And if a therapist looks deeply, he (or she) is very likely to find the cause of their physical distance rooted in early childhood complexes, created by false or misguiding ideas about male/female sexuality.

I remember my own adolescent period as a horrible and painful one. None of my parents had the courage or confidence to discuss sexuality freely with me. Like many other traditional societies, my knowledge of sex came from neighbours' kids and other unreliable sources, and occasionally through some unhealthy practices (let's keep it a secret from the readers, smile!).

For example, wet dream is a normal sign of young male's crossing the border of puberty. Unfortunately, many think it's a disease, a sign of devil's possession of one's soul etc. etc. Even, many think it's a symptom of gonorrhoea as my mother thought in my case. I will never forget the sense of insecurity and inferiority that suspicion caused. Of course, like millions, my mother did not know better.

If we all grow up accepting sexuality as a part of our humanness and respect it as an integral part of our life, it will serve us well -- in terms of physical, emotional and social health.

Dr. Rahim's proposal could not have come in a better time. The question is, will our policymakers be bold and visionary enough to take the initiative?