About
The Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative looks forward to advancing the field by fostering interdisciplinary research, community outreach, education, and scholarly activities in collaboration with institutions and community-based organizations.
Research
Advancing Rights Through Evidence and Action
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HIV Knowledge and Stigma in Quito and Cariamanga
This project, part of ITDI’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, focused on understanding and addressing HIV-related knowledge and stigma in Quito and Cariamanga. The first phase (2018) assessed knowledge levels and perceptions of HIV in both locations, identifying key gaps and barriers. In the second phase (2019), an intervention was implemented in Cariamanga to improve HIV awareness and reduce stigma. The findings from this work provided valuable insights into community perceptions and informed strategies for future education and awareness efforts on HIV.
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Playing for understanding: The impact of interactive gaming on young adults’ sexual health education
This study examines the impact of a “choose your own adventure” (CYOA) game on improving understanding and facilitating discussions about dating, sex, and sexual health among immigrant and refugee youth who often face cultural and language barriers.
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Adolescent Participation Initiatives in SRHR in Carchi
This project examines adolescent involvement in clubs and Rurankapak fairs in Carchi, Ecuador. Given that service providers may unintentionally reinforce gender norms, the research explores their understanding of female and male sexuality, as well as whether sexuality education is overly risk-focused, neglecting aspects of curiosity and pleasure. Through interviews and field observations, the study analyzes youth participation as a strategy to reshape education and challenge gender expectations.
Community Outreach
Rurankapak fairs
Student Spotlight
Ariel, our graduate assistant and master's student in Latin American Studies, has worked closely to implement UNFPA’s Rurankapak methodology in the communities we’ve long collaborated with in Loja. She has also trained students to continue implementing the methodology in other schools, ensuring its sustainability.
Ariel received the Thomas & Anne Walker Award for Latin American Studies in recognition of her research on adolescent participation initiatives in Carchi, Ecuador, which has received broad support from the ITDI. She has presented her work at prominent conferences, including RMCLAS, OLAC, and LASA. In 2025, she was also honored with the Outstanding Graduate Student Leader (Master’s Level) award as part of Ohio University’s annual Leadership Awards .