This in turn can fundamentally affect the individual's identity, sense of self-worth, and ability to act on her own behalf, or even in her own defense. In the context of silence and misinformation about RTIs, young people in many societies are pressured by their peers, the media, and other sources to experience sex early. Boys may encourage each other to have heterosexual experiences early and press girls to accommodate them. Girls and women frequently confront a profoundly painful dilemma. They are under pressure to have sex, but, unlike their male partners, they are likely to face severe social, physical, and personal consequences if they do.
Sex is generally a private act, recognized as such by the state.
Thus, the stronger partner, usually the man, can, with impunity, subject the weaker partner to abuse. Public demonstrations of male power take the form of sexual harassment of girls and women, or rape. Victims are often too intimidated to take action, and the perpetrator may see nothing wrong in his behavior. Participants pointed out that the double standard of sexual behavior perpetuates and justifies the demand for commercial sex. The commercialization of women's sexuality and the sex act, reflected in international and national commercial sex industries, pornography, advertising, and the media, projects women as sexual objects all men are entitled to.