Background and history

Issues such as the right to have an abortion, access to contraception, sexuality education, awareness of legislation, equality, educated health providers, and a life free from discrimination for homosexual, bisexual, and transgender persons, are important factors in the fight against poverty and in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and AIDS. RFSU has been internationally engaged in projects and initiatives concerning sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for many years. In 1986 RFSU began its first international initiative by cooperating with a centre for young girls in Tanzania to support young pregnant women who had been expelled from school. Yet RFSU’s efforts have been creating change even longer. In the 1950’s RFSU was a partner in the foundation of the global family planning organisation, Planned Parenthood (IPPF). During the 21st century RFSU has worked together with organisations throughout the world. Projects included initiatives for promoting the sexual health of young people in India and Russia, equality projects for men in Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya as well as sexual education for young people in China.

Today RFSU works together with organisations in many countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Bolivia, Georgia, Malawi, Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zambia and Tanzania.