Our history
RFSU was established in the 1930s when birth control was prohibited and sexuality education was limited. Women were afraid of getting pregnant, and tens of thousands of illegal abortions were carried out each year by unqualified individuals.
At this time Sweden was marked by poverty, high unemployment, and hunger. It was not allowed to talk about contraceptives or inform people about how to use them. Against this backdrop, syndicalist and journalist Elise "Ottar" Ottesen-Jensen founded the National Association for Sexual Education (RFSU) in 1933.
The organisation advocated for the right to abortion and contraception, sex education in schools, and the decriminalization of homosexuality. To finance the controversial business, RFSU started selling condoms – and that’s still how it works today, 90 years later.
In the beginning, RFSU ran its fight for enlightenment, justice and change against strong opposition, but eventually the work led to major changes and even changes to the law.
Global initiatives and co-founder of IPPF
RFSU has been engaged in global initiatives since its start. Ottar played a key role in founding the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). The organisation is dedicated to advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights for people worldwide and operates in almost every country.
More international involvement
RFSU’s international work began in earnest on the occasion of Ottar's 100th birthday in 1986. At that time, RFSU raised funds for the Tanzanian IPPF organisation Umati, which focused on supporting unmarried, pregnant schoolgirls. From the late 1990s, RFSU's international involvement expanded significantly, providing support to organisations from various regions including Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South America, and Eastern Europe.
RFSU at the Cairo Conference 1994
In 1994, RFSU played a role in influencing global policy as part of the Swedish delegation at the Cairo Conference, where 179 UN member states developed the program of action that serves as the foundation for efforts to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide.