Member Associations

Riksförbundet För Sexuell Upplysning (RFSU) has 17 local branches, 19 member organizations, 1 clinic and 1 'open house' youth clinic. RFSU works extensively in education, campaigning, advocacy, research, training, and in the international sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) arena. The organization has been especially active in the field of counselling for people with learning difficulties, visual impairment and disability, and it runs courses for volunteers working with these groups. RFSU runs seminars for the general public on the pursuit of pleasure, gender roles and male and female language, and clinics for young men, who are generally thought to be overlooked when it comes to talking about their sexuality. These clinics are run by male staff and registered nurses. RFSU conducts outreach activities at summer seaside resorts, music festivals and other youth events. This work is carried out by trained peer educators and cover sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV and AIDS, and other SRHR issues. The organization produces a quarterly bulletin which is widely read, especially by the media, and a periodical entitled `Reports on Sexuality and Reproduction'. RFSU's international activities include joint projects with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) in Tanzania andZambia, focused on the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of young people. These projects aim to increase knowledge, to promote openness and acceptance of young peoples’ sexual activity, and to improve access to contraceptive services. Other international projects focus on communicating the Swedish experience of sex education, and on providing input into the development of family planning in Russia and the Baltic States. Contacts Website: http://www.rfsu.se/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rfsu.se/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RFSU  

Established in 2004 by Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan, Respect, Educate, Nurture, Empower Women (RENEW) became an Associate Member Association of IPPF in November 2009. It aims to be the leading organization in shaping the future role of women in Bhutanese Society, helping to reduce vulnerabilities while nurturing and empowering them. Their work is focused on reaching poor, disadvantaged and adolescent girls and women. RENEW has a widespread community-based support (CBS) system (established in 20 districts), and a community outreach programme run from the RENEW centre. Work focuses on sensitization with regard to HIV and AIDS, education in family planning approaches and contraceptive methods, and enhancing the safety of pregnancy and childbirth. A clear problem in Bhutan is the unequal position of women. One of the expressions of gender inequality is high levels of gender-based violence (GBV) which is seen as a natural part of married life, and not as an issue. RENEW has a vigorous education programme designed to reverse such attitudes. Bhutan is a unique country: all development is based on promoting Gross National Happiness (GNH), and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, acceptance of every individual’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and the practical realization of those rights are regarded as critical components in increasing GNH. Given this political context, RENEW has ambitious targets. Although it has only been established for 10 years, it is making remarkable strides towards the achievement of better SRH and SRHR outcomes for the nation and its people.