Japan hides sexuality; Sweden talks about it.

The World Economic Forum's annual Gender Gap Index. In 2023, Japan ranked 125th out of 146 countries, setting a new all-time low (just ahead of the Maldives and just behind Jordan). Among developed nations, it is overwhelmingly at the bottom. One major contributing factor is said to be the lag in sex education.

Wanting to change Japan's current reality, where the gender gap is large—meaning gender inequality still persists—the sex education website "SEXOLOGY," which has been promoting comprehensive sexuality education* since 2020, sought insights for Japan. They interviewed organizations in Sweden (consistently ranked within the top 5 in the Gender Gap Index), a leader in gender equality, that are active in sex education and gender equality.

※Comprehensive sexuality education: Promoted by UNESCO and others, it has become the global standard for sexuality education. The curriculum is structured in stages, covering one's own body, relationships with others, and ultimately human rights, from pre-school age through high school graduation.

 

【RFSU】An NGO advocating for sexual issues in society and promoting proper education and legal reform

The Swedish Association for Sexuality Education (RFSU) is an NGO founded in 1933 that promotes comprehensive sexuality education, sexuality, and gender equality policies.

Since its founding, RFSU has advocated for sexual rights in Swedish society, including abortion and contraception rights, sex education in schools, and the decriminalization of homosexuality. Across approximately 20 regional branches nationwide, specially trained members provide information on sex and sexuality with an open and positive attitude. Currently, the RFSU Stockholm branch alone has about 1,600 members.

Additionally, they established the commercial company RFSU AB, which primarily sells high-quality products in the Nordic region, such as condoms, to enable comfortable and safe sexual lives. The profits generated by this commercial company, RFSU AB, enable the active and ongoing work of the non-profit organization RFSU.

Initially, their work faced strong headwinds, but it eventually led to significant change and even amendments to various laws.

RFSU's headquarters are located in the city center, featuring an attached clinic that provides counseling on issues related to sex, sexuality, and gender.

RFSU members visit schools to run sessions and workshops that complement sex education classes. They provide children with foundational knowledge and facilitate lively discussions among students on themes like "sexuality," "identity," "caring for each other," "pornography," and "safe sex."

Pornography is accessible with just a smartphone. Rather than denying it, the goal is to enable critical and healthy viewing.

For example, we practice critically examining pornography: Does it reinforce harmful gender norms or lookism? Does it trivialize sexual consent or portray violence? Does it prioritize corporate profits over exploitation? Does it address contraception and STI prevention? Rather than simply condemning or disparaging pornography, students learn how to engage with it in a non-harmful, healthy way. This class also covers other crucial aspects of sex education, including biology, communication, consent, relationships, and STIs.

Accurate knowledge about gender can help prevent sexual violence.

We spoke with Tom Peters from RFSU Stockholm.

"Beyond classroom education, we take a preventative approach to sexual violence by disseminating accurate knowledge about gender. Recently, we've also been promoting 'active bystander' initiatives where people intervene to stop potential sexual violence at large gatherings like festivals. We've started a campaign about sexuality for people with disabilities, which has received a very positive response.

We disseminate information not only to EU countries but also to immigrants within Sweden, using online videos in their native languages.

Regarding our relationship with politics, we do not favor any specific party. We express opinions based on policy and, when we believe misinformation is the basis for certain views, we organize study sessions inviting politicians.

The fact that we have our own operating company is significant. Because we have our own funding source separate from national or local government grants, we can oppose them if necessary."

【MÄN】An organization for men working to prevent male violence and achieve gender equality

Since 1993, MÄN has been a nonprofit organization for men working toward gender equality and ending men's violence. We believe that for men to become more caring (acting with consideration for others' feelings) in their personal relationships and society, we must change destructive masculinity norms. We conduct various activities both domestically and internationally.

MÄN's office in Stockholm. The organization has networks in Europe, South Africa, and Asia.

Specifically, it develops projects targeting men and fathers of all ages in key areas such as "violence prevention," "promoting equal parenting," "challenging stereotypes of masculinity," "supporting young men," and "gender and environmental connections."

For example, working with schools and municipalities nationwide, they engage young people during school hours, online, and in after-school or holiday leisure time. They spread awareness and knowledge about violence, support independent critical thinking, and foster reflective discussion through dialogue.

#MeToo prompted men to question harmful masculinity.

Johan Nikula of MÄN, whom we interviewed

"Just as our organization was growing, the #MeToo movement emerged in 2017. This led many men to question the masculinity of the time and join MÄN. We facilitated work where these men could voice their thoughts and spark conversations. For many, it was their first time hearing other men share such experiences—a simple yet effective approach.
 
To prevent violence, you need to understand what violence is. Another crucial thing is understanding gender. That's how you can recognize what harmful masculinity is.

MÄN's support hotline, Killar.se (available in Swedish and other languages), receives 6,000 calls annually. It provides supportive conversations for adolescent boys. We also have physical therapy offices where young men aged 15 to 25 can receive therapy, talking with psychologists and guidance officers.

Paternity leave is crucial. Experiences in caregiving also reduce violence.

"I believe it's important for men to take extended paternity leave. Caring for others and committing violence are polar opposites. If we create a culture where men also care for children and partners, violence will decrease proportionally."

【Youth Clinic】Youth-specific clinics are free and accessible. Strict privacy is maintained.

Youth Clinics are dedicated to young people aged 13 to 24. They have counselors, nurses, midwives, and doctors (some clinics also have psychologists or psychotherapists). You can easily talk about anything—your body, sex, gender and sexuality, relationships—and get advice and support. Services are free for those under 18, and most clinics are free for those 18 and older too. Privacy is strictly protected; even parents or guardians cannot view medical records without the individual's consent.

Youth clinics also provide advice and information on protecting yourself from pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Testing is free, and you can receive prescriptions for birth control pills and condoms. After potentially unprotected sex, such as after sexual violence or contraceptive failure, you can also receive emergency contraception for free or at a low cost.

The Västra Götaland County, where the Youth Clinic featured in this report is located, has 56 Youth Clinics (Ungdomsmottagning, UM). Among these, there is one online clinic (UM online) (※1), six reception centers for young men (MUM) (※2), and one reception center for people exposed to sexual abuse (vulnerable youth), where you can seek the support you need.

※1=Online youth clinic site " UMO.se - About sex, health, and relationships "
A website for young people aged 13 to 25. UMO.se provides knowledge on various topics including the body, sex, relationships, mental health, alcohol and drugs, and self-esteem. All regions of Sweden participate in UMO and support its operation.
 

※2=Clinic for Young Men (MUM)
A clinic addressing sexuality and relationships for men aged 18 to 30. You can discuss any concerns, from worries about STIs or sexual issues, to problems in intimate relationships, anxieties about sexual compulsions, and other worries—whether within or outside a committed relationship. Staffed by nurses, sexologists, counselors, psychologists, and doctors, MUM can also be called a "clinic for anxiety."

It is not a sex clinic, but a clinic for sexual and health rights and human rights.

We spoke with Tanja Lukin, midwife at Hishingen Youth Clinic (top), and psychologist Björn Fors (bottom).

"About 20 people work at this Hishingen Youth Clinic, including midwives, counselors, and psychologists. There are also two doctors, though they don't work every day. We can insert implants (for contraception) and perform STI testing.

We reach out on platforms young people use, like Instagram and TikTok, emphasizing that this isn't just a sex clinic, but a clinic for sexual and reproductive health rights and human rights.

However, young men, especially those with roots in other countries, don't visit here. That's why, at the start of the school year, we hold a 'Messa' (exhibition-like event) at schools as a school fair. We introduce who we are and what we do. For those who struggle with Swedish due to their roots or educational background, we deliver information using illustrations, simplified Swedish, and their own languages.

For example, even topics like masturbation, which may have been culturally taboo to discuss before, are addressed here. We explain that it is their right and that it is safe, conveying how it is perceived in Sweden."

【KSH】Administrative bodies integrating SRHR into local life and work

The Knowledge Center for Sexual Health (KSH) is an organization dedicated to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), operating within each administrative district of Västra Götaland County. It promotes SRHR and supports private companies in adopting the SRHR strategy adopted in this region.

Access to sexual and reproductive health and rights is vital for living a full life. Therefore, sexuality should be discussed more openly in healthcare, and businesses should naturally integrate SRHR into their operations. To this end, KSH collaborates with companies to advance SRHR through business development, training, and research.

Furthermore, to make SRHR more accessible to children and people with international backgrounds, KSH develops tools using plain Swedish, translations, and photographs. These tools are provided to healthcare institutions and youth clinics.

 

Promoting SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights)

Sofia Hammarström, who we spoke with.

"KSH began with activities to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Five years ago, we started working with a broader perspective, including SRHR.

This region (Västra Götaland County) has the largest population in Sweden, making healthcare one of the most critical issues. My unit specializes in sexual and reproductive health within that context."

The SRHR Bus delivers SRHR services to those who cannot access them.

"One of our initiatives is the SRHR Bus. It's a mobile sexual health clinic designed for people who typically struggle to access SRHR services, like immigrants from cultures where discussing such topics is uncommon.

Inside the bus, we can perform STI testing. We have an examination table for check-ups and also offer counseling. Middle-aged men often come in with questions. The bus format probably makes it easier for them to access these services.

At KSH, we offer weekly consultations on SRHR because everyone must have access to it. Immigrants have the right to an interpreter. We provide information, knowledge, and support on sexuality, gender, and more, aligned with WHO's basic healthcare access standards.

We also hold conferences and provide guidance on SRHR and STIs for students, and collaborate on conferences where various stakeholders, such as the Public Health Agency, gather to discuss how to change curricula."

(Editor's Note)
Sex is not a taboo; it is an essential and important part of life.

In Japan, proper education about sex, sexuality, and gender equality is rare. People are often told they shouldn't discuss such topics in public. So, even if they feel anxious about something, many likely think: "No way would I consult my parents, friends, or even a teacher!"

Of course, in Sweden too, talking openly about sex between parents and children isn't without its hurdles. However, precisely because of this, not only is comprehensive sexuality education provided from early childhood, but various forms of support are available to address anxieties and questions that arise during the growth process. Furthermore, while SRHR often focuses the spotlight on young women, it's worth noting that there are services and organizations specifically targeting boys—who are often left behind and find it even harder to seek advice due to gender norms.

Only through such approaches can young people's sexual and reproductive health be protected, and this is an initiative made possible only by the consensus that it is a right. Moreover, it's not just for children; adults are included too. I felt that access to comprehensive sexuality education and SRHR is guaranteed as a fundamental human right, extending even to people from outside Sweden, such as immigrants.

To be continued!

Read the article on the SEXOLOGY site here
https://sexology.life/world/swedish_sex_education/
https://sexology.life/world/swedish_sex_education_2/