By Moses Magadza in Durban, South Africa

Sweden has reaffirmed sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) as a central pillar of its international development cooperation, describing bodily autonomy, gender equality and access to essential health services as indispensable to resilient and sustainable societies.

Swedish Ambassador to South Africa, Her Excellency Anna Karin Eneström, made the remarks when she opened the Sweden on the Road: Gender-responsive Climate Action Edition at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Westville Campus on 9 September 2026.

The initiative took the Embassy of Sweden beyond Pretoria to engage directly with young South Africans on the interconnected challenges of climate change, gender inequality and SRHR, while creating opportunities for dialogue, innovation and collaboration.

“SRHR remains at the heart of Sweden’s development cooperation and is a clear priority for the Swedish Government,” Ambassador Eneström said.

She explained that Sweden understands sexual health as encompassing physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality; not merely the absence of disease or other health problems.

SRHR, she said, requires access to appropriate information, services and enabling conditions so that people can protect their health and make informed, autonomous decisions about their bodies and futures.

“At its core, Sweden’s commitment to SRHR is grounded in the belief that every person should have the knowledge, services and freedom to make decisions about their own body and future,” she said.

The Ambassador stressed that SRHR should not be viewed only as a health concern. It was also fundamental to human rights, gender equality, democratic participation and long-term social and economic development.

The Durban dialogue explored how climate-related shocks (including floods, droughts and extreme weather) disrupt health systems and restrict access to sexual and reproductive health services. Women, girls and other vulnerable groups often experience the most severe consequences.

Ambassador Eneström said Sweden regarded climate resilience and SRHR as closely interconnected.

“Building resilient societies means ensuring that people can continue to access information, healthcare and support services, even in times of crisis,” she said.

She added: “Ultimately, both climate action and SRHR are about people, dignity, resilience, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to build a safe, healthy and sustainable future.”

The event sought to deepen understanding of the relationship between climate change, gender equality and SRHR; amplify the experiences and perspectives of young people; encourage gender-responsive approaches to climate policy; and stimulate practical ideas, partnerships and solutions.

It brought together representatives of the Embassy of Sweden, the Parliament of South Africa, the SADC Parliamentary Forum, UKZN, the Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division (HEARD), the World Resources Institute, academics, specialists and university students.

Among the dignitaries and participants were the Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly, Honourable Thoko Didiza; SADC PF Secretary General Her Excellency Boemo Sekgoma; UKZN Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation Professor Anil Chaturgoon; HEARD Research Director Professor Kaymarlin Govender; and World Resources Institute Senior Urban Policy Analyst Ms Amanda Gcanga.

The programme included high-level addresses, expert discussions and engagement with students on gender-responsive climate action, SRHR, innovation and the role of young people in shaping resilient communities.

The participation of the SADC PF reflected the Forum’s continuing partnership with Sweden, which supports the regional organisation’s SRHR, HIV and AIDS Governance Project. Through the Project, the Forum works with national Parliaments to strengthen legislation, budgeting, oversight and representative action on SRHR, HIV, gender equality and related human rights issues.

Ambassador Eneström commended Secretary General Sekgoma for her “continued dedication to regional cooperation and development.”

Explaining the initiative, Ambassador Eneström said Sweden on the Road was designed to take Sweden and its Embassy beyond the capital and engage young people in different parts of South Africa.

“Through Sweden on the Road, we are taking the Embassy and Sweden beyond Pretoria to interact directly with young South Africans across the country,” she said.

The programme builds on cooperation between Sweden and South Africa in politics, multilateral affairs, trade, business, higher education and research. This includes the South Africa–Sweden University Forum, commonly known as SASUF, scholarship opportunities and engagement with Swedish companies.

“This initiative is about investing in the next generation and strengthening the bonds between South Africa and Sweden for years to come,” the Ambassador said.

She encouraged young Swedes and South Africans to regard themselves as members of a global network of researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders.

Ambassador Eneström recalled the longstanding solidarity between the two countries, including Sweden’s official support for South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. She noted that the late President Nelson Mandela chose Sweden as his first destination outside Africa after his release from prison in 1990.

The relationship, she said, was founded on shared commitments to democracy, dignity, human rights, social justice, gender equality, freedom of expression and inclusive economic growth. However, many young people remained unaware of the depth of this history.

“That is why programmes such as Sweden on the Road are so important: they help bring this partnership to life for a new generation,” she said.

“As proud as we are of our shared history, our partnership is ultimately about people and creating opportunities for future generations.

Ambassador Eneström also challenged students to embrace creativity and use innovation to solve problems in their communities and beyond.

Drawing on Sweden’s experience, she cited globally influential innovations such as Truecaller, Spotify, Bluetooth and the three-point seat belt, as well as Swedish-developed games including Minecraft, Candy Crush and Battlefield. She said Sweden’s innovation culture had been enabled partly by equal and equitable access to education, including university education.

“The message I hope you take away today is that innovation is not reserved for a select few,” she told the students. “It begins with curiosity, a willingness to challenge the status quo, and the courage to turn ideas into solutions.”

She added: “The next world-changing idea could come from a student sitting in this very room.”

Ambassador Eneström thanked UKZN for hosting the programme and expressed hope that the discussions would generate “new ideas, new partnerships and new opportunities for collaboration between South Africa and Sweden.”

-Moses Magadza is the Media and Communications Manager at the SADC Parliamentary Forum.