About RFSU

RFSU Founder - Elise Ottesen–Jensen

“I dream of the day
when every newborn child is welcome,
when men and women are equal,
and when sexuality is an expression
of intimacy, joy and tenderness.”

The words are those of Elise Ottesen–Jensen, who started Riksförbundet för Sexuell Upplysning (the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education) – RFSU in 1933. The right to an abortion and contraception, sex education in schools and the decriminalization of homosexuality were some of the issues that “Ottar” and her colleagues campaigned for. In order to get the money for these controversial activities, they started selling condoms – and that’s still the case today, after more than 75 years. Initially, RFSU ran its campaign for education, justice and change in the face of strong opposition, but gradually the work led to major changes, and even legislative changes.

THIS IS RFSU
RFSU stands for condoms and other products, sexual information, advocacy, sexual policies, clinics, information provision in schools and much more. RFSU is a non-profit organization – independent of party politics, the unions and religion that works for an open, positive view of sex and relationship issues. RFSU believes that everyone is entitled to be what they want to be, to choose to live as they want and enjoy what they want. RFSU is convinced that sex and relationships are important, both for the individual and society. RFSU works locally (e.g. with information provision in schools), nationally (e.g. by influencing policies) and internationally (e.g. in the form of development projects in Africa).

RFSU’s Responsibility – to Change Lives
Changing and improving people’s lives has been the driving force for RFSU from the very start, and it still is. Through sex information, education and advocacy, we can overcome prejudices, bridge the knowledge gap and improve sexual health, both in Sweden and internationally. Safe contraception, legal abortions and sex on one’s own terms can still not be taken for granted everywhere. When you purchase RFSU products, become a member or partner, or support the work of RFSU in some other way, you are helping to contribute to continued changes in people’s lives.

RFSU and the World
In many places in the world, access to both contraception and knowledge of sexuality is poor. In particular, poor people, women, young people and homosexuals lack power and are discriminated against. Illegal abortions are commonplace, and sexual advice and modern maternity care is virtually non-existent. Since 2008, RFSU has been a framework organization for Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, which involves a more long-term partnership to change the situation in the poor countries of the world. Currently, we reach 4 of 7 continents and run cooperation projects in Africa, Asia and South America. We also work to influence decision-makers, from local politicians to UN level.

BUY RFSU PRODUCTS
When you purchase RFSU products, you receive a safe, high-quality product – and you also help our non-profit work. Thanks to the sale of condoms, sex toys and other products, RFSU can run their clinic, provide sexual information and assist partnership projects around the world. Each time you purchase something with the name RFSU on it, you are helping to change people’s lives. If you have a shop and sell RFSU products, you are taking significant responsibility and are a very important part of RFSU’s work.

SEX & RELATIONS
Sexuality in fantasy and action, such as longing and enjoyment, is an important part of human life. Sexuality is nourished by individual freedom and openness between people. Sexual freedom is important irrespective of functional impairments, age, sexuality, gender, etcetera. Prerequisites for sexual freedom include knowledge about contraceptives, insight into the sexual potential of the human body, and respect for other people’s sexuality and ways of life. Experiencing sexual freedom also involves enjoyment and self-knowledge, as well as the ability to identify with other erotic experiences.