Hinder och begränsningar för flyktingkvinnor i Sverige att uppnå sexuell och reproduktiv hälsa och rättigheter (SRHR): En kvalitativ undersökning om flyktingkvinnors barriärer till SRHR-vård

Abstract

Health is a universal human right which includes ones sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). It is covered in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as a vital part for women’s health, yet for many women these rights are not followed through. This is highlighted as a result of gender inequality. Even in a high income and an industrialized country as Sweden, the healthcare is not equal. Refugee women struggle to obtain the same rights within SRHR as the rest of the citizens. Therefore, many refugee women rely on non-profit organizations to receive the healthcare they need. The purpose of this study is to analyze the barriers refugee women have when seeking SRHR related care and treatment in Sweden. This has been done through a qualitative study by interviewing informants who work closely with refugee women’s SRHR. Using social science theories, and in particular feminist theories, suitable concepts have helped analyzing the reasons for refugee women’s situation and the barriers they face, through the informants’ responses. The result show that internal and structural barriers discourage refugee women to seek help for SRHR related care and treatment. This includes self-shame, limited knowledge, financial difficulties and cultural misunderstandings. Moreover, the thesis indicates that the issue must be understood in a gendered and intersectional context as refugee women engagement in healthcare is impacted negatively due to societies patriarchal structures and racism. To promote a better healthcare for this vulnerable group, caregivers need information and training about refugee women’s complex situation. Furthermore, Sweden needs to inform the women about their rights as a lack of knowledge surrounding their rights in the state is high among refugee women.