Joint statement – Nordic SRHR Political Youth Network Gathering 2025

In recent years, we have witnessed growing influence of anti-rights actors and narratives across Europe and beyond. These include authoritarian, misogynist and hypermasculine ideologies that threaten bodily autonomy, gender equality and LGBTI+ rights, disproportionately affecting women, girls and other marginalised groups. Our commitment comes not only from responding to this backlash, but from the belief that SRHR (sexual and reproductive health and rights) is essential for everyone’s dignity, wellbeing and freedom. Even in countries known for their high level of equality, SRHR cannot be taken for granted, and backlash can grow if we are not vigilant.

The Nordic countries have long worked towards inclusive, diverse, and equal societies. Yet many young people still face barriers to equal opportunities, regardless of gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Comprehensive and inclusive sexuality education is essential to empower young people to make informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and futures. Youth-friendly health services, social protection, and policies that ensure that everyone is treated fairly and can access the support they need.

As an SRHR-focused youth network working across borders and political perspectives, we aim to strengthen Nordic collaboration and build a shared foundation of accessible, youth-friendly information. We believe that progress is achieved not only by safeguarding what has already been accomplished, but by continuing to push for stronger, more inclusive policies. We emphasise the importance of clear and inclusive SRHR language to ensure that information reaches beyond the movement and resonates with young people and the wider public.

Following this gathering, we commit to launching new joint initiatives, including a youth-led Nordic digital campaign to provide accessible SRHR information, counter harmful online narratives and reach young people in relatable ways. We also plan to develop shared Nordic guidelines to support clear, inclusive and engaging communication on SRHR, and to continue improving access to reliable education and information across all our countries.

We believe that democracy works best when we work across ideological differences, draw on diverse perspectives and help the entire political spectrum move towards gender equality, consent-based legislation and human rights for all. We will continue building a proactive, future-oriented Nordic youth movement that protects rights, promotes equality and ensures that every young person can thrive.

Signed by:

The Finnish SRHR political youth group delegation
The Danish SRHR political youth group delegation
The Norwegian SRHR political youth group delegation
The Swedish SRHR political youth group delegation

The first Nordic SRHR Political Youth Network Gathering 2025 took place in Helsinki on 21–22 November, bringing together representatives from youth wings of political parties from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Together with the Nordic IPPF member associations – Väestöliitto ry (FI), RFSU (SE), Sex & Samfund (DK), and Sex og Politikk (NO) – we form the Nordic SRHR Political Youth Network, committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality both in our countries as well as through global co-operation.