192 “Vulnerable and strong at the same time”: Forcibly displaced young women’s lived experiences of their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) as former unaccompanied asylum-seeking girls

Abstract PTH 5: Exclusion and Discrimination, B307 (FCSH), September 4, 2025, 15:15 - 16:09 Aim Unaccompanied girls undergoing forced migration are exposed to multiple risk factors affecting their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Yet, little is known of their perceived SRHR needs. This study aimed to illuminate the lived experience of SRHR needs of unaccompanied girls who seek asylum in Sweden. Further objectives were to capture and dissect how their SRHR needs are affected by the social context, including sociocultural, institutional, and legal processes that shape individual relationships in navigating the - pre, during, and post-migration phases of life. Method A qualitative methodology was applied. Data was generated through in-depth interviews with 16 young cis-women who experienced forced migration as unaccompanied children. All had sought asylum as minors under 18 years of age, and had been granted temporary or permanent residence status in Sweden. Data analysis was conducted in accordance with Constructivist Grounded Theory. Result The findings show that unaccompanied girls and young women experience structural hindrances, including restrictive norms on gender and sexuality and experiences of violence, impeding the fulfilment of their SRHR. Simultaneously, protective factors were identified, supporting the girls and young women in navigating and claiming their SRHR needs. To cope with acutely vulnerable circumstances, and to access SRHR, time is of importance in recovery, in creating distance from previous trauma, and adapting and integrating new perspectives on SRHR. Conclusion This study shows that unaccompanied girls and young women are at significant risk of not having their SRHR fulfilled. These findings call for broad policy shifts, with focused protections against gender-based violence, in addressing the specific SRHR needs of this group. Moreover, evaluating and strengthening SRHR literacy among professionals within public institutions and these girls alike should be prioritised in further promoting protective factors, independence, and agency.