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

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. Thus, the aim of this study was to illuminate the lived experiences of SRHR needs of unaccompanied girls seeking asylum in Sweden, and capture how experienced needs are affected by the social contexts navigated pre, during, and post-migration. A qualitative constructivist grounded theory (CGT) methodology was applied. Data was generated through in-depth interviews with 16 participants aged 21–26, self-identifying as women, who experienced forced migration as unaccompanied girls. All had sought asylum in Sweden as minors (under age 18), and had been granted either temporary or permanent residence status. Data analysis was conducted in accordance with CGT. The findings show that unaccompanied girls and young women experience structural hindrances pre, during, and post-migration, including restrictive norms on gender and sexuality, various forms of violence, and exposure to racism and mistreatment in encounters with public institutions, impeding the fulfilment of their SRHR. Simultaneously, they construct pathways to protect themselves from harm, and find support in navigating and claiming their SRHR needs. To cope with daily struggles, and access SRHR, time, distance, and stability are important in recovery, and in adapting and integrating new perspectives on SRHR. In conclusion, this study shows that unaccompanied girls and young women are at significant risk of SRHR violations. The 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 promoting protective factors, independence, and agency.