Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
Background: The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine triggered a humanitarian crisis, where Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) receive limited attention. To address this, Dalarna University partnered with three Ukrainian universities to deliver SRHR education to psychology, medicine, sociology and social work students and faculty.
Aim: The aim of this work is to explore the adult education, humanitarian, and implementation dimensions of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) through the critical reflections of Ukrainian psychology students and faculty members who participated in an online SRHR course offered by a Swedish university and attended a five-day visit to Sweden.
Methodology: A qualitative design with data collection through two focus group interviews with faculty members and psychology students was chosen. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify themes in the participants’ reflections.
Results: Three main themes emerged - learning about and teaching SRHR, the impact of the war in Ukraine, and future implementation. Faculty members gained insights from the study visit to Sweden, while students reported limited SRHR learning from the course itself but valuable learning through teaching others. The war was seen as the primary barrier to SRH services, with concerns raised about sexualized violence and Ukraine’s uncertain future. For future implementation, participants suggested introducing youth clinics, starting sexual education earlier, and culturally adapting study materials.
Conclusion: The program encouraged critical reflection and concrete ideas of urgent needs in mental health and support for survivors of sexual violence. Despite the structural barrier of the war in Ukraine, participants envisioned feasible strategies for SRHR integration in Ukraine. Suggested actions included youth clinics, earlier sexual education and culturally adapted study materials.
2025.