The aim of this study is to gain an understanding of how experiences of sexual-health counseling and sex education are described by young Somali women in Sweden. Further the study aims at finding the best practices when it comes to offering sexual-health counseling in a multiethnic setting; in respect of, what should be communicated, where, how and by whom sex education and counseling should be given.Previous studies indicate that young immigrant women have less access to sexual health-care services. Discussing sexual matters is traditionally taboo among Somalis and a girl who gets pregnant before marriage runs the risk of being excluded from the Somali community. Therefore issues on sexual health are of utmost importance for the well-being of this group.Data were conducted through focus-group discussions and interviews with twelve young Somali women in Sweden. The women’s experiences showed that access to sexual health care services is limited by traditional values demanding chastity and modesty in women. School is perceived as the best place for discussing sexual-health matters. However most participants considered the sex education they received in school to be poor. Participants reported that sex and related attitudes, sexual consequences (from a medical as well as a social perspective) and female circumcision are issues that need to be addressed. The youngest women also expressed a need to understand and address the conflicting sexual norms adolescents have to deal with in a more religious and culturally diverse setting.

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