Sweden and South Africa share a deep and historic partnership rooted in the anti-apartheid struggle and a shared commitment to democracy, human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. Building on this legacy, the “Sweden on the Road” campaign seeks to bring the Sweden–South Africa relationship closer to the country’s young people, academic institutions, and communities. By collaborating with partners, the Embassy of Sweden in South Africa aims to broaden outreach other regions, increase access to information and opportunities, and strengthen ties with a new generation of South Africans.
The campaign offers a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, particularly at a time when young South Africans face complex socio-economic challenges. By engaging directly with students, youth leaders, and local institutions, the initiative fosters people-to-people partnerships that support South Africa’s development goals while deepening bilateral ties.
Sweden on the Road is a lively half-day event held at a university, bringing Sweden and South Africa’s partnership to life. It highlights Sweden’s strengths in innovation, sustainability, and culture, while creating space for students and communities to connect, learn, and be inspired together.
In recognition of Women’s Month, the Embassy is adapting its “Sweden on the Road” initiative to foreground the role of young people, particularly university students and emerging leaders, in addressing gender equality and gender-based violence (GBV). Anchored in Sweden’s global advocacy for gender equality and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and aligned with South Africa’s National Strategic Plan on GBVF, the event contributes to the G20 Women’s Empowerment agenda. It aims to amplify youth voices, share innovative practices, and catalyze collaborative action between stakeholders.
The event aims to foster dialogue between students, policymakers, academics, and civil society on practical, policy-oriented responses to GBV, with a particular emphasis on GBV prevention, protection, response and accountability. It will also serve as a platform to elevate insights emerging from the G20 where South Africa continues to champion a coordinated, rights-based approach to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
We look forward to your participation.