Strengthening the Collective Impact of IPPF Member Associations for Abortion Care Access

From 24–27 March 2025, the city of Douala, Cameroon, hosted the regional strategic planning workshop marking the launch of Phase 2 of the SCAAO programme (Comprehensive Abortion Care in West Africa).  

Organized in a spirit of co-creation, the event brought together 20 representatives from IPPF Africa Region Member Associations (MAs) — including Executive Directors, Programme Managers, Finance Officers, Monitoring & Evaluation Officers, and healthcare providers involved in the provision of abortion care. Participants were drawn from the countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Niger, and Togo. 

The workshop aimed to strengthen the capacities of MAs to enhance their knowledge, skills, and monitoring and evaluation tools for effective project management of the SCAAO project. It also aimed to foster a peer-learning environment conducive to cross-country strategy refinement. The workshop purposed to promote strategic partnerships and increase stronger collaboration among MAs to enhance an enabling environment for successful programme implementation. 

A Collaborative and Strategic Space 

The workshop was driven by dynamic exchanges, hands-on experience sharing, and action-oriented technical sessions. Key sessions and themes included values clarification and attitude transformation (VCAT), advocacy, youth empowerment, documentation of good practices, and institutional leadership.   

Key achievements from SCAAO’s year 1 implementation were also shared and analyzed. The achievements include 16,683 women and girls benefitting from safe abortion care information and services. 91% of the beneficiaries received post-abortion contraception. 6,039 women and girls accessed related services via WhatsApp, SMS, the InfoAdoJeunes app, and other digital platforms. Another notable achievement was the engagement of MAs in national and regional abortion ecosystems strengthening, movement building, as well as local and national level advocacy initiatives. 

Ms. Marie-Ange Bouwem, the SCAAO Project Coordinator in IPPF’s MA in Togo -Assocation Togolaise pour le Bien-Etre Familial (ATBEF), played a key role in facilitating the sessions. Dr. Mady Dera, SCAAO Project Coordinator in IPPF’s MA in Burkina Faso -Association Burkinabe pour le Bien-Etre Familial (ABBEF) led the technical session on values clarification, highlighting that “Sustainable performance stems from teams that are valued, heard, and engaged.” 

Mr. Gérard Da Silva, the Executive Director from IPPF’s MA in Niger, Association Nigérienne pour le Bien-Etre Familial (ANBEF) praised the project’s collaborative approach, stating, "Working in a consortium helps avoid fragmented progress. Together, we have a strong potential to mobilize more organizations for our cause." 

Key Learnings and Cross-Cutting Lessons 

Sessions on abortion-related communication deeply resonated with participants, who stressed how language can either facilitate or hinder access to care. There were insightful discussions with practical examples from MAs about how conversations about abortion shape its social acceptance.   

Mr. Ahmed Pana, ATBEF’s Finance Director emphasized the need to tailor language to specific audiences, while Mr. Lotti Edjenguele Executive Director, of the Cameroon National Association for Family Welfare (CAMNAFAW) highlighted the importance of sensitive communication to fight abortion stigma. 

Fostering ongoing strategic dialogue between project teams and MA leadership was promoted during the sessions. “The group work sessions on leadership helped me better understand the levers of strategic project management,” said Mr. Rachid Awal (SCAAO project manager in ANBEF). 

A Pivotal Moment for the Programme 

The workshop served as a catalyst for more structured cross-country collaboration, encouraged local innovation, and fostered collective ownership of the project.  

“The workshop was a relevant space for giving and receiving, where each MA learns from others to improve their own strategies,” said Mr. Gérard Da-Silva (ANBEF Executive Director).  

Mrs. Armande Bossou, Program Director at Association Beninoise pour la Promotion de la Famille (ABPF), said the workshop was an insightful learning forum.  

“The workshop allowed me to learn from other Member Associations. It also helped me understand that even when the environment is favorable for the provision of abortion services, it is crucial to remain vigilant to maintain that enabling environment, and to ensure effective dissemination of the existing legal provisions so that everyone is equally informed. 

A More Ambitious and Integrated Phase 2  

Phase 2 of the SCAAO programme is built on a foundation of continuous improvement, with a strong focus on self-managed abortion, meaningful youth engagement, data-driven advocacy, and more inclusive and efficient governance within the MAs.  

The regional strategic planning workshop in Douala marked a pivotal step in launching Phase 2 of the SCAAO program with renewed ambition and cohesion. By bringing together key actors from across West Africa, the event reinforced the importance of collective intelligence, peer learning, co-creation, and strategic alignment to advance access to safe abortion. Through vibrant discussions, shared insights, and a spirit of collaboration, participants not only strengthened their technical capacities but also laid the groundwork for a more integrated, inclusive, and impactful implementation of the program.  

By Kader Avonnon
The Project Manager, SCAAO.