IPPF Africa Region Welcomes Kenya’s Landmark Recognition of Intersex Persons Nairobi, Kenya: 13 February 2025 – On 31 January 2025, Kenya has taken a groundbreaking step towards inclusivity and human rights by officially recognizing intersex as a sex marker alongside male and female in the Kenya Legal Notice 153 of 2025. This marks a significant policy shift that affirms the dignity and rights of intersex persons from birth. The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) welcomes this milestone, which reflects the tireless efforts of intersex persons, activists, and allies who have long advocated for legal recognition. By including intersex in official documentation, Kenya is addressing years of systemic marginalization and laying the foundation for greater visibility and protection. This recognition is more than just an administrative change; it is a crucial affirmation of the existence, dignity, and rights of intersex persons who have long faced systemic marginalization. Societal stigma has forced many to conceal their identities, leading to a lack of public awareness, inadequate medical support, and legal invisibility. The extent of this invisibility is reflected in official data—while the 2019 census recorded only 1,524 individuals as intersex, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights estimates the actual population could be as high as 1.4 million. The significance of this recognition is deeply felt within the Intersex community. Andy Maxwell, an intersex activist and Executive Director of Q We Rise Network expressed the overwhelming joy and validation this brings: “Finally, we can have our identity reflected on our identification documents. We are also incredibly excited about this victory, especially at a time when it felt like our efforts were being challenged.” Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director, said: "This momentous recognition by the Kenyan government is a testament to the resilience and advocacy of the Intersex community and its allies. It is a vital step toward dismantling systemic barriers that have long denied intersex persons their rights and visibility. As we celebrate this progress, we urge continued efforts to ensure that legal recognition translates into real, lived equality, where intersex persons are free from stigma, discrimination, and medical violations". While legal recognition is a milestone, intersex individuals continue to face violations of bodily autonomy through forced medical interventions. Non-consensual procedures, often performed in infancy or childhood to fit binary norms, cause lasting physical and psychological harm. True inclusion requires not only recognition but also strong protections against these harmful practices, ensuring intersex persons have full control over their own bodies. “RHNK applauds the Kenyan government for this historic step in recognizing the rights and dignity of intersex persons. As an organization committed to advancing inclusive sexual and reproductive health rights and strengthening healthcare access, we emphasize the need to ensure that this recognition also leads to equitable, stigma-free and gender affirming healthcare services. Every intersex person deserves the right to bodily autonomy and access to non-discriminatory medical care”, said Nelly Munyasia, Executive Director, Reproductive Health Network Kenya, IPPFAR’s Associate Member in country. IPPFAR is committed to advancing intersex rights by working with communities, policymakers, and healthcare providers through Reproductive Health Network Kenya. While legal recognition is progress, ensuring meaningful protections and rights-based healthcare remains essential on the path to full equality. END For further information or to request an interview, please contact: -Mahmoud GARGA, Lead Strategic Communication, Voice and Media, IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFAR) – email: [email protected] / Tel: +254 704 626 920   ABOUT IPPF AFRICA REGION (IPPFAR) The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is one of the leading sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service delivery organization in Africa, and a leading sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy voice in the region. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPFAR is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men and women in sub-Saharan Africa. Supported by thousands of volunteers, IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRHR challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs) in 40 countries. We do this by developing our MAs into efficient entities with the capacity to deliver and sustain high quality, youth focused and gender sensitive services. We work with Governments, the African Union, Regional Economic Commissions, the Pan-African Parliament, United Nations bodies among others to expand political and financial commitments to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa. Learn more about us on our website. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Family planning is often seen as a woman’s responsibility, but men have an equally vital role to play in ensuring their families’ well-being. For men like Medgclay, embracing this shared responsibility has been transformative. His journey highlights the importance of informed choices, challenging misconceptions, and fostering open conversations about reproductive health, particularly when it comes to vasectomy—a safe and effective contraceptive method that remains misunderstood by many. A Childhood That Shaped My Perspective on Family Planning My name is Medgclay from Kenya, I have been married for 14 years, and I am a proud father of four children. Growing up in a family of 13 children, I know firsthand the struggles of providing for a large household. Resources were always stretched thin, and even basic needs like food and education were hard to come by. My wife came from a family of seven children, where her parents, as farmers, faced similar challenges. These experiences shaped how we approached family planning when we got married. When we started our lives together, we agreed to have only two children so we could offer them a stable, comfortable life. We hoped for a boy and a girl, and, to our amazement, that dream came true when our first pregnancy brought us twins. We were overjoyed and thought our family was complete. Back then, I viewed family planning as solely a woman’s responsibility, so I encouraged my wife to choose whatever contraceptive method worked best for her. Unfortunately, that wasn’t easy. Every method she tried brought severe side effects, hormonal disruptions, mood swings, weight gain, and allergic reactions. Eventually, she opted for a 5-year hormonal implant, which seemed to work initially. But three years later, while the implant was still active, she unexpectedly became pregnant. We welcomed another child, but it was clear that we needed a more reliable, permanent solution. Exploring Vasectomy: Overcoming Misconceptions and Fears After consulting numerous healthcare providers and exploring our options, a doctor suggested a vasectomy. I hesitated at the idea. Like many men in our society, I was burdened by misconceptions: Would it make me "less of a man"? Was it akin to castration? Would I be seen as weak or "useless"? Despite my education, these myths weighed heavily on me. But love for my wife and a commitment to shared responsibility made me open to exploring various options. After multiple consultations, I learned the truth: vasectomy is a simple, safe procedure with no negative impact on masculinity, sexual performance, or overall health outcome. With newfound understanding and my wife's support, I decided to undergo the procedure in July 2022, when our youngest daughter was six months old. The experience was straightforward, but we made a crucial mistake: we didn’t follow the post-operative guidelines properly. My wife stopped her contraceptives too soon, and by December, we were surprised to learn she was 12 weeks pregnant. This wasn’t a failure of the vasectomy itself; it was our misstep. The procedure was effective, and we learned an important lesson about following medical advice closely. This experience transformed me. I realised how deeply ingrained myths and misconceptions about vasectomy and family planning as a whole hold men back. I decided to take a stand. My wife and I began educating and engaging men in our community about the truth of vasectomy and the importance of shared responsibility in family planning. We’ve spoken to countless men, challenging harmful narratives, and offering accurate and science-based information. My story serves as a reminder that men have a vital role to play in family planning. World Vasectomy Day, observed on 15 November each year, is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a global movement to empower men, dispel harmful myths, and promote open conversations about contraception. World Vasectomy Day celebrates men who take responsibility for their reproductive choices. I urge men everywhere to join the conversation. Ask questions, challenge harmful traditional values and beliefs, and consider the powerful impact of sharing responsibility in family planning. Together, we can create a world where family planning is recognized as a shared duty empowering couples, supporting communities, and securing a brighter future for all. Debunking Common Vasectomy Myths Here are some common misconceptions I’ve encountered and the truths that dispel them: Myth: Vasectomy reduces masculinity. Truth: It does not impact a man's masculinity or sexual performance.   Myth: It diminishes sexual pleasure. Truth: Vasectomy does not affect sexual sensation or function.   Myth: It’s permanent and irreversible. Truth: While intended to be permanent, vasectomies can sometimes be reversed through surgery.   Myth: It weakens physical strength. Truth: Vasectomy has no impact on physical capabilities.   Myth: It increases prostate cancer risk. Truth: There is no proven link between vasectomy and prostate cancer.   Myth: It harms future relationships. Truth: Vasectomy does not impact fertility or relationships with new partners.   Myth: It conflicts with religious beliefs. Truth: Views vary, and it’s important to consult religious leaders if needed. Men taking ownership their sexual and reproductive health is a chance to reshape how we think about family planning. Let’s engage men, confront myths, and spread knowledge. Together, we can ensure that every family planning journey is informed, inclusive, and empowering. I stand as a testament to the power of change, and I invite other men to step up and take this journey with me for the good of our families, our communities, and generations to come. By Medgclay

Femicide in Africa: Confronting a Crisis of Gender-Based Violence  Femicide, the gender-based killing of women because they are women is one of the most extreme manifestations of gender inequality and patriarchal violence. Defined as the intentional murder of women rooted in misogyny, it is a chilling reminder of the systemic inequalities that persist across societies. This pervasive crisis is not just a collection of harrowing statistics; it is a global emergency that underscores the fragility of women’s safety in their homes, workplaces, and communities. As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we are compelled to confront the rising epidemic of femicide, especially in Africa, and to demand collective action.  Recent Tragedies: A Spotlight on Africa's Crisis  The brutal murder of Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei in September 2024 has highlighted the deadly crisis facing women across Africa. As Eunice Dollar, Executive Director of Smart Ladies Youth Initiative, one of Feminist Opportunities Now's grantee partner in Kenya expressed, "Rebecca Cheptegei's murder is yet another devastating blow. Another athlete was brutally killed on Kenyan soil. It is horrifying. And now, as we review the outcomes of the Agnes Tirop Conference - another marathoner who was brutally murdered by her partner, it is clear: we must do more than just ‘level the playing field’ for women in sports. We must take action to support female athletes and create an environment where they feel safe and empowered.”  In Côte d'Ivoire, the murder on 11 September 2024 of a young woman aged 19 in the country’s capital, Abidjan, has rekindled concerns about femicide in the country. These latest tragedies follow a string of femicides that have sent shockwaves through the African continent. Among these are the heartbreaking death of Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei and the brutal murder of student Christana Idowu,  who was abducted by a school mate and church member are painful reminders that femicide is a threat to all women. In 2022, UN Women reported, 89,000 women  and girls were murdered worldwide the highest in two decades. Africa alone saw 20,000 women killed by their partners, marking one of the highest femicide rates globally.   Côte d'Ivoire, like the rest of Africa, has seen an upsurge in femicide in recent years. The Ligue Ivoirienne des Droits des Femmes (Ivorian League for Women's Rights) recently issued a wake-up call, citing a report by the country's feminist association, which indicates that in 2020 alone, some 416 women were victims. Earlier this year, in response, women in Kenya rallied in the #EndFemicide march, demanding urgent action in the face of rising femicide cases.  The Challenges: Stigma, Data Gaps, and Impunity  It is important to note that these figures only represent reported cases, and do not fully reflect the acute reality of women and girls across Africa who have lost their lives to femicide. Cultural stigmas, underreporting of gender-related violence, and weak legal systems designed to protect women contribute to the crisis, obscuring the true scale.   Additionally, one of the major challenges in addressing femicide is the lack of standardized methods for data collection or reporting across regions, making it extremely difficult to evaluate and compare global data. Despite these gaps, the numbers we do have are not just statistics; they represent the lives of women at stake, their safety compromised, and their futures stolen.  This crisis goes beyond statistics; it speaks to the systemic impunity that allows violence against women to persist. Women and girls are unsafe even in their own homes, often at risk from the very people closest to them, those who are supposed to provide support and protection. More than half of these killings were carried out by individuals in positions of trust, by current or former husbands, intimate partners, or family members.  Systemic Roots: Misogyny and Patriarchal Norms  Femicide is deeply rooted in societal norms and inequalities that reinforce the subjugation of women. Despite its devastating impact, violence against women and girls remains one of the least prosecuted and punished crimes globally. It is "so deeply embedded around the world that it is almost invisible." in response, Ligue Ivoirienne des Droits Femmes (LIDF)  has called for immediate action stating "Despite the laws and commitments made by the authorities to protect women's rights, too little effort is being made to ensure that these measures are strictly applied. The lack of diligence in investigations and the culture of impunity reinforce the cycle of violence."  All forms of femicide, despite contextual variations, are rooted in misogyny and gender discrimination. Harmful gender norms, deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes including beliefs in male dominance and the subordination of women, and weak or discriminatory legal systems that fail to protect women’s rights or hold perpetrators accountable are manifestations of the same gender inequality that drives violence against women. When societies tolerate or ignore gender-based violence against women, they ultimately normalize it, reinforcing gender inequalities and exacerbating the issue.  Empowering Change: The Role of Feminist Organizations  Governments must prioritize the fight against perpetrators' impunity to enable societies to challenge the normalization of gender-based violence. As Alejandra Garcia, the Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) Program Manager, emphasizes, "Only through this commitment can we begin dismantling the deeply ingrained acceptance of violence against women."  The Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) project is a vital initiative in the fight against gender-based violence and the promotion of gender equality. Operating in 10 countries across Africa, Latin America, and Asia; including Kenya, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia among others. FON provides technical and financial support to feminist civil society organizations, particularly smaller and often unregistered groups. Funded by the French Development Agency (FDA) and the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, FON aligns with France’s feminist diplomacy through its Fund to Support Feminist Organizations (FSOF), created in 2019 to strengthen feminist movements globally.  Intersectionality: Addressing Marginalization and Risk Factors  Femicide does not occur in isolation, it intersects with systems of oppression like capitalism, racism, and white supremacy, to further marginalize women, girls, and other gender-diverse people. Dinah Musindarwezo, Director of Policy and Communications at  WomenKind World Wide, explains, marginalized women including LBTQI+ persons, women with disabilities, female sex workers, and domestic workers are at higher risk of femicide. Despite different contexts, all forms of femicide share a common root: misogyny. Yet, there remains a persistent reluctance to confront the deeply ingrained misogynistic intent behind gender-based violence.  IPPF's Commitment: Ending Femicide and Advancing Equality  The femicide scourge is ravaging Africa, revealing the pervasive danger women face on the continent. At IPPF, we are committed to addressing this urgent crisis. Alongside our partners, we work to prevent femicide and all forms of gender-based violence. We support the essential work of women’s rights organizations, engage with men and boys to challenge patriarchal norms, and work with communities to dismantle discriminatory practices. Through projects like the Feminist Opportunities Now (FON), we are advancing gender equality and fostering safer, more equitable environments across regions.  We call on governments to invest in women-led strategies that have been proven to prevent violence against women and girls and to firmly address the widespread impunity that perpetuates gender-based violence. The time for action is now before another life is lost. 

  About EmpowHER: EmpowHER (Ensuring Inclusive SRHR Delivery for Women, Girls and Marginalised Communities) is a six-year initiative with three key priority areas: Increasing access to quality, person-centred abortion care. Empowering young people to act on their sexual and reproductive rights by expanding access to Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). This is delivered through our CSE Centres of Excellence in Ghana, Togo and Colombia.  Pushing back against the anti-rights agenda through coalition and movement-building, as well as advocacy work with our Member Associations. This restricted-funded project will support IPPF’s Strategy 2028 and donor commitments to advance the health and rights of women and girls in all their diversity around the world, ensuring that they can decide what to do with their bodies, their lives, and their futures. Donor: Global Affairs Canada Implementing MAs: Bénin (Association Béninoise pour la Promotion de la Famille) Burkina Faso (ABBEF), Colombia (Profamilia), Ecuador (CEMOPLAF), Ghana (PPAG), Guinea-Bissau (AGUIBEF), Kenya (RHN), Mauritania, (AMPF) Pakistan (FPAP), Sudan (SFPA), Togo (ATBEF), Uganda (RHU), and Zambia (PPAZ).  Duration: 1st April 2024 – 31st March 2030 (6 years) Total Budget: CAD $48,000,000 

Every year on 19 October, the world marks the International Day against breast cancer, with the aim of raising awareness and promoting women´s access to quality and timely diagnoses and treatment. In this article, we learn more about the work of IPPF's Member Association in Kenya, Reproductive Health Network (RHNK) in addressing breast cancer in the country. By Nancy Lynn Kavuka Breast Cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women worldwide and the main reason why women die from cancer. According to WHO, in 2022, 2.3M women were diagnosed with Breast Cancer and 670,000 deaths reported globally. Women are at an increased chance of developing breast cancer at 99% while only about 1% of men develop the disease. In Kenya, Breast cancer is the leading type of Cancer at 16.1%. An estimated 6,799 cases were diagnosed in 2020 with 3,107 reported deaths (GLOBOCAN) 2020. The most common cause of death is late diagnosis, as the disease is harder to treat once it has progressed. Despite the efforts from the government in creating awareness on the disease, there is still increased morbidity and mortality rates. This is due to the late diagnosis and, in most cases, to the spread to other tissues or organs. Data from the Kenya National Cancer Registry 2014-2019 (KNCR) show that 7 out of 10 cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages (stage III and stage IV). IPPF’s Member Association in Kenya, Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK) is a network of over 500 trained health professionals from private and public health facilities. With presence in 43 counties, RHNK is dedicated to comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), active advocacy, and service provision among other contributors to maternal health challenges. RHNK implements strategic interventions to improve maternal healthcare outcomes in Kenya. Breast cancer awareness outreaches by RHNK RHNK actively participates in various outreach and in-reach programs implementation across counties to address the challenges of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Kenya. Through these outreach efforts and humanitarian works, free screenings and educational workshops in marginalized communities and health workshops focus on awareness and self-examination techniques. Poverty and inaccessibility to healthcare facilities have significantly contributed to the late diagnosis of breast cancer patients in Kenya, as many cannot afford the confirmatory tests necessary to begin treatment. In some instances, essential treatments are unavailable at public facilities, and due to financial constraints, patients are unable to seek care at private facilities. Insurance coverage can help offset some medical expenses; however, many individuals lack this support, making it challenging to access the required treatment. This situation often leads to disease advancement and potentially life-threatening complications. October being breast cancer awareness month, provides an opportunity to create awareness on the disease on social media platforms and through Nena na Binti, a toll free call center platform at RHNK where individuals can receive knowledge, and access services for examination and diagnosis of the disease. Collaboration with partners to address breast cancer There is a need for the government and other stakeholders (private sector and NGOs) to come together and support in managing the breast cancer crisis. This can be effectively done by holding community engagements, continuous medical examinations, and integration of services in our health facilities. This ensures that women are not only receiving knowledge on breast cancer when they visit the gynecological clinics, but even in the outpatients’ departments and any other clinics they may visit in the hospital. Improving infrastructure at all levels of health facilities is crucial in early diagnosis and follow up care for all patients. Effective referral systems from any suspicious detection in the lower-level facilities should be documented, and client referred to the next level of care and early treatment commenced. Campaigns promoting the wellbeing of the community by increasing awareness of breast cancer, early detection, treatment, and palliative care should be undertaken. Homecare providers also play a crucial role in taking care of the patients and it is important to involve them during diagnosis, treatment and home-based care of the sick person. Support groups and psychotherapy for people with breast cancer and their caregivers will improve their mental and emotional state and ensure they are on constant follow up. This is important in detecting any complications, drug failure, metastasis or any other illnesses that may come up during this period. Breast cancer correlates with several sustainable development goals (SDGs) that relate to health, gender equality and reducing inequalities. Efforts to improve access to care, affordability of services and treatment should be a priority by the government to ensure that patients get early detection of disease and treatment commenced soon after detection to reduce morbidity and mortality rates. For us to achieve the one third reduction mortality rates in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) where breast cancer contributes highly to the crisis, the government should ensure that measures are in place to fight against breast cancer and save lives or prolong life for the affected patients. Resources should be dedicated to preventive measures in the universal health coverage (UHC) schemes that can be highly effective in saving lives and reducing the cost of cancer to public health systems. UHC aims at ensuring that all Kenyans access and receive essential quality health services without suffering financial hardship. These services include promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative health services. Raising public awareness about modifiable cancer risk factors (such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy foods, lack of physical exercise and vaccination against HPV and Hepatitis B) can help save lives and reduce the cost of cancer to public health systems. Addressing the barriers to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Kenya requires a multifaceted approach. Through targeted outreach and in reach efforts, we can improve access to care and ensure that all patients receive the timely treatment they need. By raising awareness and fostering community engagement, we can work together to combat the impact of poverty on breast cancer outcomes and save lives. Nancy Lynn Kavuka is the Service Delivery Manager at RHNK. 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By Maryanne W. WAWERU In July this year, Kenya joined the global community in celebrating the annual World Population Day in an event held in the capital city of Nairobi, and hosted by The National Council for Population and Development (NCPD). The focus of the event was on harnessing data to drive evidence-based policymaking, particularly in addressing the challenges faced by adolescents and young people. During the event, NCPD –a State corporation responsible for the coordination and implementation of population and development activities in Kenya, recognized the contribution of key stakeholders and partners in the execution of its mandate, one of them being IPPF’s Member Association in the country –Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK). In this interview with Ms. Nelly Munyasia, RHNK’s Executive Director, we learn more about the organization’s partnership with the Kenyan government on population programmes. Tell us more about RHNK's partnership with the Kenyan government on population programmes. RHNK, with its network of over 600 healthcare providers in 44 counties in Kenya (out of 47), complements the government’s efforts towards achieving the ICPD25 and FP2030 commitments by advocating for a rights-based approach to sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR), thus ensuring universal access to services. As a private sector actor with a mission to improve access to quality and comprehensive sexual reproductive health (SRH) information and services through strategic partnerships, and cognizant of the challenges posed by rapid population growth and a youthful demographic, RHNK works closely with both the Ministry of Health (MoH) through the Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health (DRMH), and the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) to achieve its mandate. RHNK’s role in Kenya’s SRHR national advocacy and policy initiatives We are members of DRMH Technical Working Group, supporting the development and implementation of progressive, comprehensive SRHR laws, policies and guidelines. In this capacity, RHNK supports policy development, advocacy initiatives, capacity building, service provision and data and evidence generation. Notably, together with other civil society organizations and stakeholders, RHNK supported the DRMH in the development of the Kenya Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Policy (2017-2030), the Clinical Handbook on the Prevention and Management of the BIG 5 Direct Causes of Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in Kenya (Big 5 Clinical Handbook), the National Guideline on Mifepristone and Misoprostol Combination (combi-pack), the National Guidelines for Self-Care in Reproductive Health, and the Kenya DMPA-SC Costed Implementation Plan (2024-2030), among others. RHNK’s partnership with the NCPD As an organization that has adolescents and youth at its core, RHNK’s recent participation in the National Adolescent, Sexual & Reproductive Health Technical Working Group of the MoH, we contributed significantly to the development of the national Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health (AYSRH) Annual Work Plan for 2024/2025. Here, RHNK shared best practices and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy and improving SRHR outcomes for adolescents and youth. RHNK is also a member of NCPD’s Family Planning Advocacy Technical Working Group, and recently supported the development of the Family Planning Advocacy Tool Kit (2023). Additionally, RHNK alongside other partners, supported the development and launch of the Kenya National Population Policy for Sustainable Development (2024). In July 2024, RHNK was incorporated as a member of the Multi-Stakeholder Technical Planning Committee, a committee that is working to position Kenya to inform and influence the future agenda on population at the UN Summit of the Future to be held in New York in September 2024. Further, RHNK is a constant contributor to the civil society organizations (CSOs) ICPD25 commitment reporting and tracking –a dashboard monitoring the implementation of ICPD commitments in Kenya. How does RHNK's data on adolescents and youth inform the organization's programmes? Layered on RHNK’s provider network is a youth-centric approach to SRHR programming. Subsequently, adolescent and youth engagement is a stand-alone strategic pillar which provides a framework for youth programming in all our work. The evidence and data we generate within RHNK on adolescent and youth is utilized to make person-centered programmatic interventions that address the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population. For example, during the Covid-19 period, RHNK identified the alarming rise in cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), unsafe abortions, teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection among adolescents and young people, especially women and girls. The data highlighted that school closures and lockdown measures exacerbated the vulnerability of young people to SGBV, with many cases going unreported due to limited access to SRHR services. In response, RHNK intensified its advocacy efforts by engaging policymakers to prioritize adolescent SRH in the national COVID-19 response. During the pandemic, RHNK launched the Nena Na Binti hotline, which has now grown to a call center offering telemedicine services including 24/7 support for survivors of SGBV, counselling, pro-bono legal assistance and referrals to health care providers. The hotline not only provided immediate support to affected adolescents and young people, but also led to policy shifts that led to prioritization of AYSRH during the pandemic. Is the data available on Kenya’s adolescents and young people enough? Indeed, Kenya has made significant progress in collecting and analyzing data on adolescents and youth. However, there are still gaps in coverage, particularly in areas such as self-care, mental health, disability, and experiences of marginalized youth including but not limited to young people in the LGBTQ community. Data disaggregation by age, gender, and other socio-economic factors is often insufficient, limiting the ability to fully understand the diverse needs of different groups of adolescents and young people in all their diversities. In addition, going by the track20 FP2030 report for 2024, research and data collection across the country focuses more on commodity and service uptake, with minimal interest in other areas, such as social behavior change. Data collection is also affected by some of the existing restrictive policies and legal frameworks that relate to SRH services. The gaps in data collection that reflect the emerging health challenges faced by adolescents and young people in the country hinder evidence-based decision making by stakeholders. These gaps are an obstacle to the attainment of political prioritization of SRHR for adolescents and young people in Kenya, leading to lack of consensus on a cohesive public positioning of the problems faced by this population. This is further compounded by the general perception by politicians that some of the special groups (for example, adolescents) lack political power, which makes politicians reluctant to act on the existing data on the severity of the problem. How is RHNK embracing digital innovations to ensure that more data on adolescents and youth is effectively captured, analysed, disseminated and utilized? RHNK has integrated a digital data collection tool into its organizational electronic resource planning software to gather information from adolescents and youth. Additionally, mobile-based surveys and digital questionnaires through apps such as survey monkey are utilized during in-reaches and outreaches, clinic visits and school-based programs to collect qualitative feedback to evaluate quality of services and our impact on social behavior change communication. Further, regular virtual data review meetings within the youth committee inform our programming, while regular social media engagements and webinars are used to disseminate evidence and best practices. Also read: RHNK -How partnership increased access to SRHR services during Nairobi’s flooding crisis Follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

By Maryanne W. WAWERU Kenya recently experienced heavy downpours that left widespread destruction, including loss of human lives. In this article, we highlight the response of IPPF’s Collaborative Partner in Kenya –Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK) to the humanitarian crisis occasioned by the floods. RHNK’s intervention was in two sub-counties in Kenya’s capital city of Nairobi, which was one of the hardest hit areas. The sub-counties are Embakasi East and Ruaraka. RHNK’s response, in partnership with the Nairobi County government, was supported by funds from IPPF’s humanitarian programme. Between April – May 2024, Kenya experienced torrential rains combined with mudslides and flash flooding, all of which left a trail of widespread destruction in their wake. The heavy downpours saw several rivers across the country burst their banks, with various infrastructure –including roads and bridges being destroyed or washed away. During this period, several residential and commercial buildings, schools, police stations, markets and health facilities across the country were left submerged from the heavier-than-usual rainfall. According to government statistics, over 290 people lost their lives. The floods further resulted in the displacement of over 55,631 households, affecting approximately 278,155 individuals. Another 82,552 households, comprising about 412,763 persons were directly impacted. This situation led to a humanitarian crisis across several parts of the country where, forced out of their homes, populations had to make do in makeshift camps, churches, social halls, and other temporary structures. Important to note is that during crisis situations such as these, essential health services are often disrupted, with those pertaining to sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) being among the most neglected, according to Dr. Augustin Paluku, the Senior Humanitarian Advisor at the IPPF Africa Regional Office. “Such displacement of populations affects the most vulnerable people in society. One-quarter of those affected by humanitarian emergencies are women and girls aged 15-49. In crisis settings there is also a heightened risk of early marriage, rape and sexual violence, unsafe abortions and unattended births. Transmission rates of STIs, including HIV, increase in emergencies,” says Dr. Paluku. Desperate situation among displaced populations in Nairobi Mrs. Robina Anene-Muli is the Reproductive Health Coordinator, in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi. Her work entails coordinating all reproductive, maternal and new-born health activities and programmes in Nairobi County. Her office is also mandated to collaborate with partners and stakeholders in the reproductive health space. As the April – May rains continued pounding the country relentlessly, Robina would suffer anxiety as the number of those displaced by floods in Nairobi swelled by the day. She knew what this meant for the vulnerable populations. “We had pregnant women, women, adolescent girls, teenage mothers, children, men, and the elderly all huddled together in makeshift camps, churches, and community halls. Hurriedly ejected from their houses and in a bid to save their lives, most were unable to salvage anything. Apart from losing household items, they had also lost important documents and their medication including family planning pills, other contraceptives and ARVs.” The flooding situation had, twice, forced the government to postpone the reopening of schools and all learning institutions. “The situation was dire,” Robina says. “The crisis did not mean that sexual activities had been put on hold. This presented potential health risks for the displaced. In a situation where they were away from health facilities and could not access condoms and other contraceptives, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) –medicines which help prevent HIV infection, the risks included unprotected sex, unplanned pregnancies, and spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Worse, at the camps were reported cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual assault including rape. We were staring at the likelihood of unsafe abortions, and possible mortalities from these,” she adds. Robina knew she had to act fast. Collaboration with local IPPF partner organization While she had sufficient supplies and commodities to serve the displaced populations, the required intervention needed much more resources which her office did not have. Thankfully, she knew of a reliable partner she could turn to –a dependable organization she had worked with before. This organization’s credibility within the Nairobi County health management circles was undoubted. The organization was Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK). Robina picked up the phone and dialled. Ms. Nelly Munyasia, RHNK’s Executive Director answered the call. “When I received the call from Robina, there was no doubt in my mind that we had to intervene. The need to do so was borne from our mission and that of IPPF –serving the marginalized and vulnerable populations, including those in emergency settings. Our joint intervention would be in the form of a mobile camp/clinic, which would ensure that most of the displaced populations and their host communities were reached with sexual reproductive health services. I quickly mobilized resources, granted by IPPF’s Stream 3 funds under its Humanitarian programme,” she says. Together, RHNK and the Nairobi County reproductive health management teams -supported by the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) of Embakasi East Dr. Moses Owino and his Ruaraka counterpart Dr. Robert Kariuki, identified the most affected areas and prioritized them. The two sub-Counties of Embakasi East and Ruaraka, which are low-income areas with huge slum populations, had the highest number of displaced people, most being the youth. The two sub-counties would be their locales for intervention. Five-day successful mobile clinic in a humanitarian setting in Nairobi That phone conversation between Robina and Nelly resulted in a five-day mobile camp/clinic, undertaken in successful collaboration between RHNK and the Nairobi County government. A total of 2,555 people were served with SRHR information and services in the five days. All services were offered at no cost, which was a lifeline for the vulnerable populations. The services included the full range of modern family planning methods (implants, pills and injectables) condom distribution, cervical cancer screening and referral services, HPV vaccination for girls aged 10-14 years, HIV testing, pregnancy and post-pregnancy services, as well as child immunization services. Others included counselling, PrEP and PEP services. “During the mobile camp/clinic, which was undertaken in different sites within Embakasi East and Ruaraka sub-counties, we had erected several tents in strategic locations that were accessible to the target population. We reinforced this with a mobile truck (supported by AMREF) that moved from place to place, ensuring that as many people were reached. Privacy for clients in the tents and in the mobile truck was ensured, which enabled clients to be served with utmost respect and dignity,” says Nelly. Beneficiaries like Atieno, 21, who accessed the services with her seven-month old baby, shared her sentiments about the mobile camp/clinic. “I was delighted when I heard the announcement that family planning services were being offered for free at this mobile clinic. For a long time, I had been planning to get the services at the local health center, but it was difficult because I have a small baby and with lots of chores in the house, it was not possible. So, you can imagine how relieved I was to hear that I could get the services right here, and at no cost! I’m happy now because I don’t have to worry about getting pregnant again soon –something that has been my greatest fear,” said the young mother immediately after accessing services. Robina says she looks forward to more of such successful partnerships with RHNK. “Even though we had the commodities and supplies needed, it would not have been possible to undertake this activity without RHNK. The organization catered for all the tents, the service providers, the community health promoters, mobilizers and all other expenses related to the five-day activity. We were able to serve 2,555 people in Ruaraka and Embakasi East sub-Counties because of RHNK’s valuable collaboration with us. This is a worthwhile partnership, and we commit to continue working with RHNK on more programmes and activities,” she said. Follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

In planning to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Maputo Protocol, it became evident that many young people may be unaware of the protocol and its contents since it was created before their birth or when they were toddlers. The IPPFAR social media campaign, titled “Got the Maputo Tea?” stood out as a solution to drive forward the message and the agenda of the Maputo Protocol. This campaign kicked off on 6th July 2023 and concluded on 10th August 2023, and targeted girls aged 20 and thereabouts. The campaign has been a lesson in digital innovation, as it sought to channel the power of social media to raise awareness, ignite conversations and drive engagement with a young target audience. Here’s a quick recap of the campaign. The Maputo Protocol is a landmark treaty that was adopted by the African Union in 2003. It is the first international human rights treaty to specifically address the rights of women in Africa. The Protocol covers a wide range of issues, including: Gender equality and non-discrimination: The Protocol affirms the right of women to be equal to men in all aspects of life, and prohibits all forms of discrimination against women. Violence against women: The Protocol defines violence against women and girls, and commits States Parties to take measures to prevent and eradicate all forms of violence against women. Sexual and reproductive health and rights: The Protocol recognizes the right of women to sexual and reproductive health and rights, including the right to safe and legal abortion. Economic and social rights: The Protocol recognizes the right of women to economic and social rights, including the right to work, the right to education, and the right to health care. The Maputo Tea Party Event Converging Passion and Purpose  To kick off the 20th Anniversary of the Maputo Protocol celebration, the Maputo Tea Party Event was held at the IPPFAR office on 6th July 2023. To bring this event to life, IPPFAR staff, partners, social media campaign influencers and vibrant young individuals came together to share information and hold an open discussion on the Maputo Protocol. The event was physically attended by more than 75 participants and featured a panel of 5 stakeholders leading the discussion. Online, through live streaming, another 162 individuals experienced the event.  University Street Shoot to Nurture Awareness and Spark Conversation  To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Maputo Protocol on the 11th of July 2023, the campaign influencers participated in a street shoot targeting students from Strathmore University, Nairobi. The students were prompted with the question “Do you know about the Maputo Tea?” Their responses revealed the varying levels of awareness and opened the door for insightful conversations. A total of 30 students participated and were captured on video. Following their participation, participants were treated to a cup of tea, creating the atmosphere for sharing information and vital insights about the protocol’s profound significance. Using Technology to Bring Out the African Spirit Being dynamic on the IPPFAR social media platforms was at the heart of the Got the Maputo Tea campaign. A revolutionary approach of using AI-generated images that seamlessly incorporate African elements while bringing out the African spirit was included in the visual posts. With African women joyfully sharing tea, laughing together or the more solemn facial expressions on some posts, the images resonated with different emotional appeals. These images and their captions were shared across different platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. The posts were designed to reach a diverse audience and drive forth empowering messaging.   Amplifying the Message with Influencer Voices Central to the campaign’s success were two female influencers, Michelle Brendah and Leslie Muthoni (Anxietities). Through a blend of video narratives and sharing of key visuals, they actively participated in the campaign from inception to culmination. Their contributions helped to foster resonance and connection with their followers across different social media platforms. To create a ripple effect in the communication, a network of 30 nano-influencers also participated in the campaign using Twitter and TikTok as the main platforms. Their active and enthusiastic participation resulted in the campaign hashtag #maputoteaparty trending on the date of the 20th Anniversary celebration, 11th July 2023, on Twitter. Videos and an Article as Catalysts for Change For exciting and engaging content creation, videos from the Maputo Tea Party and the University Street Shoot were used to provide educational narratives about the Maputo Protocol. These videos were edited and used as both organic and sponsored posts on social media platforms. The aim of these videos was to offer deeper education to audiences and connect with them on a more emotional level. An article to kick off the campaign was also featured on the IPPFAR website and shared across its social media pages. To the reading audience, the article helped offer guidance on the campaign’s objectives, activities, and accomplishments. The "Got the Maputo Tea?" campaign was a success, with over 268,000 views and impressions from social media posts and videos. The campaign also resonated with the young target audience, with over 24,350 likes on social media posts. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this protocol, the "Got the Maputo Tea?" campaign has laid a strong foundation for furthering its aims and ideals. It has proven that creative digital strategy can make human rights issues relatable and inspiring to youth. The passion and dedication of all involved have made this campaign a remarkable success story of using social media for social good. IPPFAR has set a new benchmark for bringing important regional issues to the digital space.

  Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) is a programme that aims to build capacity of feminist organisations via subgrants to enhance more diverse and resilient Civil Society Organisations when addressing and responding to gender-based violence, inequalities, discrimination and other human rights violations related to gender. International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is the FON consortium lead, with the other consortium partners being Médecins du Monde (MdM-FR), Creating Resources for Empowerment and Action Inc. (CREA), the International Federation on Human Rights (FIDH) and Empow’Her (EH). The programme is funded by the French Government via the French Development Agency (AFD). The actions of the consortium's member organizations are guided by feminist principles and a strong commitment to promoting human rights and combating inequalities and discrimination, particularly against women and girls. With extensive experience in the themes covered by the program's mandates and complementary expertise, they provide a solid foundation for the program's comprehensive and holistic approach. Where: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Republic of Guinea, Kenya, Mexico, Niger, Sri Lanka. When: 2022-2026 The Challenge  Gender inequalities continue to impact half of the world’s population on a global scale and remain one of the primary barriers to human development. The FON Programme aims to tackle these inequalities by addressing several key challenges: Insufficient or ineffective implementation of comprehensive laws, policies, and legal frameworks to combat gender inequalities globally, which has resulted in worsening disparities. Inadequate application of these frameworks has further widened inequalities and increased the vulnerability of women and girls, particularly those with disabilities, living with HIV, sex workers, and individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities (SOGI). The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly exacerbated social and economic issues, leading to a rise in gender-based violence (GBV). Insufficient involvement of people with disabilities (who make up 15% of the global population), LGBTI+ individuals, sex workers, and people living with HIV/AIDS in initiatives to advocate for their rights, resulting in limited participation in preventing and responding to violence. A lack of support for emerging or relatively new Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), many of which are not formally recognized. Despite their enthusiasm and dynamic efforts, these organizations continue to face obstacles that limit their ability to combat GBV and promote women's rights. The absence of an innovative and flexible financing system to enhance the contributions of diverse CSOs in the Global South toward reducing GBV. Objectives of the Programme  To Improve the sustainability of feminist CSOs at the organizational and technical levels by proposing an inclusive approach to capacity building.   To support the resilience and diversity of feminist CSOs through access to flexible, sustainable financing mechanisms tailored to small and/or informal and/or marginalized CSOs. To strengthen a networked movement of feminist CSOs in the Global South, linking these CSOs and national, regional, and international networks, to make their voices heard on the public stage.     To promote innovation at all levels of the programme by the CSOs themselves and the consortium member organisations.   Targets of the Programme  Feminist CSOs working with and/or for the various structurally excluded groups. Activist organizations working with or led by people who may face particularly high discrimination. Gender inequalities and GBV, such as members of the LGBTI+ community and in general people with diverse sexual orientation and gender identities and Gender Expressions (SOGIE). People living with disabilities. People with HIV/AIDS.  Sex workers.  Indirectly, targets of advocacy activities (regional bodies, national / local authorities, etc) Approaches of the Programme  FON seeks to empower feminist organizations through subgrants to create more diverse and resilient CSOs in their efforts to address and respond to gender-based violence, inequalities, discrimination, and other human rights violations related to gender. To support this mission, FON will establish Regional Coordination and Advisory Committees in each region—Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These committees will play a crucial role in promoting inclusiveness and identifying opportunities for advocacy. The subgranting process will be structured into three funding windows, with the first call for proposals set to launch in April 2023: Window 1 : Boost The goal of this window is to enhance the capacity of feminist CSOs to navigate external challenges (such as political instability or insecurity) and internal obstacles (such as organizational difficulties, need for co-funding or additional program components). This window also provides flexibility, allowing CSOs to apply for grants to seize new opportunities in programming or advocacy. Window 2: Programmatic & Organizational Development This window is designed to support small and mid-sized CSOs aiming to grow their organizational, technical, and programmatic capacities. It aims to fund specific programs while simultaneously strengthening the overall capacity of the recipient organizations. Window 3: Synergies This window will provide funding for networks, movements, and alliances to carry out advocacy activities related to GBV and for organizations looking to join existing networks. It focuses on fostering network and alliance building and increasing visibility on national, regional, and international platforms.   Location Justification  Equity is a fundamental component of the FON implementation strategy. The programme will be carried out in 10 countries: six in Africa (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Kenya, and Niger), two in Latin America (Colombia and Mexico), and two in Asia (Bangladesh and Sri Lanka). The selection of these locations was carefully considered based on the following criteria: Countries where there is a strong need for CSO support and a high potential for exchanges and collaborations. Locations with existing normative and policy frameworks that are not fully implemented or respected in national laws. Countries with significant and varied needs among their populations, indicating a broad potential for learning and training. Contexts where gender-based violence is prevalent, increasing the necessity for support to feminist CSOs. Opportunities for collaboration with other existing and/or new initiatives. Find out more about FON in English, French or Spanish  

7 February 2023, Nairobi, Kenya – The International Planned Parenthood (IPPF) Africa Region in collaboration with the French Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, launches a new program which aims at strengthening feminist civil society organisations (CSOs) in 10 countries and over 3 continents – the Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) project. The Feminist Opportunities Now project will help small feminist local organisations become more diverse and resilient when addressing and responding to gender-based violence, inequalities, discrimination and other human rights violations related to gender. The program is funded by the French Government via the French Development Agency (AFD). This project will be implemented in 10 countries, including six in Africa (Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Ethiopia, Kenya and potentially Niger). Others are Colombia, Mexico, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Speaking during the launch of the FON project held at the French Embassy in Nairobi on 7 February, the IPPF Africa Regional Director, Ms. Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry said “gender-based violence in all its forms is recognised as a human rights violation by the international human rights framework and jurisprudence. Gender inequality, power imbalance and lack of respect for human rights are often the root causes of such heinous acts and prevent survivors from accessing and enjoying their full sexual and reproductive health and rights. As human rights defenders, we must all take a stand and put a stop to these inexcusable acts.” The Feminist Opportunities Now is a project which is grounded on feminist principles with a deep commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and the fight against inequalities and discrimination, especially against women and girls. END For media enquiries, please contact: Mahmoud Garga, Lead Specialist -Strategic Communication, Media Relations and Digital Campaigning, IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFARO) on [email protected] / Tel: +254 704 626 920 ABOUT THE FEMINIST OPPORTUNITIES NOW (FON) PROJECT The objective of the project Feminist Opportunities Now (FON), is to build the capacity of women's movements, via sub-grants to feminist organisations, with a particular effort to reaching small, often non-registered, organisations to address and respond to gender-based violence. The programme is developed based on an ecological model, using multi-disciplinary gender-transformative approaches. In addition to direct sub-granting (for € 7 million), FON will also provide a unique opportunity for longer-term mentorship to support feminist organisations in their overall development, with trainings specifically tailored to their needs. FON will also uniquely support the organisations to identify other/diverse sources of funding and also includes a research-action component to understand how these approaches can be scaled-up and made sustainable. ABOUT IPPF AFRICA REGION (IPPFAR) The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is one of the leading sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service delivery organization in Africa, and a leading sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy voice in the region. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPFAR is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men and women in sub-Saharan Africa. Learn more about us on our website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube. ABOUT THE FEMINIST OPPORTUNITIES NOW CONSORTIUM The consortium that will implement this project is composed of the International Federation for Family Planning Africa Regional Office as lead agency, Creating Resources for Empowerment and Action Inc. (CREA), Empow'Her (EH), the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and Médecins du Monde-France (MdM-FR).