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Latest news from IPPF

Spotlight

A selection of news from across the Federation

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Afrique

News item

La région Afrique de l'IPPF est à la recherche de personnes talentueuses pour soutenir son travail.

Dans le cadre de sa stratégie, le bureau régional africain de l'IPPF recrute pour plusieurs postes au Kenya et en Côte d'Ivoire.
RHU
news item

| 01 March 2024

Reproductive Health Uganda scoops coveted maternal health award

IPPF’s Member Association in Uganda - Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) is the recipient of the much-coveted National Safe Motherhood Award 2023. This recognition was bestowed on RHU during the closing ceremony of the National Safe Motherhood Conference 2023, where the organization was honored in the “Outstanding Contribution to Safe Motherhood- Family Planning” -NGO category. The award was granted by Uganda’s Ministry of Health. Five non-governmental organizations had been nominated in this category. "We are humbled and excited about winning the National Safe Motherhood Award. This award recognises our hard work and commitment to providing quality sexual reproductive health services to over 1.5million Ugandans every year," said RHU’s Executive Director Mr. Jackson Chekweko shortly after receiving the award. Mr. Chekweko noted that the recognition, more so at a national level and by the Government, has inspired RHU to intensify its efforts in contributing to the country’s maternal and newborn health goals through its work.   "We will strive to ensure that we expand our services to reach more populations –especially the vulnerable, marginalized and hard-to-reach communities- the young people, women in urban and rural areas, displaced people, key populations and persons with disabilities," he said. “We are extremely humbled by this recognition. This has not been achieved single handedly. We appreciate the RHU Boards (past and present), management and staff, the donor community, the Government and the communities we serve. We are now more determined to double our efforts to effectively serve our communities,” said RHU’s Director of Finance, Mr. Peter Mark Mutebi. In 2022, RHU offered 3.4 million sexual reproductive health services, with family planning services taking a huge share of more than 1.2 million services. Almost half of these services- 1.5 million- were offered to young people. The family planning services offered contributed to 1,029,553 couple years of protection (the estimated protection provided by contraceptive methods during a one-year period, based upon the volume of all contraceptives sold or distributed free of charge to clients during that period). Implants (a long-term contraceptive) contributed the biggest percentage at 63%. The National Safe Motherhood Conference 2023 was held under the theme “Reach Every Mother and Newborn”. Among others, it aimed to disseminate good standards of practice and enable shared learning among frontline health workers and leaders of safe motherhood in Uganda. The award ceremony saw other organizations, individuals, and institutions similarly honored by the Ministry of Health for their distinguished efforts towards improving maternal, child health and family planning indicators in the country. Follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

RHU
news_item

| 01 March 2024

Reproductive Health Uganda scoops coveted maternal health award

IPPF’s Member Association in Uganda - Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) is the recipient of the much-coveted National Safe Motherhood Award 2023. This recognition was bestowed on RHU during the closing ceremony of the National Safe Motherhood Conference 2023, where the organization was honored in the “Outstanding Contribution to Safe Motherhood- Family Planning” -NGO category. The award was granted by Uganda’s Ministry of Health. Five non-governmental organizations had been nominated in this category. "We are humbled and excited about winning the National Safe Motherhood Award. This award recognises our hard work and commitment to providing quality sexual reproductive health services to over 1.5million Ugandans every year," said RHU’s Executive Director Mr. Jackson Chekweko shortly after receiving the award. Mr. Chekweko noted that the recognition, more so at a national level and by the Government, has inspired RHU to intensify its efforts in contributing to the country’s maternal and newborn health goals through its work.   "We will strive to ensure that we expand our services to reach more populations –especially the vulnerable, marginalized and hard-to-reach communities- the young people, women in urban and rural areas, displaced people, key populations and persons with disabilities," he said. “We are extremely humbled by this recognition. This has not been achieved single handedly. We appreciate the RHU Boards (past and present), management and staff, the donor community, the Government and the communities we serve. We are now more determined to double our efforts to effectively serve our communities,” said RHU’s Director of Finance, Mr. Peter Mark Mutebi. In 2022, RHU offered 3.4 million sexual reproductive health services, with family planning services taking a huge share of more than 1.2 million services. Almost half of these services- 1.5 million- were offered to young people. The family planning services offered contributed to 1,029,553 couple years of protection (the estimated protection provided by contraceptive methods during a one-year period, based upon the volume of all contraceptives sold or distributed free of charge to clients during that period). Implants (a long-term contraceptive) contributed the biggest percentage at 63%. The National Safe Motherhood Conference 2023 was held under the theme “Reach Every Mother and Newborn”. Among others, it aimed to disseminate good standards of practice and enable shared learning among frontline health workers and leaders of safe motherhood in Uganda. The award ceremony saw other organizations, individuals, and institutions similarly honored by the Ministry of Health for their distinguished efforts towards improving maternal, child health and family planning indicators in the country. Follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

Uganda law
news item

| 10 May 2023

Uganda: IPPF Africa Region Urges President Museveni to Veto Harmful New Anti-Rights Law Targeting LGBTIQ+ Community

Nairobi, Kenya: 10 May 2023 – On 2 May 2023, the Ugandan parliament once again passed a detrimental and dangerous anti-LGBTIQ+ law. This follows the revision of the March 2023 law, which was sent back to parliament by President Museveni for amendments, but still remains alarming. The law criminalises same-sex relationships, and the promotion of homosexuality with prison terms of up to a maximum of life imprisonment. Read IPPFAR’s previous statement here. IPPF Africa region (IPPFAR) remains extremely concerned about the violation of several international human rights that would be ushered in by this law, including the right to life and dignity, freedom of expression and association, protection from discrimination, the right to a fair trial, to protection against arbitrary arrest, and to access health services, thus compromising the full and complete attainment of sexual and reproductive health and rights. In March 2023, IPPFAR warned that the proposed anti-LGBTIQ+ law would send a dangerous message and encourage hatred. Unfortunately, since then, IPPF has noted an increase in physical attacks against the LGBTIQ+ community, threats to the safety and security of civil society organisations, and an increase in hate speech towards LGBTIQ+ individuals and their allies. As the leading provider of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Africa, IPPFAR is deeply concerned that the passing of this law will deter people from accessing potentially life-saving SRH services for fear of being targeted, thereby  detrimentally affecting access to the range of sexual and reproductive health and services in Uganda, including testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, the provision of antiretroviral therapy to HIV positive persons, contraceptive service utilisation and access to accurate SRH information. The law hinders clinicians and healthcare professionals from fulfilling their roles and providing high quality patient care in a safe and confidential environment. “The IPPF Africa region condemns the new anti-rights law targeting the LGBTIQ+ community in Uganda and urges President Museveni to veto it promptly. This law will undo progress made in Uganda with regards to sexual and reproductive health and rights and will place many Ugandans in danger and at risk of several human rights violations”, said Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director. Once again, IPPFAR adds its voice to the widespread condemnation of this harmful and retrogressive law and urges President Museveni to veto it. The safety, heath, and dignity of all Ugandans must remain paramount. IPPF continues to stand with the LGBTIQ+ community in Uganda and globally at this time. END   For further information or to request an interview, please contact: -Mahmoud GARGA, Lead Specialist - Strategic Communication, Media Relations and Digital Campaigning, IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFARO) – 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, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.  

Uganda law
news_item

| 10 May 2023

Uganda: IPPF Africa Region Urges President Museveni to Veto Harmful New Anti-Rights Law Targeting LGBTIQ+ Community

Nairobi, Kenya: 10 May 2023 – On 2 May 2023, the Ugandan parliament once again passed a detrimental and dangerous anti-LGBTIQ+ law. This follows the revision of the March 2023 law, which was sent back to parliament by President Museveni for amendments, but still remains alarming. The law criminalises same-sex relationships, and the promotion of homosexuality with prison terms of up to a maximum of life imprisonment. Read IPPFAR’s previous statement here. IPPF Africa region (IPPFAR) remains extremely concerned about the violation of several international human rights that would be ushered in by this law, including the right to life and dignity, freedom of expression and association, protection from discrimination, the right to a fair trial, to protection against arbitrary arrest, and to access health services, thus compromising the full and complete attainment of sexual and reproductive health and rights. In March 2023, IPPFAR warned that the proposed anti-LGBTIQ+ law would send a dangerous message and encourage hatred. Unfortunately, since then, IPPF has noted an increase in physical attacks against the LGBTIQ+ community, threats to the safety and security of civil society organisations, and an increase in hate speech towards LGBTIQ+ individuals and their allies. As the leading provider of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Africa, IPPFAR is deeply concerned that the passing of this law will deter people from accessing potentially life-saving SRH services for fear of being targeted, thereby  detrimentally affecting access to the range of sexual and reproductive health and services in Uganda, including testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, the provision of antiretroviral therapy to HIV positive persons, contraceptive service utilisation and access to accurate SRH information. The law hinders clinicians and healthcare professionals from fulfilling their roles and providing high quality patient care in a safe and confidential environment. “The IPPF Africa region condemns the new anti-rights law targeting the LGBTIQ+ community in Uganda and urges President Museveni to veto it promptly. This law will undo progress made in Uganda with regards to sexual and reproductive health and rights and will place many Ugandans in danger and at risk of several human rights violations”, said Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director. Once again, IPPFAR adds its voice to the widespread condemnation of this harmful and retrogressive law and urges President Museveni to veto it. The safety, heath, and dignity of all Ugandans must remain paramount. IPPF continues to stand with the LGBTIQ+ community in Uganda and globally at this time. END   For further information or to request an interview, please contact: -Mahmoud GARGA, Lead Specialist - Strategic Communication, Media Relations and Digital Campaigning, IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFARO) – 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, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.  

Hiring image
news item

| 18 April 2023

IPPF Africa Region is seeking talented individuals to support its work

  The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service provider and one of the leading advocates for universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. IPPF is a worldwide movement of 120 national organizations, referred to as Member Associations, working with and for communities and individuals. These member associations are the leading civil society providers of contraception in 89 of 120 countries. And in 64 of those 89 countries, IPPF is the only largescale international provider. Collectively, member associations delivered more than 1 billion cumulative services between 2016 and 2022. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPF Africa Region (IPPFAR) is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men, and women in sub-Saharan Africa. To reach this goal, IPPFAR works with local civil-society organizations, governments, the African Union (AU), regional economic commissions (RECs), the United Nations, among others, to expand political and financial commitments to SRHR in Africa. IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRH challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs), strategic partners and volunteers in 42 countries. For more information, please read our 2022 profile (in English and French) here. In November 2022, at IPPF’s General Assembly, all IPPF Members Associations adopted a new Strategy for the Federation: Come Together – Strategy 2028. This new Strategy is about changing IPPF so it is well equipped to uphold SRHR for those who are left out, locked out or left behind. Come Together further commits IPPF to shaping laws, policies and norms through feminist action and international solidarity; and to nurturing the federation, addressing shortcomings and adding new impetus for real and lasting impact. Through this new Strategy, we commit to walking that path shoulder to shoulder with young people, and with individuals and communities bearing the full brunt of stigma and prejudice. At each step, we will defend, protect, and celebrate safety, pleasure and wellbeing in sex and reproduction. At every turn, we will denounce powers and authorities who, through policy, practice, and law, undermine dignity and human rights in those intimate realms. And, as IPPF, we will be accountable for who we are, what we do and how we do it. If you are interested in walking that path with us, review the below exciting job opportunities: External Relations Director Head of Corporate Services People Partner Community Engagement & Partnerships Lead Governance and Accreditation Advisor  Interested individuals should submit an application form in the IPPFARO CV form and a 1-page cover letter to: [email protected] with the job position you are applying for as the subject of the email by 19 May 2023. Please note that IPPFAR will not consider applications that are not done in the requested format. IPPF is an equal-opportunity employer. As a leading global human rights organization focused on equality, empowerment, ending discrimination, and poverty eradication, we internally reflect social justice principles. We, as IPPF, strongly oppose racism in all its forms and resolutely go for a cultural change that will shift the existing imbalances in power and process. Applications are particularly encouraged from women, persons living with disability, and candidates openly living with HIV. IPPF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers, contractors and partners to share this commitment. Anyone employed with IPPF agrees to sign and adhere to IPPF’s Code of Conduct and Safeguarding (Children and Vulnerable Adults) Policy. IPPF has​ been made aware of various fraudulent vacancy announcements circulated via e-mail from websites falsely stating that they are issued by or in association with IPPF.  These correspondences, which may seek to obtain money from the recipients of such correspondence are fraudulent and IPPF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

Hiring image
news_item

| 18 April 2023

IPPF Africa Region is seeking talented individuals to support its work

  The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service provider and one of the leading advocates for universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. IPPF is a worldwide movement of 120 national organizations, referred to as Member Associations, working with and for communities and individuals. These member associations are the leading civil society providers of contraception in 89 of 120 countries. And in 64 of those 89 countries, IPPF is the only largescale international provider. Collectively, member associations delivered more than 1 billion cumulative services between 2016 and 2022. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPF Africa Region (IPPFAR) is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men, and women in sub-Saharan Africa. To reach this goal, IPPFAR works with local civil-society organizations, governments, the African Union (AU), regional economic commissions (RECs), the United Nations, among others, to expand political and financial commitments to SRHR in Africa. IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRH challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs), strategic partners and volunteers in 42 countries. For more information, please read our 2022 profile (in English and French) here. In November 2022, at IPPF’s General Assembly, all IPPF Members Associations adopted a new Strategy for the Federation: Come Together – Strategy 2028. This new Strategy is about changing IPPF so it is well equipped to uphold SRHR for those who are left out, locked out or left behind. Come Together further commits IPPF to shaping laws, policies and norms through feminist action and international solidarity; and to nurturing the federation, addressing shortcomings and adding new impetus for real and lasting impact. Through this new Strategy, we commit to walking that path shoulder to shoulder with young people, and with individuals and communities bearing the full brunt of stigma and prejudice. At each step, we will defend, protect, and celebrate safety, pleasure and wellbeing in sex and reproduction. At every turn, we will denounce powers and authorities who, through policy, practice, and law, undermine dignity and human rights in those intimate realms. And, as IPPF, we will be accountable for who we are, what we do and how we do it. If you are interested in walking that path with us, review the below exciting job opportunities: External Relations Director Head of Corporate Services People Partner Community Engagement & Partnerships Lead Governance and Accreditation Advisor  Interested individuals should submit an application form in the IPPFARO CV form and a 1-page cover letter to: [email protected] with the job position you are applying for as the subject of the email by 19 May 2023. Please note that IPPFAR will not consider applications that are not done in the requested format. IPPF is an equal-opportunity employer. As a leading global human rights organization focused on equality, empowerment, ending discrimination, and poverty eradication, we internally reflect social justice principles. We, as IPPF, strongly oppose racism in all its forms and resolutely go for a cultural change that will shift the existing imbalances in power and process. Applications are particularly encouraged from women, persons living with disability, and candidates openly living with HIV. IPPF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers, contractors and partners to share this commitment. Anyone employed with IPPF agrees to sign and adhere to IPPF’s Code of Conduct and Safeguarding (Children and Vulnerable Adults) Policy. IPPF has​ been made aware of various fraudulent vacancy announcements circulated via e-mail from websites falsely stating that they are issued by or in association with IPPF.  These correspondences, which may seek to obtain money from the recipients of such correspondence are fraudulent and IPPF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry
news item

| 10 February 2023

FON Consortium Partners' workshop kicks off in Nairobi, Kenya

By Maryanne W. WAWERU Consortium partners of the newly launched Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) programme are currently in a start-up workshop in Nairobi, Kenya. The purpose of the three-day workshop is for the consortium partners to plan the modalities of implementation and coordination of the FON programme. IPPF 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). Funded by the French Government via the French Development Agency (AFD), the four-year FON programme aims to build the capacity of feminist organisations and movements to prevent and better respond to gender-based violence (GBV). The program will be implemented in 10 countries including six in Africa (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Kenya, and potentially Niger), two in Latin America (Colombia and Mexico) and two in Asia (Bangladesh and Sri Lanka). Emphasis on small feminist organizations FON’s strategy is to sub-grant feminist organisations, with a particular emphasis on small, often non-registered entities. The programme will focus on activist organizations working with, or led by people facing high discrimination, gender inequality and GBV. These include people with diverse sexual orientation and gender identities – among them members of the LGBTIQ community, people living with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS and sex workers. Speaking at the opening of the workshop, IPPFAR Director, Ms. Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, lauded the objectives of the FON programme, which stresses on the promotion and protection of the rights of marginalized populations. During the FON official launch, on 7 February 2023, she said: “Gender-based violence is a gross violation of human rights; but it is preventable. It is one of the key foundations to attain gender equality. The 2019 United Nations Development Programme report emphasised that: "disparities between men and women are among the most deeply rooted forms of inequality in the world. And because they affect half of the world's population, gender inequality is one of the greatest obstacles to human development”. We want to end the incidence of gender-based violence, and for this, the absolute, complete and sustained involvement of us all, is essential.” Focus on human rights “When we talk about sexual reproductive health and rights, it must be all-encompassing. For a long time, many programmes have focused on sexual reproductive health, neglecting the ‘rights’ aspect of SRHR. The FON programme is addressing this challenge by prioritizing women’s rights as well as those of other vulnerable and at-risk populations. IPPFAR is honored to lead the implementation of this noble initiative as it squarely aligns with the tenets of IPPF’s global Strategic Framework,” said Petrus-Barry. In addition to direct sub-granting, FON will provide a unique opportunity for longer-term mentorship to support feminist organisations in their overall development, with trainings tailored to their needs. The programme will further enhance the capacity of these organizations to identify other sources of funding. The research-action component of the FON programme will help inform how these approaches can be scaled-up and made sustainable. Significance of the workshop Consortium partners attending the workshop have underscored the timeliness and relevance of the workshop. “Participating in this forum where we are interacting with fellow consortium partners at the start of the programme is enhancing our understanding of how we all fit into the FON collage and how we will work together to achieve success. The brainstorming sessions and the varied insights by consortium colleagues are refining our grasp of our responsibilities within the regions,” said Gayathri Gamage. CREA’s FON Project Manager. While praising the workshop’s agenda, Alice Bordaçarre, Head of the Women's rights Desk at FIDH said the sessions are very enriching. “Gathering the FON consortium partners together in this forum has facilitated a fantastic team building session as we begin the programme’s implementation. Considering that we will work closely together for the next four years, the workshop has presented an excellent opportunity for us to be on the same table with colleagues from different countries, organizations and contexts, all brought together by one goal,” she said.   Calls for funding According to Alejandra Garcia, the Global FON Programme Manager, the first call for funding will be launched in April 2023. “We encourage all feminist organizations who qualify to apply for funding. FON grants will enable them to improve on and strengthen their organizations and the networks they are a part of. The funds will enable them to grow to the next level,” she said.  The FON programme was officially launched on Tuesday 7 February at the French Embassy in Nairobi. It was graced by the Ambassador of France in Kenya, H.E. Mr. Arnaud Suquet. Read more. For more updates on our work, follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry
news_item

| 10 February 2023

FON Consortium Partners' workshop kicks off in Nairobi, Kenya

By Maryanne W. WAWERU Consortium partners of the newly launched Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) programme are currently in a start-up workshop in Nairobi, Kenya. The purpose of the three-day workshop is for the consortium partners to plan the modalities of implementation and coordination of the FON programme. IPPF 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). Funded by the French Government via the French Development Agency (AFD), the four-year FON programme aims to build the capacity of feminist organisations and movements to prevent and better respond to gender-based violence (GBV). The program will be implemented in 10 countries including six in Africa (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Kenya, and potentially Niger), two in Latin America (Colombia and Mexico) and two in Asia (Bangladesh and Sri Lanka). Emphasis on small feminist organizations FON’s strategy is to sub-grant feminist organisations, with a particular emphasis on small, often non-registered entities. The programme will focus on activist organizations working with, or led by people facing high discrimination, gender inequality and GBV. These include people with diverse sexual orientation and gender identities – among them members of the LGBTIQ community, people living with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS and sex workers. Speaking at the opening of the workshop, IPPFAR Director, Ms. Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, lauded the objectives of the FON programme, which stresses on the promotion and protection of the rights of marginalized populations. During the FON official launch, on 7 February 2023, she said: “Gender-based violence is a gross violation of human rights; but it is preventable. It is one of the key foundations to attain gender equality. The 2019 United Nations Development Programme report emphasised that: "disparities between men and women are among the most deeply rooted forms of inequality in the world. And because they affect half of the world's population, gender inequality is one of the greatest obstacles to human development”. We want to end the incidence of gender-based violence, and for this, the absolute, complete and sustained involvement of us all, is essential.” Focus on human rights “When we talk about sexual reproductive health and rights, it must be all-encompassing. For a long time, many programmes have focused on sexual reproductive health, neglecting the ‘rights’ aspect of SRHR. The FON programme is addressing this challenge by prioritizing women’s rights as well as those of other vulnerable and at-risk populations. IPPFAR is honored to lead the implementation of this noble initiative as it squarely aligns with the tenets of IPPF’s global Strategic Framework,” said Petrus-Barry. In addition to direct sub-granting, FON will provide a unique opportunity for longer-term mentorship to support feminist organisations in their overall development, with trainings tailored to their needs. The programme will further enhance the capacity of these organizations to identify other sources of funding. The research-action component of the FON programme will help inform how these approaches can be scaled-up and made sustainable. Significance of the workshop Consortium partners attending the workshop have underscored the timeliness and relevance of the workshop. “Participating in this forum where we are interacting with fellow consortium partners at the start of the programme is enhancing our understanding of how we all fit into the FON collage and how we will work together to achieve success. The brainstorming sessions and the varied insights by consortium colleagues are refining our grasp of our responsibilities within the regions,” said Gayathri Gamage. CREA’s FON Project Manager. While praising the workshop’s agenda, Alice Bordaçarre, Head of the Women's rights Desk at FIDH said the sessions are very enriching. “Gathering the FON consortium partners together in this forum has facilitated a fantastic team building session as we begin the programme’s implementation. Considering that we will work closely together for the next four years, the workshop has presented an excellent opportunity for us to be on the same table with colleagues from different countries, organizations and contexts, all brought together by one goal,” she said.   Calls for funding According to Alejandra Garcia, the Global FON Programme Manager, the first call for funding will be launched in April 2023. “We encourage all feminist organizations who qualify to apply for funding. FON grants will enable them to improve on and strengthen their organizations and the networks they are a part of. The funds will enable them to grow to the next level,” she said.  The FON programme was officially launched on Tuesday 7 February at the French Embassy in Nairobi. It was graced by the Ambassador of France in Kenya, H.E. Mr. Arnaud Suquet. Read more. For more updates on our work, follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

The Greats - Anna Zolnierowicz - The Future Is Female
news item

| 05 December 2022

16 days of activism against gender-based violence - FEMICIDE

The term 'Feminicide' was first defined in 1976 by the South African feminist author Diana Elisabeth Hamilton Russel as 'the killing of women by men simply because they are women'. To qualify as a feminicide, the killing of a woman must necessarily be associated with motives related to her identity as a woman.  Thus, a woman killed in a burglary or by a hit-and-run driver cannot de facto be considered a victim of feminicide. The murderer is not necessarily a man. Types of Feminicide The term feminicide refers to two types of crime: intimate feminicide and non-intimate feminicide. The first one is committed by a spouse, ex-spouse or family member. According to a study cited by the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 35% of women killed worldwide are killed by their partners, compared to only 5% of murders involving men.  The second is committed by a stranger. The most frequently cited examples are the hundreds of women killed over many years in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, or the anti-feminist massacre at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989. However, the WHO recognises two (02) other categories of feminicide in addition to these: honour killing and dowry-related feminicide. Honour killings are carried out by a male or female member of the victim's family or clan, when a woman is accused of having transgressed moral laws or traditions - committing adultery, having sexual relations or pregnancy outside marriage, or even having been raped - to protect the family's reputation. Dowry-related femicide is the killing of a woman by her in-laws upon marriage because of an insufficient dowry (practised in India, for example). Feminicide in Africa Overall, there is a lack of data and insufficient analysis on femicide in Africa. Beyond the need for and existence of recent, reliable, comprehensive data and sociological analysis on the issue, experts agree that the available statistics probably underestimate the extent of the phenomenon worldwide, including in Africa. In Côte d'Ivoire, in Bocanda, in April 2021, a farmer living in Abouakro, Mr Paul, is suspected of having taken his wife's life on the night of Thursday 8 April 2021, for alleged infidelity. Recently, on Thursday 10 November 2022, a pregnant woman died after being stabbed by her neighbour in a building in Yopougon, Ananeraie district. The African and American continents are the regions where women are most likely to be killed by an intimate partner or family member. In Africa, the rate was about 3.1 victims per 100,000 women, while it was 1.6 in the Americas, 1.3 in Oceania and 0.9 in Asia. The lowest rate was recorded in Europe, with 0.7 victims per 100,000 women. According to a study by UN Women, in 2019 there were 19,000 cases of women dying in Africa, 10,000 of which were caused by the (intimate) partner. And 69% of the women killed in 2017 were killed by their partner or a family member.  In Zimbabwe, in 1998, three out of five (3/5) murder cases in the Harare High Court involved domestic violence. In Côte d'Ivoire, an unprecedented survey initiated and financed by the organisation Citoyennes pour la Promotion et Défense des Droits des Enfants, Femmes et Minorités (CPDEFM), an NGO founded by lawyer Sylvia Apata, has revealed approximately 416 cases of feminicide in Abidjan between 2019 and 2020, and thousands of cases of gender-based violence. Amnesty International estimates that in South Africa, every six (06) hours on average, a woman is killed by her husband or partner. This alarming figure places the country among the most dangerous for women, with a level of violence comparable to that of a country at war. After South Africa, Senegal is also cited as a country with a high incidence of feminicide. The major factors or causes of feminicide The factors of feminicide are multiple and can be found at several levels: individual, community, societal and structural.  At the individual level, several elements can be identified. These include a lack of female empowerment, limited financial resources, high unemployment, or delinquency, for example. At the relational or family level, we can list mental health problems of partners who become aggressive, the desire to dominate and control his partner, refusal of the woman's freedom, suspicion of infidelity, paranoia, trauma due to an inability to cope with a break-up, desire for separation, among others. At the community level, there is de facto gender inequality. This means that when some women want to emancipate themselves and take the lead or claim their rights, they are frowned upon and may be murdered for this reason because they are thought to want to "dominate" or "take the place of men", in some communities. Finally, at the societal or structural level, we can point to certain elements that may contribute to the phenomenon, such as the lack of respect for women's rights, the impunity enjoyed by murderers, corruption in the judicial system, the weight of tradition and religion, and the irresponsibility of the authorities, and above all of the State, to make any real pronouncement on the issue. Concrete actions taken against feminicide While many African women continue to be subjected to multiple abuses, community actors, influential women and youth activists are fighting  for the effective implementation of legislation against femicide in Africa. African states that are signatories to international treaties guaranteeing the fight against such violence are struggling to enforce their commitments, despite the adoption of tougher laws. Political authorities are in fact hampered by customary law, which often prevails over modern law, especially in rural areas. This favours a culture of impunity, where out-of-court settlements impede the smooth running of the judicial process. As regards the role of the State, many countries have no legislation on femicide, so no information is collected, which explains the lack of reliable and recent data on the extent of the phenomenon. Even when they do include feminicide in their legislation, several of them struggle to create a favourable climate (for survivors and families to report violence), or have failed to implement adequate collection and publication of local information. It is in the face of this ineffectiveness of institutions that new actors committed to changing attitudes and protecting women's lives have emerged. Where public awareness campaigns fail to convince husbands or men to ban violence against women, religious leaders, traditional authorities and activist movements appear as legitimate intermediaries. Some actions have also been undertaken to eradicate this phenomenon. In Senegal, for example, several religious and community leaders have decided to come out of silence and raise awareness among their followers during Friday prayers. They caution husbands against sexually violating their wives. In the fight against feminicide in Africa, the contribution of organisations in the fight against feminicide is just as remarkable. In 2021, IPPF Africa Region, in consortium with four other international organisations,  launched a project titled: "Feminist Opportunities Now" (FON), which aims to build the capacity of women's movements through grants to local feminist organisations in nine countries - six of which are in Africa, with a particular focus on reaching out to small, often unregistered, local organisations to address and respond to gender-based violence. The project will advance the feminist agenda by addressing gender-based violence in order to promote, protect and fulfil the human rights of all. Despite advances in several African countries to date (including laws, demonstrations and apparent political will), femicide is still rife. Combating this global scourge means acting not only at the educational level but also at the institutional level. With regard to education, it is important to put an end to these violent attitudes, especially among the youngest, through the schools, homes and communities in which they live. It is also imperative that States  implement public policies to combat violence against women, particularly feminicide. BIBLIOGRAPHY :    OMS : Fiche d’information « Comprendre et lutter contre la violence à l’égard des femmes » https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/86253/WHO_RHR_12.38_fre.pdf ONU Femmes : « Etat des lieux de la situation dans le monde »  https://www.onufemmes.fr/nos-actualites/2019/11/25/feminicides-etat-des-lieux-de-la-situation-dans-le-monde Amnesty international « Rapport 21/22 » : https://www.amnestyalgerie.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Rapport-Annuel-Amnesty-International-FR.pdf UNFPA « Journée internationale pour l’élimination des violences faites aux femmes et aux filles » : https://www.unfpa.org/fr/events/journee-internationale-pour-lelimination-des-violences-faites-aux-femmes TV5 Monde « Etat des lieux des violences faites aux femmes en Afrique »  : https://information.tv5monde.com/afrique/etat-des-lieux-des-violences-faites-aux-femmes-en-afrique-433820 L’article « le foyer , l’endroit le plus dangereux pour les femmes » UNODC ( office des nations unies contre la drogue et le crime ) : https://www.unodc.org/unodc/fr/frontpage/2018/November/le-foyer--lendroit-le-plus-dangereux-pour-les-femmes-o-la-majorit-des-femmes-victimes-dhomicide-dans-le-monde-sont-tues-par-leur-partenaire-ou-leur-famille--selon-une-tude-de-lonudc.html                                                  By Nancy ADEPAUD et Martine OUEDRAOGO,                                              IPPF Africa Region Interns and Women's Rights Activists

The Greats - Anna Zolnierowicz - The Future Is Female
news_item

| 05 December 2022

16 days of activism against gender-based violence - FEMICIDE

The term 'Feminicide' was first defined in 1976 by the South African feminist author Diana Elisabeth Hamilton Russel as 'the killing of women by men simply because they are women'. To qualify as a feminicide, the killing of a woman must necessarily be associated with motives related to her identity as a woman.  Thus, a woman killed in a burglary or by a hit-and-run driver cannot de facto be considered a victim of feminicide. The murderer is not necessarily a man. Types of Feminicide The term feminicide refers to two types of crime: intimate feminicide and non-intimate feminicide. The first one is committed by a spouse, ex-spouse or family member. According to a study cited by the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 35% of women killed worldwide are killed by their partners, compared to only 5% of murders involving men.  The second is committed by a stranger. The most frequently cited examples are the hundreds of women killed over many years in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, or the anti-feminist massacre at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989. However, the WHO recognises two (02) other categories of feminicide in addition to these: honour killing and dowry-related feminicide. Honour killings are carried out by a male or female member of the victim's family or clan, when a woman is accused of having transgressed moral laws or traditions - committing adultery, having sexual relations or pregnancy outside marriage, or even having been raped - to protect the family's reputation. Dowry-related femicide is the killing of a woman by her in-laws upon marriage because of an insufficient dowry (practised in India, for example). Feminicide in Africa Overall, there is a lack of data and insufficient analysis on femicide in Africa. Beyond the need for and existence of recent, reliable, comprehensive data and sociological analysis on the issue, experts agree that the available statistics probably underestimate the extent of the phenomenon worldwide, including in Africa. In Côte d'Ivoire, in Bocanda, in April 2021, a farmer living in Abouakro, Mr Paul, is suspected of having taken his wife's life on the night of Thursday 8 April 2021, for alleged infidelity. Recently, on Thursday 10 November 2022, a pregnant woman died after being stabbed by her neighbour in a building in Yopougon, Ananeraie district. The African and American continents are the regions where women are most likely to be killed by an intimate partner or family member. In Africa, the rate was about 3.1 victims per 100,000 women, while it was 1.6 in the Americas, 1.3 in Oceania and 0.9 in Asia. The lowest rate was recorded in Europe, with 0.7 victims per 100,000 women. According to a study by UN Women, in 2019 there were 19,000 cases of women dying in Africa, 10,000 of which were caused by the (intimate) partner. And 69% of the women killed in 2017 were killed by their partner or a family member.  In Zimbabwe, in 1998, three out of five (3/5) murder cases in the Harare High Court involved domestic violence. In Côte d'Ivoire, an unprecedented survey initiated and financed by the organisation Citoyennes pour la Promotion et Défense des Droits des Enfants, Femmes et Minorités (CPDEFM), an NGO founded by lawyer Sylvia Apata, has revealed approximately 416 cases of feminicide in Abidjan between 2019 and 2020, and thousands of cases of gender-based violence. Amnesty International estimates that in South Africa, every six (06) hours on average, a woman is killed by her husband or partner. This alarming figure places the country among the most dangerous for women, with a level of violence comparable to that of a country at war. After South Africa, Senegal is also cited as a country with a high incidence of feminicide. The major factors or causes of feminicide The factors of feminicide are multiple and can be found at several levels: individual, community, societal and structural.  At the individual level, several elements can be identified. These include a lack of female empowerment, limited financial resources, high unemployment, or delinquency, for example. At the relational or family level, we can list mental health problems of partners who become aggressive, the desire to dominate and control his partner, refusal of the woman's freedom, suspicion of infidelity, paranoia, trauma due to an inability to cope with a break-up, desire for separation, among others. At the community level, there is de facto gender inequality. This means that when some women want to emancipate themselves and take the lead or claim their rights, they are frowned upon and may be murdered for this reason because they are thought to want to "dominate" or "take the place of men", in some communities. Finally, at the societal or structural level, we can point to certain elements that may contribute to the phenomenon, such as the lack of respect for women's rights, the impunity enjoyed by murderers, corruption in the judicial system, the weight of tradition and religion, and the irresponsibility of the authorities, and above all of the State, to make any real pronouncement on the issue. Concrete actions taken against feminicide While many African women continue to be subjected to multiple abuses, community actors, influential women and youth activists are fighting  for the effective implementation of legislation against femicide in Africa. African states that are signatories to international treaties guaranteeing the fight against such violence are struggling to enforce their commitments, despite the adoption of tougher laws. Political authorities are in fact hampered by customary law, which often prevails over modern law, especially in rural areas. This favours a culture of impunity, where out-of-court settlements impede the smooth running of the judicial process. As regards the role of the State, many countries have no legislation on femicide, so no information is collected, which explains the lack of reliable and recent data on the extent of the phenomenon. Even when they do include feminicide in their legislation, several of them struggle to create a favourable climate (for survivors and families to report violence), or have failed to implement adequate collection and publication of local information. It is in the face of this ineffectiveness of institutions that new actors committed to changing attitudes and protecting women's lives have emerged. Where public awareness campaigns fail to convince husbands or men to ban violence against women, religious leaders, traditional authorities and activist movements appear as legitimate intermediaries. Some actions have also been undertaken to eradicate this phenomenon. In Senegal, for example, several religious and community leaders have decided to come out of silence and raise awareness among their followers during Friday prayers. They caution husbands against sexually violating their wives. In the fight against feminicide in Africa, the contribution of organisations in the fight against feminicide is just as remarkable. In 2021, IPPF Africa Region, in consortium with four other international organisations,  launched a project titled: "Feminist Opportunities Now" (FON), which aims to build the capacity of women's movements through grants to local feminist organisations in nine countries - six of which are in Africa, with a particular focus on reaching out to small, often unregistered, local organisations to address and respond to gender-based violence. The project will advance the feminist agenda by addressing gender-based violence in order to promote, protect and fulfil the human rights of all. Despite advances in several African countries to date (including laws, demonstrations and apparent political will), femicide is still rife. Combating this global scourge means acting not only at the educational level but also at the institutional level. With regard to education, it is important to put an end to these violent attitudes, especially among the youngest, through the schools, homes and communities in which they live. It is also imperative that States  implement public policies to combat violence against women, particularly feminicide. BIBLIOGRAPHY :    OMS : Fiche d’information « Comprendre et lutter contre la violence à l’égard des femmes » https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/86253/WHO_RHR_12.38_fre.pdf ONU Femmes : « Etat des lieux de la situation dans le monde »  https://www.onufemmes.fr/nos-actualites/2019/11/25/feminicides-etat-des-lieux-de-la-situation-dans-le-monde Amnesty international « Rapport 21/22 » : https://www.amnestyalgerie.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Rapport-Annuel-Amnesty-International-FR.pdf UNFPA « Journée internationale pour l’élimination des violences faites aux femmes et aux filles » : https://www.unfpa.org/fr/events/journee-internationale-pour-lelimination-des-violences-faites-aux-femmes TV5 Monde « Etat des lieux des violences faites aux femmes en Afrique »  : https://information.tv5monde.com/afrique/etat-des-lieux-des-violences-faites-aux-femmes-en-afrique-433820 L’article « le foyer , l’endroit le plus dangereux pour les femmes » UNODC ( office des nations unies contre la drogue et le crime ) : https://www.unodc.org/unodc/fr/frontpage/2018/November/le-foyer--lendroit-le-plus-dangereux-pour-les-femmes-o-la-majorit-des-femmes-victimes-dhomicide-dans-le-monde-sont-tues-par-leur-partenaire-ou-leur-famille--selon-une-tude-de-lonudc.html                                                  By Nancy ADEPAUD et Martine OUEDRAOGO,                                              IPPF Africa Region Interns and Women's Rights Activists

Bungoma county training
news item

| 24 November 2022

Bridging the knowledge gap on abortion care; addressing & reducing incidence of increased maternal mortality and morbidity

In Kenya, abortion is regulated by article 26(4) of the Constitution which states that: abortion is permitted (and legal) when in the opinion of a trained health professional, there is need for emergency treatment, or the life or health of the mother is in danger, or if permitted by any other written law. Unsafe abortion in Kenya is among the highest in Africa. According to Dr Ann Kihara from the International Federation of Gygaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) maternal mortality is high at about 6,000 deaths per year and 17% of them are as a result of complications from unsafe abortion. Most of these cases have moderate to severe complications requiring specialized treatment and often have lasting health effects. Despite these statistics, most healthcare providers in Kenya lack comprehensive knowledge on the laws that and access to abortion care, and the skills to effectively assess, recommend and provide abortion care within the constitutional provision. Moreover, existing adverse social cultural and religious beliefs create barriers for effective counseling, assessment, referrals, and provision of life saving comprehensive abortion services. Through the support of the Guttmacher Institute and the International Plan Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR), Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK) conducted a training for private healthcare providers on Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC) from 17th to 21st October 2022 in Bungoma County, Western Kenya. The training included in depth learning activities and discussions on the legal framework for comprehensive abortion care, consequences of unsafe abortion in Kenya, counselling for post abortion care (PAC), infection prevention, complications and management, counselling for informed decision making in post abortion care and pain management. The main objective of the training was to contribute towards reduction of abortion stigma and creating an enabling environment for quality service provision by private healthcare providers in the County. Beverlynn Juma, a service provider in Misikhu, shared: “Bungoma County has high incidents of unsafe abortions because people are not open about it, so many unsafe abortions go unreported. CAC training will enable most service providers to be open about the fact that they provide safe abortion services, leading to increased awareness of the availability of these services. Reproductive Health Network Kenya in partnership with the county government will improve the state of abortion by enabling girls to be able to go for the procedure freely hence reducing mortality rates’’. From the testimonials shared by Beverly and other healthcare providers in the training; access to safe abortion information in Bungoma County is also limited due to knowledge gaps on the legality of the service and their obligation as providers. Martin Onyango, the Strategic Legal Expert at the Centre for Reproductive Rights Africa Region stated that his hope and wish is that “…the training invokes the desire to offer safe services by providers and equally empower them to be champions and advocates for safe abortion in their county”. The Bungoma County Reproductive Health Coordinator, Mrs. Christine Naliaka expressed her appreciation for the training and partnership between RHNK and the County government of Bungoma, which in her opinion is very timely and said: “there still exists stigma of CAC & PAC services, clients still hide and don’t open up to safe abortion services despite inevitable conditions like miscarriages. Some of the challenges faced by the facilities in provision of abortion services is that the providers don’t display PAC services on their service charters, no financial allocation of PAC/CAC services from the county government, reporting tools are not available in all facilities, and there is no capacity building of the providers”.   She acknowledged the contribution of partners in promoting service access as most clients from Bungoma receive services from private facilities. Christine also recommended support supervision visits after the training to ascertain whether the providers are compliant and giving quality services such as PAC/CAC as an emergency service. She also mentioned that collaborations and partnership between should be deepened to bridge the information gap in service access, and critically partners should work seamlessly with the county structures to provide more information to the public while working on building the capacity of the providers to create a favorable working environment, and stronger continuum of care.  “The training has been successful especially in terms of establishing a network of providers in Bungoma County as well as filling the gaps in terms of skills gap and having necessary knowledge to provide the services. We believe that the providers we have trained will be part of the network for Bungoma County under RHNK umbrella and provide quality services especially to the under-reached population, the youth, adolescents and women in the rural areas.’’ Dr. Wambulwa, Bungoma County Pharmacist. In order to reduce maternal mortality, it is critical that key stakeholders’ intensify preventive promotive SRHR campaigns for right holders’ awareness of their needs. Stakeholders’ should also promote public-private partnership in building the capacity of Health Care Providers in understanding their professional roles and provision of fundamental human rights. “We applaud the County Government of Bungoma, and all the other partnerships and actors who are working continually and untiringly to expand access to abortion care. Almost 90% of abortions in countries with liberal abortion laws are considered safe, compared to only 25% in countries where abortion is banned. This is a serious violation of human rights. Medical abortion has revolutionised access to care and safe abortion, both inside and outside the health system. These advances must be protected, and at IPPF we are committed to expanding the knowledge of and acceptance around abortion care, reducing the number of deaths of women and girls who are forced to turn to unsafe abortion methods,” said Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, Regional Director of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Africa Region. The government should prioritize aligning SRHR legal frameworks to create an enabling environment for access to information and healthcare by all. They should ensure increased funds allocation to SRHR including abortion commodities and equipment in both public and private facilities for access to quality and comprehensive SRHR. In conclusion there is need for investment in research for continuous SRHR evidence generation to inform current and future programming centered on the needs of providers, communities and other stakeholders.

Bungoma county training
news_item

| 24 November 2022

Bridging the knowledge gap on abortion care; addressing & reducing incidence of increased maternal mortality and morbidity

In Kenya, abortion is regulated by article 26(4) of the Constitution which states that: abortion is permitted (and legal) when in the opinion of a trained health professional, there is need for emergency treatment, or the life or health of the mother is in danger, or if permitted by any other written law. Unsafe abortion in Kenya is among the highest in Africa. According to Dr Ann Kihara from the International Federation of Gygaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) maternal mortality is high at about 6,000 deaths per year and 17% of them are as a result of complications from unsafe abortion. Most of these cases have moderate to severe complications requiring specialized treatment and often have lasting health effects. Despite these statistics, most healthcare providers in Kenya lack comprehensive knowledge on the laws that and access to abortion care, and the skills to effectively assess, recommend and provide abortion care within the constitutional provision. Moreover, existing adverse social cultural and religious beliefs create barriers for effective counseling, assessment, referrals, and provision of life saving comprehensive abortion services. Through the support of the Guttmacher Institute and the International Plan Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR), Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK) conducted a training for private healthcare providers on Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC) from 17th to 21st October 2022 in Bungoma County, Western Kenya. The training included in depth learning activities and discussions on the legal framework for comprehensive abortion care, consequences of unsafe abortion in Kenya, counselling for post abortion care (PAC), infection prevention, complications and management, counselling for informed decision making in post abortion care and pain management. The main objective of the training was to contribute towards reduction of abortion stigma and creating an enabling environment for quality service provision by private healthcare providers in the County. Beverlynn Juma, a service provider in Misikhu, shared: “Bungoma County has high incidents of unsafe abortions because people are not open about it, so many unsafe abortions go unreported. CAC training will enable most service providers to be open about the fact that they provide safe abortion services, leading to increased awareness of the availability of these services. Reproductive Health Network Kenya in partnership with the county government will improve the state of abortion by enabling girls to be able to go for the procedure freely hence reducing mortality rates’’. From the testimonials shared by Beverly and other healthcare providers in the training; access to safe abortion information in Bungoma County is also limited due to knowledge gaps on the legality of the service and their obligation as providers. Martin Onyango, the Strategic Legal Expert at the Centre for Reproductive Rights Africa Region stated that his hope and wish is that “…the training invokes the desire to offer safe services by providers and equally empower them to be champions and advocates for safe abortion in their county”. The Bungoma County Reproductive Health Coordinator, Mrs. Christine Naliaka expressed her appreciation for the training and partnership between RHNK and the County government of Bungoma, which in her opinion is very timely and said: “there still exists stigma of CAC & PAC services, clients still hide and don’t open up to safe abortion services despite inevitable conditions like miscarriages. Some of the challenges faced by the facilities in provision of abortion services is that the providers don’t display PAC services on their service charters, no financial allocation of PAC/CAC services from the county government, reporting tools are not available in all facilities, and there is no capacity building of the providers”.   She acknowledged the contribution of partners in promoting service access as most clients from Bungoma receive services from private facilities. Christine also recommended support supervision visits after the training to ascertain whether the providers are compliant and giving quality services such as PAC/CAC as an emergency service. She also mentioned that collaborations and partnership between should be deepened to bridge the information gap in service access, and critically partners should work seamlessly with the county structures to provide more information to the public while working on building the capacity of the providers to create a favorable working environment, and stronger continuum of care.  “The training has been successful especially in terms of establishing a network of providers in Bungoma County as well as filling the gaps in terms of skills gap and having necessary knowledge to provide the services. We believe that the providers we have trained will be part of the network for Bungoma County under RHNK umbrella and provide quality services especially to the under-reached population, the youth, adolescents and women in the rural areas.’’ Dr. Wambulwa, Bungoma County Pharmacist. In order to reduce maternal mortality, it is critical that key stakeholders’ intensify preventive promotive SRHR campaigns for right holders’ awareness of their needs. Stakeholders’ should also promote public-private partnership in building the capacity of Health Care Providers in understanding their professional roles and provision of fundamental human rights. “We applaud the County Government of Bungoma, and all the other partnerships and actors who are working continually and untiringly to expand access to abortion care. Almost 90% of abortions in countries with liberal abortion laws are considered safe, compared to only 25% in countries where abortion is banned. This is a serious violation of human rights. Medical abortion has revolutionised access to care and safe abortion, both inside and outside the health system. These advances must be protected, and at IPPF we are committed to expanding the knowledge of and acceptance around abortion care, reducing the number of deaths of women and girls who are forced to turn to unsafe abortion methods,” said Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, Regional Director of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Africa Region. The government should prioritize aligning SRHR legal frameworks to create an enabling environment for access to information and healthcare by all. They should ensure increased funds allocation to SRHR including abortion commodities and equipment in both public and private facilities for access to quality and comprehensive SRHR. In conclusion there is need for investment in research for continuous SRHR evidence generation to inform current and future programming centered on the needs of providers, communities and other stakeholders.

RHU
news item

| 01 March 2024

Reproductive Health Uganda scoops coveted maternal health award

IPPF’s Member Association in Uganda - Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) is the recipient of the much-coveted National Safe Motherhood Award 2023. This recognition was bestowed on RHU during the closing ceremony of the National Safe Motherhood Conference 2023, where the organization was honored in the “Outstanding Contribution to Safe Motherhood- Family Planning” -NGO category. The award was granted by Uganda’s Ministry of Health. Five non-governmental organizations had been nominated in this category. "We are humbled and excited about winning the National Safe Motherhood Award. This award recognises our hard work and commitment to providing quality sexual reproductive health services to over 1.5million Ugandans every year," said RHU’s Executive Director Mr. Jackson Chekweko shortly after receiving the award. Mr. Chekweko noted that the recognition, more so at a national level and by the Government, has inspired RHU to intensify its efforts in contributing to the country’s maternal and newborn health goals through its work.   "We will strive to ensure that we expand our services to reach more populations –especially the vulnerable, marginalized and hard-to-reach communities- the young people, women in urban and rural areas, displaced people, key populations and persons with disabilities," he said. “We are extremely humbled by this recognition. This has not been achieved single handedly. We appreciate the RHU Boards (past and present), management and staff, the donor community, the Government and the communities we serve. We are now more determined to double our efforts to effectively serve our communities,” said RHU’s Director of Finance, Mr. Peter Mark Mutebi. In 2022, RHU offered 3.4 million sexual reproductive health services, with family planning services taking a huge share of more than 1.2 million services. Almost half of these services- 1.5 million- were offered to young people. The family planning services offered contributed to 1,029,553 couple years of protection (the estimated protection provided by contraceptive methods during a one-year period, based upon the volume of all contraceptives sold or distributed free of charge to clients during that period). Implants (a long-term contraceptive) contributed the biggest percentage at 63%. The National Safe Motherhood Conference 2023 was held under the theme “Reach Every Mother and Newborn”. Among others, it aimed to disseminate good standards of practice and enable shared learning among frontline health workers and leaders of safe motherhood in Uganda. The award ceremony saw other organizations, individuals, and institutions similarly honored by the Ministry of Health for their distinguished efforts towards improving maternal, child health and family planning indicators in the country. Follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

RHU
news_item

| 01 March 2024

Reproductive Health Uganda scoops coveted maternal health award

IPPF’s Member Association in Uganda - Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) is the recipient of the much-coveted National Safe Motherhood Award 2023. This recognition was bestowed on RHU during the closing ceremony of the National Safe Motherhood Conference 2023, where the organization was honored in the “Outstanding Contribution to Safe Motherhood- Family Planning” -NGO category. The award was granted by Uganda’s Ministry of Health. Five non-governmental organizations had been nominated in this category. "We are humbled and excited about winning the National Safe Motherhood Award. This award recognises our hard work and commitment to providing quality sexual reproductive health services to over 1.5million Ugandans every year," said RHU’s Executive Director Mr. Jackson Chekweko shortly after receiving the award. Mr. Chekweko noted that the recognition, more so at a national level and by the Government, has inspired RHU to intensify its efforts in contributing to the country’s maternal and newborn health goals through its work.   "We will strive to ensure that we expand our services to reach more populations –especially the vulnerable, marginalized and hard-to-reach communities- the young people, women in urban and rural areas, displaced people, key populations and persons with disabilities," he said. “We are extremely humbled by this recognition. This has not been achieved single handedly. We appreciate the RHU Boards (past and present), management and staff, the donor community, the Government and the communities we serve. We are now more determined to double our efforts to effectively serve our communities,” said RHU’s Director of Finance, Mr. Peter Mark Mutebi. In 2022, RHU offered 3.4 million sexual reproductive health services, with family planning services taking a huge share of more than 1.2 million services. Almost half of these services- 1.5 million- were offered to young people. The family planning services offered contributed to 1,029,553 couple years of protection (the estimated protection provided by contraceptive methods during a one-year period, based upon the volume of all contraceptives sold or distributed free of charge to clients during that period). Implants (a long-term contraceptive) contributed the biggest percentage at 63%. The National Safe Motherhood Conference 2023 was held under the theme “Reach Every Mother and Newborn”. Among others, it aimed to disseminate good standards of practice and enable shared learning among frontline health workers and leaders of safe motherhood in Uganda. The award ceremony saw other organizations, individuals, and institutions similarly honored by the Ministry of Health for their distinguished efforts towards improving maternal, child health and family planning indicators in the country. Follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

Uganda law
news item

| 10 May 2023

Uganda: IPPF Africa Region Urges President Museveni to Veto Harmful New Anti-Rights Law Targeting LGBTIQ+ Community

Nairobi, Kenya: 10 May 2023 – On 2 May 2023, the Ugandan parliament once again passed a detrimental and dangerous anti-LGBTIQ+ law. This follows the revision of the March 2023 law, which was sent back to parliament by President Museveni for amendments, but still remains alarming. The law criminalises same-sex relationships, and the promotion of homosexuality with prison terms of up to a maximum of life imprisonment. Read IPPFAR’s previous statement here. IPPF Africa region (IPPFAR) remains extremely concerned about the violation of several international human rights that would be ushered in by this law, including the right to life and dignity, freedom of expression and association, protection from discrimination, the right to a fair trial, to protection against arbitrary arrest, and to access health services, thus compromising the full and complete attainment of sexual and reproductive health and rights. In March 2023, IPPFAR warned that the proposed anti-LGBTIQ+ law would send a dangerous message and encourage hatred. Unfortunately, since then, IPPF has noted an increase in physical attacks against the LGBTIQ+ community, threats to the safety and security of civil society organisations, and an increase in hate speech towards LGBTIQ+ individuals and their allies. As the leading provider of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Africa, IPPFAR is deeply concerned that the passing of this law will deter people from accessing potentially life-saving SRH services for fear of being targeted, thereby  detrimentally affecting access to the range of sexual and reproductive health and services in Uganda, including testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, the provision of antiretroviral therapy to HIV positive persons, contraceptive service utilisation and access to accurate SRH information. The law hinders clinicians and healthcare professionals from fulfilling their roles and providing high quality patient care in a safe and confidential environment. “The IPPF Africa region condemns the new anti-rights law targeting the LGBTIQ+ community in Uganda and urges President Museveni to veto it promptly. This law will undo progress made in Uganda with regards to sexual and reproductive health and rights and will place many Ugandans in danger and at risk of several human rights violations”, said Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director. Once again, IPPFAR adds its voice to the widespread condemnation of this harmful and retrogressive law and urges President Museveni to veto it. The safety, heath, and dignity of all Ugandans must remain paramount. IPPF continues to stand with the LGBTIQ+ community in Uganda and globally at this time. END   For further information or to request an interview, please contact: -Mahmoud GARGA, Lead Specialist - Strategic Communication, Media Relations and Digital Campaigning, IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFARO) – 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, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.  

Uganda law
news_item

| 10 May 2023

Uganda: IPPF Africa Region Urges President Museveni to Veto Harmful New Anti-Rights Law Targeting LGBTIQ+ Community

Nairobi, Kenya: 10 May 2023 – On 2 May 2023, the Ugandan parliament once again passed a detrimental and dangerous anti-LGBTIQ+ law. This follows the revision of the March 2023 law, which was sent back to parliament by President Museveni for amendments, but still remains alarming. The law criminalises same-sex relationships, and the promotion of homosexuality with prison terms of up to a maximum of life imprisonment. Read IPPFAR’s previous statement here. IPPF Africa region (IPPFAR) remains extremely concerned about the violation of several international human rights that would be ushered in by this law, including the right to life and dignity, freedom of expression and association, protection from discrimination, the right to a fair trial, to protection against arbitrary arrest, and to access health services, thus compromising the full and complete attainment of sexual and reproductive health and rights. In March 2023, IPPFAR warned that the proposed anti-LGBTIQ+ law would send a dangerous message and encourage hatred. Unfortunately, since then, IPPF has noted an increase in physical attacks against the LGBTIQ+ community, threats to the safety and security of civil society organisations, and an increase in hate speech towards LGBTIQ+ individuals and their allies. As the leading provider of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Africa, IPPFAR is deeply concerned that the passing of this law will deter people from accessing potentially life-saving SRH services for fear of being targeted, thereby  detrimentally affecting access to the range of sexual and reproductive health and services in Uganda, including testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, the provision of antiretroviral therapy to HIV positive persons, contraceptive service utilisation and access to accurate SRH information. The law hinders clinicians and healthcare professionals from fulfilling their roles and providing high quality patient care in a safe and confidential environment. “The IPPF Africa region condemns the new anti-rights law targeting the LGBTIQ+ community in Uganda and urges President Museveni to veto it promptly. This law will undo progress made in Uganda with regards to sexual and reproductive health and rights and will place many Ugandans in danger and at risk of several human rights violations”, said Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director. Once again, IPPFAR adds its voice to the widespread condemnation of this harmful and retrogressive law and urges President Museveni to veto it. The safety, heath, and dignity of all Ugandans must remain paramount. IPPF continues to stand with the LGBTIQ+ community in Uganda and globally at this time. END   For further information or to request an interview, please contact: -Mahmoud GARGA, Lead Specialist - Strategic Communication, Media Relations and Digital Campaigning, IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFARO) – 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, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.  

Hiring image
news item

| 18 April 2023

IPPF Africa Region is seeking talented individuals to support its work

  The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service provider and one of the leading advocates for universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. IPPF is a worldwide movement of 120 national organizations, referred to as Member Associations, working with and for communities and individuals. These member associations are the leading civil society providers of contraception in 89 of 120 countries. And in 64 of those 89 countries, IPPF is the only largescale international provider. Collectively, member associations delivered more than 1 billion cumulative services between 2016 and 2022. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPF Africa Region (IPPFAR) is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men, and women in sub-Saharan Africa. To reach this goal, IPPFAR works with local civil-society organizations, governments, the African Union (AU), regional economic commissions (RECs), the United Nations, among others, to expand political and financial commitments to SRHR in Africa. IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRH challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs), strategic partners and volunteers in 42 countries. For more information, please read our 2022 profile (in English and French) here. In November 2022, at IPPF’s General Assembly, all IPPF Members Associations adopted a new Strategy for the Federation: Come Together – Strategy 2028. This new Strategy is about changing IPPF so it is well equipped to uphold SRHR for those who are left out, locked out or left behind. Come Together further commits IPPF to shaping laws, policies and norms through feminist action and international solidarity; and to nurturing the federation, addressing shortcomings and adding new impetus for real and lasting impact. Through this new Strategy, we commit to walking that path shoulder to shoulder with young people, and with individuals and communities bearing the full brunt of stigma and prejudice. At each step, we will defend, protect, and celebrate safety, pleasure and wellbeing in sex and reproduction. At every turn, we will denounce powers and authorities who, through policy, practice, and law, undermine dignity and human rights in those intimate realms. And, as IPPF, we will be accountable for who we are, what we do and how we do it. If you are interested in walking that path with us, review the below exciting job opportunities: External Relations Director Head of Corporate Services People Partner Community Engagement & Partnerships Lead Governance and Accreditation Advisor  Interested individuals should submit an application form in the IPPFARO CV form and a 1-page cover letter to: [email protected] with the job position you are applying for as the subject of the email by 19 May 2023. Please note that IPPFAR will not consider applications that are not done in the requested format. IPPF is an equal-opportunity employer. As a leading global human rights organization focused on equality, empowerment, ending discrimination, and poverty eradication, we internally reflect social justice principles. We, as IPPF, strongly oppose racism in all its forms and resolutely go for a cultural change that will shift the existing imbalances in power and process. Applications are particularly encouraged from women, persons living with disability, and candidates openly living with HIV. IPPF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers, contractors and partners to share this commitment. Anyone employed with IPPF agrees to sign and adhere to IPPF’s Code of Conduct and Safeguarding (Children and Vulnerable Adults) Policy. IPPF has​ been made aware of various fraudulent vacancy announcements circulated via e-mail from websites falsely stating that they are issued by or in association with IPPF.  These correspondences, which may seek to obtain money from the recipients of such correspondence are fraudulent and IPPF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

Hiring image
news_item

| 18 April 2023

IPPF Africa Region is seeking talented individuals to support its work

  The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service provider and one of the leading advocates for universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. IPPF is a worldwide movement of 120 national organizations, referred to as Member Associations, working with and for communities and individuals. These member associations are the leading civil society providers of contraception in 89 of 120 countries. And in 64 of those 89 countries, IPPF is the only largescale international provider. Collectively, member associations delivered more than 1 billion cumulative services between 2016 and 2022. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPF Africa Region (IPPFAR) is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men, and women in sub-Saharan Africa. To reach this goal, IPPFAR works with local civil-society organizations, governments, the African Union (AU), regional economic commissions (RECs), the United Nations, among others, to expand political and financial commitments to SRHR in Africa. IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRH challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs), strategic partners and volunteers in 42 countries. For more information, please read our 2022 profile (in English and French) here. In November 2022, at IPPF’s General Assembly, all IPPF Members Associations adopted a new Strategy for the Federation: Come Together – Strategy 2028. This new Strategy is about changing IPPF so it is well equipped to uphold SRHR for those who are left out, locked out or left behind. Come Together further commits IPPF to shaping laws, policies and norms through feminist action and international solidarity; and to nurturing the federation, addressing shortcomings and adding new impetus for real and lasting impact. Through this new Strategy, we commit to walking that path shoulder to shoulder with young people, and with individuals and communities bearing the full brunt of stigma and prejudice. At each step, we will defend, protect, and celebrate safety, pleasure and wellbeing in sex and reproduction. At every turn, we will denounce powers and authorities who, through policy, practice, and law, undermine dignity and human rights in those intimate realms. And, as IPPF, we will be accountable for who we are, what we do and how we do it. If you are interested in walking that path with us, review the below exciting job opportunities: External Relations Director Head of Corporate Services People Partner Community Engagement & Partnerships Lead Governance and Accreditation Advisor  Interested individuals should submit an application form in the IPPFARO CV form and a 1-page cover letter to: [email protected] with the job position you are applying for as the subject of the email by 19 May 2023. Please note that IPPFAR will not consider applications that are not done in the requested format. IPPF is an equal-opportunity employer. As a leading global human rights organization focused on equality, empowerment, ending discrimination, and poverty eradication, we internally reflect social justice principles. We, as IPPF, strongly oppose racism in all its forms and resolutely go for a cultural change that will shift the existing imbalances in power and process. Applications are particularly encouraged from women, persons living with disability, and candidates openly living with HIV. IPPF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers, contractors and partners to share this commitment. Anyone employed with IPPF agrees to sign and adhere to IPPF’s Code of Conduct and Safeguarding (Children and Vulnerable Adults) Policy. IPPF has​ been made aware of various fraudulent vacancy announcements circulated via e-mail from websites falsely stating that they are issued by or in association with IPPF.  These correspondences, which may seek to obtain money from the recipients of such correspondence are fraudulent and IPPF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry
news item

| 10 February 2023

FON Consortium Partners' workshop kicks off in Nairobi, Kenya

By Maryanne W. WAWERU Consortium partners of the newly launched Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) programme are currently in a start-up workshop in Nairobi, Kenya. The purpose of the three-day workshop is for the consortium partners to plan the modalities of implementation and coordination of the FON programme. IPPF 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). Funded by the French Government via the French Development Agency (AFD), the four-year FON programme aims to build the capacity of feminist organisations and movements to prevent and better respond to gender-based violence (GBV). The program will be implemented in 10 countries including six in Africa (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Kenya, and potentially Niger), two in Latin America (Colombia and Mexico) and two in Asia (Bangladesh and Sri Lanka). Emphasis on small feminist organizations FON’s strategy is to sub-grant feminist organisations, with a particular emphasis on small, often non-registered entities. The programme will focus on activist organizations working with, or led by people facing high discrimination, gender inequality and GBV. These include people with diverse sexual orientation and gender identities – among them members of the LGBTIQ community, people living with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS and sex workers. Speaking at the opening of the workshop, IPPFAR Director, Ms. Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, lauded the objectives of the FON programme, which stresses on the promotion and protection of the rights of marginalized populations. During the FON official launch, on 7 February 2023, she said: “Gender-based violence is a gross violation of human rights; but it is preventable. It is one of the key foundations to attain gender equality. The 2019 United Nations Development Programme report emphasised that: "disparities between men and women are among the most deeply rooted forms of inequality in the world. And because they affect half of the world's population, gender inequality is one of the greatest obstacles to human development”. We want to end the incidence of gender-based violence, and for this, the absolute, complete and sustained involvement of us all, is essential.” Focus on human rights “When we talk about sexual reproductive health and rights, it must be all-encompassing. For a long time, many programmes have focused on sexual reproductive health, neglecting the ‘rights’ aspect of SRHR. The FON programme is addressing this challenge by prioritizing women’s rights as well as those of other vulnerable and at-risk populations. IPPFAR is honored to lead the implementation of this noble initiative as it squarely aligns with the tenets of IPPF’s global Strategic Framework,” said Petrus-Barry. In addition to direct sub-granting, FON will provide a unique opportunity for longer-term mentorship to support feminist organisations in their overall development, with trainings tailored to their needs. The programme will further enhance the capacity of these organizations to identify other sources of funding. The research-action component of the FON programme will help inform how these approaches can be scaled-up and made sustainable. Significance of the workshop Consortium partners attending the workshop have underscored the timeliness and relevance of the workshop. “Participating in this forum where we are interacting with fellow consortium partners at the start of the programme is enhancing our understanding of how we all fit into the FON collage and how we will work together to achieve success. The brainstorming sessions and the varied insights by consortium colleagues are refining our grasp of our responsibilities within the regions,” said Gayathri Gamage. CREA’s FON Project Manager. While praising the workshop’s agenda, Alice Bordaçarre, Head of the Women's rights Desk at FIDH said the sessions are very enriching. “Gathering the FON consortium partners together in this forum has facilitated a fantastic team building session as we begin the programme’s implementation. Considering that we will work closely together for the next four years, the workshop has presented an excellent opportunity for us to be on the same table with colleagues from different countries, organizations and contexts, all brought together by one goal,” she said.   Calls for funding According to Alejandra Garcia, the Global FON Programme Manager, the first call for funding will be launched in April 2023. “We encourage all feminist organizations who qualify to apply for funding. FON grants will enable them to improve on and strengthen their organizations and the networks they are a part of. The funds will enable them to grow to the next level,” she said.  The FON programme was officially launched on Tuesday 7 February at the French Embassy in Nairobi. It was graced by the Ambassador of France in Kenya, H.E. Mr. Arnaud Suquet. Read more. For more updates on our work, follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry
news_item

| 10 February 2023

FON Consortium Partners' workshop kicks off in Nairobi, Kenya

By Maryanne W. WAWERU Consortium partners of the newly launched Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) programme are currently in a start-up workshop in Nairobi, Kenya. The purpose of the three-day workshop is for the consortium partners to plan the modalities of implementation and coordination of the FON programme. IPPF 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). Funded by the French Government via the French Development Agency (AFD), the four-year FON programme aims to build the capacity of feminist organisations and movements to prevent and better respond to gender-based violence (GBV). The program will be implemented in 10 countries including six in Africa (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Kenya, and potentially Niger), two in Latin America (Colombia and Mexico) and two in Asia (Bangladesh and Sri Lanka). Emphasis on small feminist organizations FON’s strategy is to sub-grant feminist organisations, with a particular emphasis on small, often non-registered entities. The programme will focus on activist organizations working with, or led by people facing high discrimination, gender inequality and GBV. These include people with diverse sexual orientation and gender identities – among them members of the LGBTIQ community, people living with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS and sex workers. Speaking at the opening of the workshop, IPPFAR Director, Ms. Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, lauded the objectives of the FON programme, which stresses on the promotion and protection of the rights of marginalized populations. During the FON official launch, on 7 February 2023, she said: “Gender-based violence is a gross violation of human rights; but it is preventable. It is one of the key foundations to attain gender equality. The 2019 United Nations Development Programme report emphasised that: "disparities between men and women are among the most deeply rooted forms of inequality in the world. And because they affect half of the world's population, gender inequality is one of the greatest obstacles to human development”. We want to end the incidence of gender-based violence, and for this, the absolute, complete and sustained involvement of us all, is essential.” Focus on human rights “When we talk about sexual reproductive health and rights, it must be all-encompassing. For a long time, many programmes have focused on sexual reproductive health, neglecting the ‘rights’ aspect of SRHR. The FON programme is addressing this challenge by prioritizing women’s rights as well as those of other vulnerable and at-risk populations. IPPFAR is honored to lead the implementation of this noble initiative as it squarely aligns with the tenets of IPPF’s global Strategic Framework,” said Petrus-Barry. In addition to direct sub-granting, FON will provide a unique opportunity for longer-term mentorship to support feminist organisations in their overall development, with trainings tailored to their needs. The programme will further enhance the capacity of these organizations to identify other sources of funding. The research-action component of the FON programme will help inform how these approaches can be scaled-up and made sustainable. Significance of the workshop Consortium partners attending the workshop have underscored the timeliness and relevance of the workshop. “Participating in this forum where we are interacting with fellow consortium partners at the start of the programme is enhancing our understanding of how we all fit into the FON collage and how we will work together to achieve success. The brainstorming sessions and the varied insights by consortium colleagues are refining our grasp of our responsibilities within the regions,” said Gayathri Gamage. CREA’s FON Project Manager. While praising the workshop’s agenda, Alice Bordaçarre, Head of the Women's rights Desk at FIDH said the sessions are very enriching. “Gathering the FON consortium partners together in this forum has facilitated a fantastic team building session as we begin the programme’s implementation. Considering that we will work closely together for the next four years, the workshop has presented an excellent opportunity for us to be on the same table with colleagues from different countries, organizations and contexts, all brought together by one goal,” she said.   Calls for funding According to Alejandra Garcia, the Global FON Programme Manager, the first call for funding will be launched in April 2023. “We encourage all feminist organizations who qualify to apply for funding. FON grants will enable them to improve on and strengthen their organizations and the networks they are a part of. The funds will enable them to grow to the next level,” she said.  The FON programme was officially launched on Tuesday 7 February at the French Embassy in Nairobi. It was graced by the Ambassador of France in Kenya, H.E. Mr. Arnaud Suquet. Read more. For more updates on our work, follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

The Greats - Anna Zolnierowicz - The Future Is Female
news item

| 05 December 2022

16 days of activism against gender-based violence - FEMICIDE

The term 'Feminicide' was first defined in 1976 by the South African feminist author Diana Elisabeth Hamilton Russel as 'the killing of women by men simply because they are women'. To qualify as a feminicide, the killing of a woman must necessarily be associated with motives related to her identity as a woman.  Thus, a woman killed in a burglary or by a hit-and-run driver cannot de facto be considered a victim of feminicide. The murderer is not necessarily a man. Types of Feminicide The term feminicide refers to two types of crime: intimate feminicide and non-intimate feminicide. The first one is committed by a spouse, ex-spouse or family member. According to a study cited by the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 35% of women killed worldwide are killed by their partners, compared to only 5% of murders involving men.  The second is committed by a stranger. The most frequently cited examples are the hundreds of women killed over many years in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, or the anti-feminist massacre at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989. However, the WHO recognises two (02) other categories of feminicide in addition to these: honour killing and dowry-related feminicide. Honour killings are carried out by a male or female member of the victim's family or clan, when a woman is accused of having transgressed moral laws or traditions - committing adultery, having sexual relations or pregnancy outside marriage, or even having been raped - to protect the family's reputation. Dowry-related femicide is the killing of a woman by her in-laws upon marriage because of an insufficient dowry (practised in India, for example). Feminicide in Africa Overall, there is a lack of data and insufficient analysis on femicide in Africa. Beyond the need for and existence of recent, reliable, comprehensive data and sociological analysis on the issue, experts agree that the available statistics probably underestimate the extent of the phenomenon worldwide, including in Africa. In Côte d'Ivoire, in Bocanda, in April 2021, a farmer living in Abouakro, Mr Paul, is suspected of having taken his wife's life on the night of Thursday 8 April 2021, for alleged infidelity. Recently, on Thursday 10 November 2022, a pregnant woman died after being stabbed by her neighbour in a building in Yopougon, Ananeraie district. The African and American continents are the regions where women are most likely to be killed by an intimate partner or family member. In Africa, the rate was about 3.1 victims per 100,000 women, while it was 1.6 in the Americas, 1.3 in Oceania and 0.9 in Asia. The lowest rate was recorded in Europe, with 0.7 victims per 100,000 women. According to a study by UN Women, in 2019 there were 19,000 cases of women dying in Africa, 10,000 of which were caused by the (intimate) partner. And 69% of the women killed in 2017 were killed by their partner or a family member.  In Zimbabwe, in 1998, three out of five (3/5) murder cases in the Harare High Court involved domestic violence. In Côte d'Ivoire, an unprecedented survey initiated and financed by the organisation Citoyennes pour la Promotion et Défense des Droits des Enfants, Femmes et Minorités (CPDEFM), an NGO founded by lawyer Sylvia Apata, has revealed approximately 416 cases of feminicide in Abidjan between 2019 and 2020, and thousands of cases of gender-based violence. Amnesty International estimates that in South Africa, every six (06) hours on average, a woman is killed by her husband or partner. This alarming figure places the country among the most dangerous for women, with a level of violence comparable to that of a country at war. After South Africa, Senegal is also cited as a country with a high incidence of feminicide. The major factors or causes of feminicide The factors of feminicide are multiple and can be found at several levels: individual, community, societal and structural.  At the individual level, several elements can be identified. These include a lack of female empowerment, limited financial resources, high unemployment, or delinquency, for example. At the relational or family level, we can list mental health problems of partners who become aggressive, the desire to dominate and control his partner, refusal of the woman's freedom, suspicion of infidelity, paranoia, trauma due to an inability to cope with a break-up, desire for separation, among others. At the community level, there is de facto gender inequality. This means that when some women want to emancipate themselves and take the lead or claim their rights, they are frowned upon and may be murdered for this reason because they are thought to want to "dominate" or "take the place of men", in some communities. Finally, at the societal or structural level, we can point to certain elements that may contribute to the phenomenon, such as the lack of respect for women's rights, the impunity enjoyed by murderers, corruption in the judicial system, the weight of tradition and religion, and the irresponsibility of the authorities, and above all of the State, to make any real pronouncement on the issue. Concrete actions taken against feminicide While many African women continue to be subjected to multiple abuses, community actors, influential women and youth activists are fighting  for the effective implementation of legislation against femicide in Africa. African states that are signatories to international treaties guaranteeing the fight against such violence are struggling to enforce their commitments, despite the adoption of tougher laws. Political authorities are in fact hampered by customary law, which often prevails over modern law, especially in rural areas. This favours a culture of impunity, where out-of-court settlements impede the smooth running of the judicial process. As regards the role of the State, many countries have no legislation on femicide, so no information is collected, which explains the lack of reliable and recent data on the extent of the phenomenon. Even when they do include feminicide in their legislation, several of them struggle to create a favourable climate (for survivors and families to report violence), or have failed to implement adequate collection and publication of local information. It is in the face of this ineffectiveness of institutions that new actors committed to changing attitudes and protecting women's lives have emerged. Where public awareness campaigns fail to convince husbands or men to ban violence against women, religious leaders, traditional authorities and activist movements appear as legitimate intermediaries. Some actions have also been undertaken to eradicate this phenomenon. In Senegal, for example, several religious and community leaders have decided to come out of silence and raise awareness among their followers during Friday prayers. They caution husbands against sexually violating their wives. In the fight against feminicide in Africa, the contribution of organisations in the fight against feminicide is just as remarkable. In 2021, IPPF Africa Region, in consortium with four other international organisations,  launched a project titled: "Feminist Opportunities Now" (FON), which aims to build the capacity of women's movements through grants to local feminist organisations in nine countries - six of which are in Africa, with a particular focus on reaching out to small, often unregistered, local organisations to address and respond to gender-based violence. The project will advance the feminist agenda by addressing gender-based violence in order to promote, protect and fulfil the human rights of all. Despite advances in several African countries to date (including laws, demonstrations and apparent political will), femicide is still rife. Combating this global scourge means acting not only at the educational level but also at the institutional level. With regard to education, it is important to put an end to these violent attitudes, especially among the youngest, through the schools, homes and communities in which they live. It is also imperative that States  implement public policies to combat violence against women, particularly feminicide. BIBLIOGRAPHY :    OMS : Fiche d’information « Comprendre et lutter contre la violence à l’égard des femmes » https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/86253/WHO_RHR_12.38_fre.pdf ONU Femmes : « Etat des lieux de la situation dans le monde »  https://www.onufemmes.fr/nos-actualites/2019/11/25/feminicides-etat-des-lieux-de-la-situation-dans-le-monde Amnesty international « Rapport 21/22 » : https://www.amnestyalgerie.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Rapport-Annuel-Amnesty-International-FR.pdf UNFPA « Journée internationale pour l’élimination des violences faites aux femmes et aux filles » : https://www.unfpa.org/fr/events/journee-internationale-pour-lelimination-des-violences-faites-aux-femmes TV5 Monde « Etat des lieux des violences faites aux femmes en Afrique »  : https://information.tv5monde.com/afrique/etat-des-lieux-des-violences-faites-aux-femmes-en-afrique-433820 L’article « le foyer , l’endroit le plus dangereux pour les femmes » UNODC ( office des nations unies contre la drogue et le crime ) : https://www.unodc.org/unodc/fr/frontpage/2018/November/le-foyer--lendroit-le-plus-dangereux-pour-les-femmes-o-la-majorit-des-femmes-victimes-dhomicide-dans-le-monde-sont-tues-par-leur-partenaire-ou-leur-famille--selon-une-tude-de-lonudc.html                                                  By Nancy ADEPAUD et Martine OUEDRAOGO,                                              IPPF Africa Region Interns and Women's Rights Activists

The Greats - Anna Zolnierowicz - The Future Is Female
news_item

| 05 December 2022

16 days of activism against gender-based violence - FEMICIDE

The term 'Feminicide' was first defined in 1976 by the South African feminist author Diana Elisabeth Hamilton Russel as 'the killing of women by men simply because they are women'. To qualify as a feminicide, the killing of a woman must necessarily be associated with motives related to her identity as a woman.  Thus, a woman killed in a burglary or by a hit-and-run driver cannot de facto be considered a victim of feminicide. The murderer is not necessarily a man. Types of Feminicide The term feminicide refers to two types of crime: intimate feminicide and non-intimate feminicide. The first one is committed by a spouse, ex-spouse or family member. According to a study cited by the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 35% of women killed worldwide are killed by their partners, compared to only 5% of murders involving men.  The second is committed by a stranger. The most frequently cited examples are the hundreds of women killed over many years in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, or the anti-feminist massacre at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989. However, the WHO recognises two (02) other categories of feminicide in addition to these: honour killing and dowry-related feminicide. Honour killings are carried out by a male or female member of the victim's family or clan, when a woman is accused of having transgressed moral laws or traditions - committing adultery, having sexual relations or pregnancy outside marriage, or even having been raped - to protect the family's reputation. Dowry-related femicide is the killing of a woman by her in-laws upon marriage because of an insufficient dowry (practised in India, for example). Feminicide in Africa Overall, there is a lack of data and insufficient analysis on femicide in Africa. Beyond the need for and existence of recent, reliable, comprehensive data and sociological analysis on the issue, experts agree that the available statistics probably underestimate the extent of the phenomenon worldwide, including in Africa. In Côte d'Ivoire, in Bocanda, in April 2021, a farmer living in Abouakro, Mr Paul, is suspected of having taken his wife's life on the night of Thursday 8 April 2021, for alleged infidelity. Recently, on Thursday 10 November 2022, a pregnant woman died after being stabbed by her neighbour in a building in Yopougon, Ananeraie district. The African and American continents are the regions where women are most likely to be killed by an intimate partner or family member. In Africa, the rate was about 3.1 victims per 100,000 women, while it was 1.6 in the Americas, 1.3 in Oceania and 0.9 in Asia. The lowest rate was recorded in Europe, with 0.7 victims per 100,000 women. According to a study by UN Women, in 2019 there were 19,000 cases of women dying in Africa, 10,000 of which were caused by the (intimate) partner. And 69% of the women killed in 2017 were killed by their partner or a family member.  In Zimbabwe, in 1998, three out of five (3/5) murder cases in the Harare High Court involved domestic violence. In Côte d'Ivoire, an unprecedented survey initiated and financed by the organisation Citoyennes pour la Promotion et Défense des Droits des Enfants, Femmes et Minorités (CPDEFM), an NGO founded by lawyer Sylvia Apata, has revealed approximately 416 cases of feminicide in Abidjan between 2019 and 2020, and thousands of cases of gender-based violence. Amnesty International estimates that in South Africa, every six (06) hours on average, a woman is killed by her husband or partner. This alarming figure places the country among the most dangerous for women, with a level of violence comparable to that of a country at war. After South Africa, Senegal is also cited as a country with a high incidence of feminicide. The major factors or causes of feminicide The factors of feminicide are multiple and can be found at several levels: individual, community, societal and structural.  At the individual level, several elements can be identified. These include a lack of female empowerment, limited financial resources, high unemployment, or delinquency, for example. At the relational or family level, we can list mental health problems of partners who become aggressive, the desire to dominate and control his partner, refusal of the woman's freedom, suspicion of infidelity, paranoia, trauma due to an inability to cope with a break-up, desire for separation, among others. At the community level, there is de facto gender inequality. This means that when some women want to emancipate themselves and take the lead or claim their rights, they are frowned upon and may be murdered for this reason because they are thought to want to "dominate" or "take the place of men", in some communities. Finally, at the societal or structural level, we can point to certain elements that may contribute to the phenomenon, such as the lack of respect for women's rights, the impunity enjoyed by murderers, corruption in the judicial system, the weight of tradition and religion, and the irresponsibility of the authorities, and above all of the State, to make any real pronouncement on the issue. Concrete actions taken against feminicide While many African women continue to be subjected to multiple abuses, community actors, influential women and youth activists are fighting  for the effective implementation of legislation against femicide in Africa. African states that are signatories to international treaties guaranteeing the fight against such violence are struggling to enforce their commitments, despite the adoption of tougher laws. Political authorities are in fact hampered by customary law, which often prevails over modern law, especially in rural areas. This favours a culture of impunity, where out-of-court settlements impede the smooth running of the judicial process. As regards the role of the State, many countries have no legislation on femicide, so no information is collected, which explains the lack of reliable and recent data on the extent of the phenomenon. Even when they do include feminicide in their legislation, several of them struggle to create a favourable climate (for survivors and families to report violence), or have failed to implement adequate collection and publication of local information. It is in the face of this ineffectiveness of institutions that new actors committed to changing attitudes and protecting women's lives have emerged. Where public awareness campaigns fail to convince husbands or men to ban violence against women, religious leaders, traditional authorities and activist movements appear as legitimate intermediaries. Some actions have also been undertaken to eradicate this phenomenon. In Senegal, for example, several religious and community leaders have decided to come out of silence and raise awareness among their followers during Friday prayers. They caution husbands against sexually violating their wives. In the fight against feminicide in Africa, the contribution of organisations in the fight against feminicide is just as remarkable. In 2021, IPPF Africa Region, in consortium with four other international organisations,  launched a project titled: "Feminist Opportunities Now" (FON), which aims to build the capacity of women's movements through grants to local feminist organisations in nine countries - six of which are in Africa, with a particular focus on reaching out to small, often unregistered, local organisations to address and respond to gender-based violence. The project will advance the feminist agenda by addressing gender-based violence in order to promote, protect and fulfil the human rights of all. Despite advances in several African countries to date (including laws, demonstrations and apparent political will), femicide is still rife. Combating this global scourge means acting not only at the educational level but also at the institutional level. With regard to education, it is important to put an end to these violent attitudes, especially among the youngest, through the schools, homes and communities in which they live. It is also imperative that States  implement public policies to combat violence against women, particularly feminicide. BIBLIOGRAPHY :    OMS : Fiche d’information « Comprendre et lutter contre la violence à l’égard des femmes » https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/86253/WHO_RHR_12.38_fre.pdf ONU Femmes : « Etat des lieux de la situation dans le monde »  https://www.onufemmes.fr/nos-actualites/2019/11/25/feminicides-etat-des-lieux-de-la-situation-dans-le-monde Amnesty international « Rapport 21/22 » : https://www.amnestyalgerie.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Rapport-Annuel-Amnesty-International-FR.pdf UNFPA « Journée internationale pour l’élimination des violences faites aux femmes et aux filles » : https://www.unfpa.org/fr/events/journee-internationale-pour-lelimination-des-violences-faites-aux-femmes TV5 Monde « Etat des lieux des violences faites aux femmes en Afrique »  : https://information.tv5monde.com/afrique/etat-des-lieux-des-violences-faites-aux-femmes-en-afrique-433820 L’article « le foyer , l’endroit le plus dangereux pour les femmes » UNODC ( office des nations unies contre la drogue et le crime ) : https://www.unodc.org/unodc/fr/frontpage/2018/November/le-foyer--lendroit-le-plus-dangereux-pour-les-femmes-o-la-majorit-des-femmes-victimes-dhomicide-dans-le-monde-sont-tues-par-leur-partenaire-ou-leur-famille--selon-une-tude-de-lonudc.html                                                  By Nancy ADEPAUD et Martine OUEDRAOGO,                                              IPPF Africa Region Interns and Women's Rights Activists

Bungoma county training
news item

| 24 November 2022

Bridging the knowledge gap on abortion care; addressing & reducing incidence of increased maternal mortality and morbidity

In Kenya, abortion is regulated by article 26(4) of the Constitution which states that: abortion is permitted (and legal) when in the opinion of a trained health professional, there is need for emergency treatment, or the life or health of the mother is in danger, or if permitted by any other written law. Unsafe abortion in Kenya is among the highest in Africa. According to Dr Ann Kihara from the International Federation of Gygaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) maternal mortality is high at about 6,000 deaths per year and 17% of them are as a result of complications from unsafe abortion. Most of these cases have moderate to severe complications requiring specialized treatment and often have lasting health effects. Despite these statistics, most healthcare providers in Kenya lack comprehensive knowledge on the laws that and access to abortion care, and the skills to effectively assess, recommend and provide abortion care within the constitutional provision. Moreover, existing adverse social cultural and religious beliefs create barriers for effective counseling, assessment, referrals, and provision of life saving comprehensive abortion services. Through the support of the Guttmacher Institute and the International Plan Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR), Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK) conducted a training for private healthcare providers on Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC) from 17th to 21st October 2022 in Bungoma County, Western Kenya. The training included in depth learning activities and discussions on the legal framework for comprehensive abortion care, consequences of unsafe abortion in Kenya, counselling for post abortion care (PAC), infection prevention, complications and management, counselling for informed decision making in post abortion care and pain management. The main objective of the training was to contribute towards reduction of abortion stigma and creating an enabling environment for quality service provision by private healthcare providers in the County. Beverlynn Juma, a service provider in Misikhu, shared: “Bungoma County has high incidents of unsafe abortions because people are not open about it, so many unsafe abortions go unreported. CAC training will enable most service providers to be open about the fact that they provide safe abortion services, leading to increased awareness of the availability of these services. Reproductive Health Network Kenya in partnership with the county government will improve the state of abortion by enabling girls to be able to go for the procedure freely hence reducing mortality rates’’. From the testimonials shared by Beverly and other healthcare providers in the training; access to safe abortion information in Bungoma County is also limited due to knowledge gaps on the legality of the service and their obligation as providers. Martin Onyango, the Strategic Legal Expert at the Centre for Reproductive Rights Africa Region stated that his hope and wish is that “…the training invokes the desire to offer safe services by providers and equally empower them to be champions and advocates for safe abortion in their county”. The Bungoma County Reproductive Health Coordinator, Mrs. Christine Naliaka expressed her appreciation for the training and partnership between RHNK and the County government of Bungoma, which in her opinion is very timely and said: “there still exists stigma of CAC & PAC services, clients still hide and don’t open up to safe abortion services despite inevitable conditions like miscarriages. Some of the challenges faced by the facilities in provision of abortion services is that the providers don’t display PAC services on their service charters, no financial allocation of PAC/CAC services from the county government, reporting tools are not available in all facilities, and there is no capacity building of the providers”.   She acknowledged the contribution of partners in promoting service access as most clients from Bungoma receive services from private facilities. Christine also recommended support supervision visits after the training to ascertain whether the providers are compliant and giving quality services such as PAC/CAC as an emergency service. She also mentioned that collaborations and partnership between should be deepened to bridge the information gap in service access, and critically partners should work seamlessly with the county structures to provide more information to the public while working on building the capacity of the providers to create a favorable working environment, and stronger continuum of care.  “The training has been successful especially in terms of establishing a network of providers in Bungoma County as well as filling the gaps in terms of skills gap and having necessary knowledge to provide the services. We believe that the providers we have trained will be part of the network for Bungoma County under RHNK umbrella and provide quality services especially to the under-reached population, the youth, adolescents and women in the rural areas.’’ Dr. Wambulwa, Bungoma County Pharmacist. In order to reduce maternal mortality, it is critical that key stakeholders’ intensify preventive promotive SRHR campaigns for right holders’ awareness of their needs. Stakeholders’ should also promote public-private partnership in building the capacity of Health Care Providers in understanding their professional roles and provision of fundamental human rights. “We applaud the County Government of Bungoma, and all the other partnerships and actors who are working continually and untiringly to expand access to abortion care. Almost 90% of abortions in countries with liberal abortion laws are considered safe, compared to only 25% in countries where abortion is banned. This is a serious violation of human rights. Medical abortion has revolutionised access to care and safe abortion, both inside and outside the health system. These advances must be protected, and at IPPF we are committed to expanding the knowledge of and acceptance around abortion care, reducing the number of deaths of women and girls who are forced to turn to unsafe abortion methods,” said Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, Regional Director of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Africa Region. The government should prioritize aligning SRHR legal frameworks to create an enabling environment for access to information and healthcare by all. They should ensure increased funds allocation to SRHR including abortion commodities and equipment in both public and private facilities for access to quality and comprehensive SRHR. In conclusion there is need for investment in research for continuous SRHR evidence generation to inform current and future programming centered on the needs of providers, communities and other stakeholders.

Bungoma county training
news_item

| 24 November 2022

Bridging the knowledge gap on abortion care; addressing & reducing incidence of increased maternal mortality and morbidity

In Kenya, abortion is regulated by article 26(4) of the Constitution which states that: abortion is permitted (and legal) when in the opinion of a trained health professional, there is need for emergency treatment, or the life or health of the mother is in danger, or if permitted by any other written law. Unsafe abortion in Kenya is among the highest in Africa. According to Dr Ann Kihara from the International Federation of Gygaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) maternal mortality is high at about 6,000 deaths per year and 17% of them are as a result of complications from unsafe abortion. Most of these cases have moderate to severe complications requiring specialized treatment and often have lasting health effects. Despite these statistics, most healthcare providers in Kenya lack comprehensive knowledge on the laws that and access to abortion care, and the skills to effectively assess, recommend and provide abortion care within the constitutional provision. Moreover, existing adverse social cultural and religious beliefs create barriers for effective counseling, assessment, referrals, and provision of life saving comprehensive abortion services. Through the support of the Guttmacher Institute and the International Plan Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR), Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK) conducted a training for private healthcare providers on Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC) from 17th to 21st October 2022 in Bungoma County, Western Kenya. The training included in depth learning activities and discussions on the legal framework for comprehensive abortion care, consequences of unsafe abortion in Kenya, counselling for post abortion care (PAC), infection prevention, complications and management, counselling for informed decision making in post abortion care and pain management. The main objective of the training was to contribute towards reduction of abortion stigma and creating an enabling environment for quality service provision by private healthcare providers in the County. Beverlynn Juma, a service provider in Misikhu, shared: “Bungoma County has high incidents of unsafe abortions because people are not open about it, so many unsafe abortions go unreported. CAC training will enable most service providers to be open about the fact that they provide safe abortion services, leading to increased awareness of the availability of these services. Reproductive Health Network Kenya in partnership with the county government will improve the state of abortion by enabling girls to be able to go for the procedure freely hence reducing mortality rates’’. From the testimonials shared by Beverly and other healthcare providers in the training; access to safe abortion information in Bungoma County is also limited due to knowledge gaps on the legality of the service and their obligation as providers. Martin Onyango, the Strategic Legal Expert at the Centre for Reproductive Rights Africa Region stated that his hope and wish is that “…the training invokes the desire to offer safe services by providers and equally empower them to be champions and advocates for safe abortion in their county”. The Bungoma County Reproductive Health Coordinator, Mrs. Christine Naliaka expressed her appreciation for the training and partnership between RHNK and the County government of Bungoma, which in her opinion is very timely and said: “there still exists stigma of CAC & PAC services, clients still hide and don’t open up to safe abortion services despite inevitable conditions like miscarriages. Some of the challenges faced by the facilities in provision of abortion services is that the providers don’t display PAC services on their service charters, no financial allocation of PAC/CAC services from the county government, reporting tools are not available in all facilities, and there is no capacity building of the providers”.   She acknowledged the contribution of partners in promoting service access as most clients from Bungoma receive services from private facilities. Christine also recommended support supervision visits after the training to ascertain whether the providers are compliant and giving quality services such as PAC/CAC as an emergency service. She also mentioned that collaborations and partnership between should be deepened to bridge the information gap in service access, and critically partners should work seamlessly with the county structures to provide more information to the public while working on building the capacity of the providers to create a favorable working environment, and stronger continuum of care.  “The training has been successful especially in terms of establishing a network of providers in Bungoma County as well as filling the gaps in terms of skills gap and having necessary knowledge to provide the services. We believe that the providers we have trained will be part of the network for Bungoma County under RHNK umbrella and provide quality services especially to the under-reached population, the youth, adolescents and women in the rural areas.’’ Dr. Wambulwa, Bungoma County Pharmacist. In order to reduce maternal mortality, it is critical that key stakeholders’ intensify preventive promotive SRHR campaigns for right holders’ awareness of their needs. Stakeholders’ should also promote public-private partnership in building the capacity of Health Care Providers in understanding their professional roles and provision of fundamental human rights. “We applaud the County Government of Bungoma, and all the other partnerships and actors who are working continually and untiringly to expand access to abortion care. Almost 90% of abortions in countries with liberal abortion laws are considered safe, compared to only 25% in countries where abortion is banned. This is a serious violation of human rights. Medical abortion has revolutionised access to care and safe abortion, both inside and outside the health system. These advances must be protected, and at IPPF we are committed to expanding the knowledge of and acceptance around abortion care, reducing the number of deaths of women and girls who are forced to turn to unsafe abortion methods,” said Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, Regional Director of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Africa Region. The government should prioritize aligning SRHR legal frameworks to create an enabling environment for access to information and healthcare by all. They should ensure increased funds allocation to SRHR including abortion commodities and equipment in both public and private facilities for access to quality and comprehensive SRHR. In conclusion there is need for investment in research for continuous SRHR evidence generation to inform current and future programming centered on the needs of providers, communities and other stakeholders.