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News

Latest news from IPPF

Spotlight

A selection of news from across the Federation

we are hiring ok

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.
Gabon sodomy law
news item

| 06 August 2020

IPPF Africa Region Congratulates Gabon on Depenalisation of Same-Sex Sexual Relations

The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) congratulates the Gabonese Republic on its recent removal of article 402 (5) in the penal code, which criminalized homosexuality. On 29 June 2020, Gabon’s Senate voted to repeal the country's sodomy law. The vote stood at 59 in favour of repeal, and 17 against. This followed the National Assembly’s vote of 23 June 2020 which saw 48 MPs vote in favour, 24 against, and 25 abstentions. It is now up to the Head of State to promulgate the text. IPPFAR celebrates this significant win with the Gabonese lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community and activists, including human rights organisations -all of whom have worked tirelessly towards this achievement. IPPFAR is one of the leading organisations at the forefront of advocating for the respect of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. We strongly believe that no law should criminalize a person’s sexuality, and that no one should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. IPPFAR hopes that this recent development in Gabon will inspire other African countries to take a similar approach -that of protecting and upholding the rights of every individual. IPPFAR reiterates its commitment to supporting and working with governments, organizations and individuals in the advancement of sexual reproductive health and rights for all. For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Gabon sodomy law
news_item

| 06 August 2020

IPPF Africa Region Congratulates Gabon on Depenalisation of Same-Sex Sexual Relations

The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) congratulates the Gabonese Republic on its recent removal of article 402 (5) in the penal code, which criminalized homosexuality. On 29 June 2020, Gabon’s Senate voted to repeal the country's sodomy law. The vote stood at 59 in favour of repeal, and 17 against. This followed the National Assembly’s vote of 23 June 2020 which saw 48 MPs vote in favour, 24 against, and 25 abstentions. It is now up to the Head of State to promulgate the text. IPPFAR celebrates this significant win with the Gabonese lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community and activists, including human rights organisations -all of whom have worked tirelessly towards this achievement. IPPFAR is one of the leading organisations at the forefront of advocating for the respect of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. We strongly believe that no law should criminalize a person’s sexuality, and that no one should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. IPPFAR hopes that this recent development in Gabon will inspire other African countries to take a similar approach -that of protecting and upholding the rights of every individual. IPPFAR reiterates its commitment to supporting and working with governments, organizations and individuals in the advancement of sexual reproductive health and rights for all. For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Oswald-Homeky
news item

| 15 November 2019

Benin Sports Minister Reiterates Commitment to Supporting the Youth SRHR Agenda During Regional Francophone Forum

By Maryanne W. Waweru Cotonou, BENIN: The Minister of Sports Mr. Oswald Homeky joined youth from French-speaking sub-Saharan African countries during the closing ceremony of the second edition of the Francophone regional forum aimed at sharing best practices on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among adolescents and young people. The regional forum was organized by the Benin chapter of the Youth Action Movement (YAM) and was supported by the Embassy of Netherlands in Benin, together with IPPF. It brought together over 150 youth from 20 different countries. YAM is the youth arm of IPPF Africa Region’s volunteer body based within the Member Associations (MAs). The Sports Minister congratulated the youth for their noble initiative of knowledge exchange between each other, especially on the crucial matter of their sexual reproductive health and well-being. Mr. Homeky further appreciated the work of IPPF’s Member Association in Benin - Association Béninoise pour la Promotion de la Famille (ABPF) and its partners in putting youth at the forefront and prioritizing the youth agenda in their programs. The Sports Minister committed to increasing the budget for youth Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) activities. He also acknowledged the importance of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and reiterated his availability to support young people’s meaningful participation in development matters. Mr. Homeky pledged to support the implementation of recommendations from the forum. See Related Story: Regional Forum on SRHR Best Practices Among Youth in Francophone Africa During the meeting, IPPFAR’s Regional President Hon. Antonio Niquice lauded the brilliant initiative by the young people of Francophone Africa in coming together to share experiences and discuss about how they can tackle some of the sexual and reproductive health challenges facing them. He emphasized IPPF’s commitment to promoting youth-centered approaches and support the implementation of the resolutions from the forum. Maryanne W. Waweru is the Governance and Compliance Officer, IPPF Africa Region. For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Oswald-Homeky
news_item

| 08 November 2019

Benin Sports Minister Reiterates Commitment to Supporting the Youth SRHR Agenda During Regional Francophone Forum

By Maryanne W. Waweru Cotonou, BENIN: The Minister of Sports Mr. Oswald Homeky joined youth from French-speaking sub-Saharan African countries during the closing ceremony of the second edition of the Francophone regional forum aimed at sharing best practices on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among adolescents and young people. The regional forum was organized by the Benin chapter of the Youth Action Movement (YAM) and was supported by the Embassy of Netherlands in Benin, together with IPPF. It brought together over 150 youth from 20 different countries. YAM is the youth arm of IPPF Africa Region’s volunteer body based within the Member Associations (MAs). The Sports Minister congratulated the youth for their noble initiative of knowledge exchange between each other, especially on the crucial matter of their sexual reproductive health and well-being. Mr. Homeky further appreciated the work of IPPF’s Member Association in Benin - Association Béninoise pour la Promotion de la Famille (ABPF) and its partners in putting youth at the forefront and prioritizing the youth agenda in their programs. The Sports Minister committed to increasing the budget for youth Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) activities. He also acknowledged the importance of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and reiterated his availability to support young people’s meaningful participation in development matters. Mr. Homeky pledged to support the implementation of recommendations from the forum. See Related Story: Regional Forum on SRHR Best Practices Among Youth in Francophone Africa During the meeting, IPPFAR’s Regional President Hon. Antonio Niquice lauded the brilliant initiative by the young people of Francophone Africa in coming together to share experiences and discuss about how they can tackle some of the sexual and reproductive health challenges facing them. He emphasized IPPF’s commitment to promoting youth-centered approaches and support the implementation of the resolutions from the forum. Maryanne W. Waweru is the Governance and Compliance Officer, IPPF Africa Region. For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Tewodros_Melesse
news item

| 09 December 2016

IPPF Director General Visits Swaziland

The IPPF Director General, Mr Tewodros Melesse recently concluded an official visit to Swaziland, where he was hosted by the Member Association –Family Life Association of Swaziland (FLAS).  During his official visit from 29 November – 2 December 2016, Mr. Melesse met with the FLAS volunteers, management and staff. He also met with the vibrant Civil Society Organizations (CSO) network that champions Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the country, and in which FLAS is the convener. The Director General also held successful meetings with various esteemed government and State representatives, including the Right Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini and the Honorable Minister of Health Senator Sibongile Ndlela- Simelane. He also met with representatives of UN Agencies as well as those of The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR/Emergency Plan) -PEPFAR. The Director General also took time to visit the FLAS clinics in Manzini and Mbabane, where he appreciated the integrated service delivery approach that FLAS has adopted, which includes the establishment of youth-friendly services clinics. The highlight of Mr. Melesse’s visit was his participation in events marking Swaziland’s commemoration of the World AIDS Day celebrations on 1 December 2016. In his speech, the Director General applauded the government of the Kingdom of Swaziland for its support towards FLAS, and further commended the achievements and milestones the country has made in addressing the HIV epidemic. Swaziland’s notable efforts with this regard include the provision of antiretroviral drugs to all who need them, as well as addressing the health needs of key populations. Mr. Melesse stressed on the need for more focus on effective HIV prevention programmes. Other speakers at the forum included the US Ambassador to Swaziland, the UN Resident Coordinator, the Chairperson of the National AIDS Council, Swaziland’s Minister of Health, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister who represented the Prime Minister.      

Tewodros_Melesse
news_item

| 05 December 2016

IPPF Director General Visits Swaziland

The IPPF Director General, Mr Tewodros Melesse recently concluded an official visit to Swaziland, where he was hosted by the Member Association –Family Life Association of Swaziland (FLAS).  During his official visit from 29 November – 2 December 2016, Mr. Melesse met with the FLAS volunteers, management and staff. He also met with the vibrant Civil Society Organizations (CSO) network that champions Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the country, and in which FLAS is the convener. The Director General also held successful meetings with various esteemed government and State representatives, including the Right Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini and the Honorable Minister of Health Senator Sibongile Ndlela- Simelane. He also met with representatives of UN Agencies as well as those of The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR/Emergency Plan) -PEPFAR. The Director General also took time to visit the FLAS clinics in Manzini and Mbabane, where he appreciated the integrated service delivery approach that FLAS has adopted, which includes the establishment of youth-friendly services clinics. The highlight of Mr. Melesse’s visit was his participation in events marking Swaziland’s commemoration of the World AIDS Day celebrations on 1 December 2016. In his speech, the Director General applauded the government of the Kingdom of Swaziland for its support towards FLAS, and further commended the achievements and milestones the country has made in addressing the HIV epidemic. Swaziland’s notable efforts with this regard include the provision of antiretroviral drugs to all who need them, as well as addressing the health needs of key populations. Mr. Melesse stressed on the need for more focus on effective HIV prevention programmes. Other speakers at the forum included the US Ambassador to Swaziland, the UN Resident Coordinator, the Chairperson of the National AIDS Council, Swaziland’s Minister of Health, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister who represented the Prime Minister.      

Gabon sodomy law
news item

| 06 August 2020

IPPF Africa Region Congratulates Gabon on Depenalisation of Same-Sex Sexual Relations

The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) congratulates the Gabonese Republic on its recent removal of article 402 (5) in the penal code, which criminalized homosexuality. On 29 June 2020, Gabon’s Senate voted to repeal the country's sodomy law. The vote stood at 59 in favour of repeal, and 17 against. This followed the National Assembly’s vote of 23 June 2020 which saw 48 MPs vote in favour, 24 against, and 25 abstentions. It is now up to the Head of State to promulgate the text. IPPFAR celebrates this significant win with the Gabonese lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community and activists, including human rights organisations -all of whom have worked tirelessly towards this achievement. IPPFAR is one of the leading organisations at the forefront of advocating for the respect of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. We strongly believe that no law should criminalize a person’s sexuality, and that no one should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. IPPFAR hopes that this recent development in Gabon will inspire other African countries to take a similar approach -that of protecting and upholding the rights of every individual. IPPFAR reiterates its commitment to supporting and working with governments, organizations and individuals in the advancement of sexual reproductive health and rights for all. For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Gabon sodomy law
news_item

| 06 August 2020

IPPF Africa Region Congratulates Gabon on Depenalisation of Same-Sex Sexual Relations

The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) congratulates the Gabonese Republic on its recent removal of article 402 (5) in the penal code, which criminalized homosexuality. On 29 June 2020, Gabon’s Senate voted to repeal the country's sodomy law. The vote stood at 59 in favour of repeal, and 17 against. This followed the National Assembly’s vote of 23 June 2020 which saw 48 MPs vote in favour, 24 against, and 25 abstentions. It is now up to the Head of State to promulgate the text. IPPFAR celebrates this significant win with the Gabonese lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community and activists, including human rights organisations -all of whom have worked tirelessly towards this achievement. IPPFAR is one of the leading organisations at the forefront of advocating for the respect of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. We strongly believe that no law should criminalize a person’s sexuality, and that no one should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. IPPFAR hopes that this recent development in Gabon will inspire other African countries to take a similar approach -that of protecting and upholding the rights of every individual. IPPFAR reiterates its commitment to supporting and working with governments, organizations and individuals in the advancement of sexual reproductive health and rights for all. For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Oswald-Homeky
news item

| 15 November 2019

Benin Sports Minister Reiterates Commitment to Supporting the Youth SRHR Agenda During Regional Francophone Forum

By Maryanne W. Waweru Cotonou, BENIN: The Minister of Sports Mr. Oswald Homeky joined youth from French-speaking sub-Saharan African countries during the closing ceremony of the second edition of the Francophone regional forum aimed at sharing best practices on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among adolescents and young people. The regional forum was organized by the Benin chapter of the Youth Action Movement (YAM) and was supported by the Embassy of Netherlands in Benin, together with IPPF. It brought together over 150 youth from 20 different countries. YAM is the youth arm of IPPF Africa Region’s volunteer body based within the Member Associations (MAs). The Sports Minister congratulated the youth for their noble initiative of knowledge exchange between each other, especially on the crucial matter of their sexual reproductive health and well-being. Mr. Homeky further appreciated the work of IPPF’s Member Association in Benin - Association Béninoise pour la Promotion de la Famille (ABPF) and its partners in putting youth at the forefront and prioritizing the youth agenda in their programs. The Sports Minister committed to increasing the budget for youth Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) activities. He also acknowledged the importance of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and reiterated his availability to support young people’s meaningful participation in development matters. Mr. Homeky pledged to support the implementation of recommendations from the forum. See Related Story: Regional Forum on SRHR Best Practices Among Youth in Francophone Africa During the meeting, IPPFAR’s Regional President Hon. Antonio Niquice lauded the brilliant initiative by the young people of Francophone Africa in coming together to share experiences and discuss about how they can tackle some of the sexual and reproductive health challenges facing them. He emphasized IPPF’s commitment to promoting youth-centered approaches and support the implementation of the resolutions from the forum. Maryanne W. Waweru is the Governance and Compliance Officer, IPPF Africa Region. For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Oswald-Homeky
news_item

| 08 November 2019

Benin Sports Minister Reiterates Commitment to Supporting the Youth SRHR Agenda During Regional Francophone Forum

By Maryanne W. Waweru Cotonou, BENIN: The Minister of Sports Mr. Oswald Homeky joined youth from French-speaking sub-Saharan African countries during the closing ceremony of the second edition of the Francophone regional forum aimed at sharing best practices on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among adolescents and young people. The regional forum was organized by the Benin chapter of the Youth Action Movement (YAM) and was supported by the Embassy of Netherlands in Benin, together with IPPF. It brought together over 150 youth from 20 different countries. YAM is the youth arm of IPPF Africa Region’s volunteer body based within the Member Associations (MAs). The Sports Minister congratulated the youth for their noble initiative of knowledge exchange between each other, especially on the crucial matter of their sexual reproductive health and well-being. Mr. Homeky further appreciated the work of IPPF’s Member Association in Benin - Association Béninoise pour la Promotion de la Famille (ABPF) and its partners in putting youth at the forefront and prioritizing the youth agenda in their programs. The Sports Minister committed to increasing the budget for youth Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) activities. He also acknowledged the importance of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and reiterated his availability to support young people’s meaningful participation in development matters. Mr. Homeky pledged to support the implementation of recommendations from the forum. See Related Story: Regional Forum on SRHR Best Practices Among Youth in Francophone Africa During the meeting, IPPFAR’s Regional President Hon. Antonio Niquice lauded the brilliant initiative by the young people of Francophone Africa in coming together to share experiences and discuss about how they can tackle some of the sexual and reproductive health challenges facing them. He emphasized IPPF’s commitment to promoting youth-centered approaches and support the implementation of the resolutions from the forum. Maryanne W. Waweru is the Governance and Compliance Officer, IPPF Africa Region. For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Tewodros_Melesse
news item

| 09 December 2016

IPPF Director General Visits Swaziland

The IPPF Director General, Mr Tewodros Melesse recently concluded an official visit to Swaziland, where he was hosted by the Member Association –Family Life Association of Swaziland (FLAS).  During his official visit from 29 November – 2 December 2016, Mr. Melesse met with the FLAS volunteers, management and staff. He also met with the vibrant Civil Society Organizations (CSO) network that champions Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the country, and in which FLAS is the convener. The Director General also held successful meetings with various esteemed government and State representatives, including the Right Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini and the Honorable Minister of Health Senator Sibongile Ndlela- Simelane. He also met with representatives of UN Agencies as well as those of The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR/Emergency Plan) -PEPFAR. The Director General also took time to visit the FLAS clinics in Manzini and Mbabane, where he appreciated the integrated service delivery approach that FLAS has adopted, which includes the establishment of youth-friendly services clinics. The highlight of Mr. Melesse’s visit was his participation in events marking Swaziland’s commemoration of the World AIDS Day celebrations on 1 December 2016. In his speech, the Director General applauded the government of the Kingdom of Swaziland for its support towards FLAS, and further commended the achievements and milestones the country has made in addressing the HIV epidemic. Swaziland’s notable efforts with this regard include the provision of antiretroviral drugs to all who need them, as well as addressing the health needs of key populations. Mr. Melesse stressed on the need for more focus on effective HIV prevention programmes. Other speakers at the forum included the US Ambassador to Swaziland, the UN Resident Coordinator, the Chairperson of the National AIDS Council, Swaziland’s Minister of Health, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister who represented the Prime Minister.      

Tewodros_Melesse
news_item

| 05 December 2016

IPPF Director General Visits Swaziland

The IPPF Director General, Mr Tewodros Melesse recently concluded an official visit to Swaziland, where he was hosted by the Member Association –Family Life Association of Swaziland (FLAS).  During his official visit from 29 November – 2 December 2016, Mr. Melesse met with the FLAS volunteers, management and staff. He also met with the vibrant Civil Society Organizations (CSO) network that champions Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the country, and in which FLAS is the convener. The Director General also held successful meetings with various esteemed government and State representatives, including the Right Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini and the Honorable Minister of Health Senator Sibongile Ndlela- Simelane. He also met with representatives of UN Agencies as well as those of The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR/Emergency Plan) -PEPFAR. The Director General also took time to visit the FLAS clinics in Manzini and Mbabane, where he appreciated the integrated service delivery approach that FLAS has adopted, which includes the establishment of youth-friendly services clinics. The highlight of Mr. Melesse’s visit was his participation in events marking Swaziland’s commemoration of the World AIDS Day celebrations on 1 December 2016. In his speech, the Director General applauded the government of the Kingdom of Swaziland for its support towards FLAS, and further commended the achievements and milestones the country has made in addressing the HIV epidemic. Swaziland’s notable efforts with this regard include the provision of antiretroviral drugs to all who need them, as well as addressing the health needs of key populations. Mr. Melesse stressed on the need for more focus on effective HIV prevention programmes. Other speakers at the forum included the US Ambassador to Swaziland, the UN Resident Coordinator, the Chairperson of the National AIDS Council, Swaziland’s Minister of Health, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister who represented the Prime Minister.