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.  

  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).

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.