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Burkina Faso

Articles by Burkina Faso

FON in NY
15 March 2024

FON Parallel Event at CSW68: Advancing Gender Equality Through Feminist Financing

By Alejandra Garcia In the bustling halls of the CSW68, amidst discussions on global issues and women's rights, the FON Project carved out a space to spotlight an essential aspect of Advancing Equality: Financing with Feminist Approaches. This parallel event gathered a distinguished panel featuring voices from diverse backgrounds, each offering unique perspectives on the crucial role of feminist funding in promoting gender equality worldwide.  Carolina Calle, a sex worker and human rights defender from Colombia, shared her experiences alongside Shelani Palihawadana, Program Director at Youth Advocacy Network Sri Lanka, Tori Chakma representing Supporting People and Rebuilding Communities in Bangladesh, Mar Merita Blat, Head of Mission Gender at the French Development Agency (AFD), and Marie Josiane Tra Lou, from Initiative Tile in Cote d’Ivoire. Guiding the conversation was Aminata Ba, FON Project Manager from IPPF. The panel's discussions delved into the heart of the matter, highlighting the indispensable role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in economically empowering survivors of gender-based violence, particularly in the Global South. At the core of the discourse was the transformative power of feminist funding and its impact on advancing gender equality on a global scale.  Key insights emerged from the dynamic exchange, emphasizing the urgent need for direct support to feminist movements, especially in regions with fewer resources. The importance of funding dedicated explicitly to women's rights and feminist organizations was underscored, alongside the advocacy for flexible, multi-year grants that offer core support. Such funding mechanisms empower organizations to allocate resources based on their priorities, fostering sustainability and autonomy.  Moreover, the panel shed light on the significance of recognizing and supporting small, informal community groups. Bridging the funding gap and enabling mid-sized women's groups to access more substantial resources emerged as critical strategies for amplifying the impact of feminist funding initiatives. Calls for the decolonization of funding practices, feminist accountability, and a transformation of power dynamics within funding structures resonated throughout the discussions. As the event concluded, participants reflected on actionable recommendations for governments to enhance fiscal regulations supporting medium and informal feminist organizations. The collective commitment to advancing gender equality through feminist financing approaches was palpable, igniting a sense of hope and determination among attendees.  In closing, the FON Project's event at CSW68 serves as a beacon of inspiration for all stakeholders invested in gender equality. Through collaborative efforts and a steadfast dedication to feminist principles in financing, meaningful change can be realized, empowering the feminist movement worldwide. Together, let us continue to strive for a more equitable and just future for all.   

BF1
04 May 2023

Field Diary: Youth in Action for Gender Transformation: IPPF’s Stream 2 Project for Meaningful Youth Engagement In SRHR

By Martine Aminata Ouedraogo, Youth Program Professional Coordination Assistant, IPPF Africa Region, based in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Burkina Faso’s population is predominantly young. Those under 15 years of age represent 45.3%, while 64.2% of the population is under 24 years of age, and 77.9% is under 35 years of age. (Source) From 4 to 11 March 2023, I was part of an IPPF Africa Regional Office mission led by Regional Director Mrs. Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry to the IPPF Member Association in Burkina Faso, the Association Burkinabè pour le Bien Être et la Famille (ABBEF). The purpose of this mission was to present the youth transformation program, Stream 2, to the country's authorities and partners. The "Youth in Action for Gender Transformation" project is a two-year catalytic project led by ABBEF together with a consortium of IPPF Member Associations in Mali, Niger, India, Tunisia, Togo, and an external youth organization, the African Youth and Adolescents Network on Population and Development (AFRIYAN). AFRIYAN is a non-governmental organization present in several regions of Africa, including in Burkina Faso. The Stream 2 program is part of the strengthening of human rights and the meaningful engagement of youth in gender issues. During the mission, the IPPF team met with various Government officials and key stakeholders who are influential in contributing to the successful implementation of the project. These included the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene and the Minister of Human Rights. The partners are UNFPA BURKINA, Pathfinder Burkina, USAID Burkina, and Amnesty International Burkina. As a young Burkinabe woman aware of the fact that the population of my country is predominantly young, I believe that this project will foster the leadership development of my fellow youth. The project will enable us to freely develop the design and implementation of our youth program, to participate as actors in decision-making for the development of our localities, and to take on leadership roles while acting on social norms to address power inequalities and privilege between people of different sexes. It will also contribute to the empowerment of women, girls and people with diverse sexual orientations and identities. The actions planned by ABBEF for the successful implementation of the project include the production of materials and content covering Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality; the use of channels and approaches according to the specificity of each target group to raise awareness in and out of school; the provision of sexual reproductive health (SRH) services through high-impact interventions; the promotion of gender equality through the "positive masculinity and CSE teaching" approach. I believe that the "positive masculinity" approach, which is an approach aimed at involving men, boys, and adolescents in the development processes of egalitarian and inclusive societies and the promotion of gender equality through awareness raising in schools, extra-curricular activities and in our different communities will have a real impact on the achievement of this program. Also, for an enabling environment, community power holders will be trained on SRHR. Finally, spaces for dialogue will be created as well as partnerships with public, private and community media. According to Stephanie Thombiano, ABBEF’s Youth Action Movement *(YAM) President, “Stream 2 is a transformative program, that focuses on young people as actors in the transformation of social norms regarding gender. I think it is a great asset for our member associations to run this program in consortium with young people.” “Youth are the hope of Burkina Faso, and it is therefore important to empower them. It is important that their actions and contributions are valued. Youth must be part of the deal,” said the IPPF Africa Regional Director, Mrs. Petrus-Barry, during the meeting with the members of the ABBEF Youth Action Movement (YAM). This mission to my home country, Burkina Faso, was very insightful for me, in the sense that I could really see the positive impact of the youth transformation program in the country, especially in the current security context, and strengthen my capacities in terms of team management.   *YAM: In 2004, in recognition of the importance of effective and meaningful youth participation in youth programs, the International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) established the Youth Action Movement (YAM) as a primary means of building youth capacity, improving youth participation in governance, leadership and management of youth programs. The YAM brings together young volunteers aged 10 to 24 in IPPF Africa Region Member Associations.   Martine Aminata P. Ouedraogo started as a Program Intern at IPPF Africa Region and later became a Coordination Assistant for the Professional Youth Program at the West and Central Africa Sub-Regional Office of the International Planned Parenthood Federation based in Abidjan. Quote: “My journey at IPPF has been very rewarding. Today, more than ever, as a youth activist and leader, I feel very capable and well equipped to defend and carry the voice of young people all over the world, and especially in Africa. All young people should have access to information about their rights and be able to claim them. It is important for us to be able to express ourselves and our sexuality in a pleasant and healthy way.”

FON family photo
16 March 2023

Feminist Opportunities Now: Empowering Feminist Organizations Around the World

Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) is a programme that aims to build capacity of feminist organisations via subgrants to enhance more diverse and resilience Civil Society Organisations when addressing and responding to gender-based violence, inequalities, discrimination and other human rights violations related to gender. International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is the FON consortium lead, with the other consortium partners being Médecins du Monde (MdM-FR), Creating Resources for Empowerment and Action Inc. (CREA), the International Federation on Human Rights (FIDH) and Empow’Her (EH). The programme is funded by the French Government via the French Development Agency (AFD). The action of the consortium's member organizations is based on feminist principles, a deep commitment to the promotion of human rights and the fight against inequalities and discrimination, especially against women and girls. They have a long experience of the themes of the programme mandates and complementary expertise that underpin the robustness of the holistic approach of the programme.   The Challenge  Gender inequalities on a global scale affect half of the world's population. Gender inequality is one of the main obstacles to human development. The FON Programme seeks to address such inequalities. Some of the challenges leading to these inequalities include: Lack of and/or effective implementation of comprehensive laws, policies, legal instruments to address gender inequalities worldwide, leading to increased gender inequalities. Lack of or limited implementation of the frameworks, which widens inequalities and aggravate the precariousness of women and girls- particularly people with disabilities, living with HIV, sex workers, and those of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI)  COVID-19 that dramatically exacerbated social and economic challenges leading to an increase in gender-based violence (GBV).  Inadequate involvement of people with disabilities (15% of the world's population), LGBTI+, sex workers and people living with HIV-AIDS, in initiatives to promote and defend their rights, and the least associated in preventing and responding to this violence. Inadequate support to nascent or relatively new Civil Society Organizations many of which remain undeclared, and, despite their effervescence and dynamism, they continue to face challenges that restrict their ability to reduce GBV and protect and promote women's rights. Limited creation of an innovative and flexible financing system in order to strengthen the contribution of CSOs in the South, in all their diversity, to the reduction of GBV. Objectives of the Programme  To Improve the sustainability of feminist Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) at the organizational and technical levels by proposing an inclusive approach to capacity building.   To support the resilience and diversity of feminist CSOs through access to flexible sustainable financing mechanisms tailored to small and/or informal and/or marginalized CSOs. To strengthen a networked movement of feminist CSOs in the Global South, linking these CSOs and national, regional, and international networks, to make their voices heard on the public stage.     To promote innovation at all levels of the programme by the CSOs themselves and the consortium member organisations.   Targets of the Programme  Feminist CSOs working with and/or for the various structurally excluded groups. Activist organizations working with or led by people who may face particularly high discrimination. Gender inequalities and GBV, such as members of the LGBTI+ community and in general people with diverse sexual orientation and gender identities and Gender Expressions (SOGIE). People living with disabilities. People with HIV/AIDS.  Sex workers.  Indirectly, targets of advocacy activities (regional bodies, national / local authorities, etc)   Approaches of the Programme  Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) aims to build capacity of feminist organisations via subgrants to enhance more diverse and resilient Civil Society Organisations when addressing and responding to gender-based violence, inequalities, discrimination, and other human rights violations related to gender. FON will set up Regional Coordination and Advisory Committees in each region (Africa, Asia and Latin America), whose role will be to help ensure inclusiveness and identify advocacy opportunities. The Sub-granting will be phased into three categories or funding windows below, and for which the first call for proposals is scheduled to be launched in April 2023: Window 1 / "Boost" The objective is for the feminist CSOs or young feminists to have the enhanced capacity to face external events (political instability, insecurity, etc.) and/or internal hurdles (organisational difficulties, necessary a project co-funding or additional programme component etc.). This window should also allow CSOs to apply for a grant in case of an upcoming opportunity such as in programming, advocacy, etc. Key words are therefore flexibility and opportunity. Window 2/ "Programmatic & Organizational Development" will support small and middle-size CSOs and young feminists that are trying to grow from an organisational, technical and programmatic point of view. The objective is to simultaneously fund a programme while reinforcing the capacities of the recipient organizations programme. Window 3 / "Synergies" will fund networks, movements and alliances to implement advocacy activities on GBV, and organizations that want to get involved in existing networks.  It will promote network and alliance building and promote visibility on national, regional and international platforms.   Location Justification  Equity is a pillar integrated in the FON implementation strategy. The programme 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). FON put great consideration to determine the location of the implementation of the programme using below criteria: Countries where the needs of CSOs for support are strong and the potential for exchanges and collaborations is high. Existing normative and policy frameworks but little or no implementation and respect in national law. The needs of the populations are immense and in varying proportions from one country to another, also revealing a wide potential for learning and training. Contexts that exacerbate gender-based violence and increase the need for support for feminist CSOs. Potential for collaboration with other existing and/or new interventions.  To read more about the FON consortium partners' workshop, click here.  

Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry

Communiqué de presse - Première visite de la Directrice Régionale de l'IPPF Région Afrique au Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou, 03 mars 2023- La Directrice Régionale de la Fédération Internationale Pour la Planification Familiale sera en visite au Burkina Faso du 06 au 11 mars 2023. Cette visite, la première de madame Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry depuis sa prise de fonction en décembre 2019 au bureau régional Afrique à Nairobi vise à accélérer et soutenir l’Association Burkinabè pour le Bien-Etre Familial (ABBEF) dans la réforme de la gouvernance de l'IPPF et dans la nouvelle orientation stratégique de la fédération. « Je suis enthousiasmée de visiter l’ABBEF, notre association membre du Burkina Faso qui œuvre depuis plus de 40 ans dans la promotion de la santé et des droits sexuels et reproductifs. Je viens également appuyer l’équipe de la gouvernance et de la direction dans le processus de la reforme qu’elles conduisent actuellement », a déclaré madame Petrus-Barry. La visite de Mme Petrus-Barry s’inscrit également dans le soutien du secrétariat à l’ABBEF pour la réussite de la mise en œuvre du projet « Youth In Action Transforming Gender Norms » porté par un consortium de six (06) organisations membres (au Mali, au Niger, au Togo, en Tunisie, en Inde et AfriYan) dont l’ABBEF assure le lead. Ce projet s’inscrit dans le renforcement des droits humains et notamment en ce qui concerne l’engagement significatif des jeunes dans les questions liées au genre.   Au cours de sa visite, Mme Petrus-Barry rencontrera des membres du gouvernement, des partenaires techniques et financiers, des organisations féministes et de jeunes en vue de renforcer le partenariat stratégique pour la promotion des droits humains. Pour M. Saibou KABORE, Président National de l’ABBEF « nous nous réjouissons d’accueillir la directrice régionale dans un moment charnière de l’évolution de notre association marquée par la transformation de l’architecture de notre gouvernance. Les échanges que nous aurons au cours de son séjour nous permettrons par ailleurs de renforcer la collaboration avec nos différents partenaires et le secrétariat de IPPF Région Afrique ». Créée en 1979, l’ABBEF est membre à part entière de l’IPPF depuis 1989, elle est accréditée par cette fédération.    Contact presse : Youssouf BA, Chargé de Plaidoyer et la Mobilisation des ressources, Association Burkinabè pour le Bien-être Familial (ABBEF), email : [email protected],  +226 70 74 82 63 A PROPOS DE L’ABBEF Créée en 1979, l’Association Burkinabè pour le Bien-Être Familial (ABBEF) est une association nationale à but non lucratif bénévole et apolitique. Elle est pionnière de la planification familiale au Burkina Faso. L’ABBEF est une des structures clés de la société civile qui accompagne l’Etat dans le domaine de la santé sexuelle et la reproduction, notamment la planification familiale au Burkina Faso depuis plus de 40 ans. Elle est affiliée à la Fédération Internationale pour la Planification Familiale (IPPF). Elle a reçu de nombreuses distinctions de l’Etat dont la dernière en 2012 est celle de Commandeur de l’Ordre du Mérite. L’ABBEF jouit du statut d’association d’utilité publique depuis 1994. L’ABBEF est présente dans 10 régions du pays et 32 districts sanitaires sur les 70 à travers différents projets. Elle dispose de six (06) centres de santé (cliniques) fixes dont deux (02) pour l’offre de services de santé sexuelle au profit des adultes (Ouagadougou et Bobo- Dioulasso) et quatre (04) centres d’écoute pour jeunes pour l’offre de services conviviaux aux adolescents et aux jeunes dans les villes de Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou et Koupéla. Elle intervient également à travers l’offre de services par les équipes mobiles différentes zones d’intervention du pays. En 2022, l’ABBEF a fourni : 681012 services de Planification Familiale. 3974 services de soins après avortement. 106404 services d’IST. 202209 services de VIH/SIDA. Contactez-nous sur www.abbef-bf.org  facebook. youtube. ,twitter.   A PROPOS DE L’IPPF REGION AFRIQUE La Fédération Internationale pour la Planification Familiale, région Afrique est l'une des principales organisations de prestation de services de santé sexuelle et reproductive (SSR) en Afrique, et l'une des principales voix de défense de la santé et des droits sexuels et reproductifs dans la région. Basée à Nairobi, au Kenya, l'objectif principal de l'IPPFAR est d'améliorer l'accès aux services de santé sexuelle et reproductive pour les jeunes, les hommes et les femmes les plus vulnérables d'Afrique subsaharienne. Soutenu par des milliers de bénévoles, IPPFAR s'attaque aux défis croissants du continent en matière de droits à la santé sexuelle et reproductive par le biais d'un réseau d'associations membres (AM) dans 40 pays. Pour ce faire, nous faisons de nos Associations Membres des entités capables de fournir et de maintenir des services de haute qualité, axés sur les jeunes et les populations les plus vulnérables. Nous travaillons avec les gouvernements, l'Union africaine, les commissions économiques régionales, le Parlement panafricain, les organes des Nations Unies, entre autres, pour élargir les engagements politiques et financiers en faveur de la santé et des droits sexuels et reproductifs en Afrique. Visitez notre site web. Suivez-nous sur Facebook, Twitter, Instagram et You Tube.

Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry

Feminist Opportunities Now: Empowering Feminist Organisations Around The World

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

IPPF_Isabel Corthier
31 January 2022

Humanitarian Capacity Development Center

The project aims to strengthen the capacity of 6 MAs in and SARO to deliver high-quality SRH services in crises. Budget:  770,000 USD Donor: IPPF Solutions 2 Timeline: 2 Years ( March 2020–Dec 2022 ) Project implementation areas: Burkina Faso, Burundi, CAR, Maldives, Sudan, and Yemen Partners: UNFPA and national humanitarian actors Other interesting information: The project is designed to be led by MAs, as part of the Member Association-centric approach, with support from the regional offices and the Global Humanitarian Team. Innovative approaches: Operational research will be useful for measuring interventions’ impact and will highlight key challenges, suggest areas of improvement and good practices. Inclusion of LGBTQUIA and organisation's of persons with Disabilities in preparedness and planning. Lessons learned: Language barrier is a serious risk to project implementation if not properly addressed at design stage. Translation and interpretation costs should be significantly budgeted for when engaging English and French-speaking MAs as key project implementers.

The She Decides Project
01 December 2016

The She Decides Project

From 2018 to 2020, funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), through the She Decides project, supported IPPF and its local partners in five priority countries – Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Malawi, and Mali – to expand their reach and impact in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), particularly for those who are most marginalized. During the project period, partners provided close to 17 million SRH services at their service delivery points, such as STI screenings, HIV testing, safe abortion, and counselling and access to modern contraceptives such as long-term injectables, surpassing the initial target by 770,000. The vast majority of clients receiving these services (76.5%) are those living below the poverty line, frequently at great distances from existing health services/facilities, who may be internally displaced as a result of humanitarian crises, and are often further marginalized on the basis of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Funding through She Decides enabled partners to develop and implement innovative strategies for reaching these populations and the most hard-to-reach regions that had some of the worst SRHR indicators. For example, In Malawi, our Member Association - Family Planning Association of Malawi (FPAM) - expanded its service delivery to rural, under-served communities in four districts (Dedza, Dowa, Mzuzu and Lilongwe) through outreach services, and strengthened provision of a comprehensive package of integrated SRH services through static clinics in 12 districts. Over the course of implementation, FPAM reached approximately 555,186 (over 25 years) women and 659,382 (<25 years) girls with integrated SHR services. A particular focus of the project has been to increase the access of hard-to-reach youth to SRHR information and services, through Youth Life Centers, youth outreach clinics, and intensive involvement of youth in outreach activities and awareness-raising campaigns. In Mali, IPPF Member Association - Association Malienne pour la Promotion et la Protection de la Famille (AMPPF) - used multiple service delivery strategies to expand access to SRH services in some of the most under-served regions of the country, some of them affected by ongoing security risks. It includes the regions of Kayes, Koulikoro, Sikasso, Ségou, Mopti, Gao, and Bamako District. Over the course of the project, AMPPF provided 1,524,825 integrated SRH services to over 556,228 women and girls. AMPPF organized 857 community engagement activities, including outreach at highly attended community festivals, reaching an estimated 41,423 people with positive messages about SRHR. In addition to directly supporting services and community mobilization to reach specific vulnerable populations in each country, She Decides has helped boost partners’ advocacy efforts to champion sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), in particular for a more enabling environment in which governments and other key decision-makers are committed to upholding and fulfilling SRHR. Through this project, partners completed 2,005 specific advocacy engagements. Partners contributed to 31 advocacy wins that engender greater respect and protection of SRHR and have long-term implications for the health and wellbeing of women and girls in project countries. Key high-level advocacy initiatives included: incorporation of SRHR in municipal development plans in project regions (Colombia); approval of the National Plan to Reduce Teen Pregnancy (Dominican Republic); increasing contraceptive security and transparency around SRH financing (Guatemala); advancing abortion law reform (Malawi); and advocating for the integration of SRH into the COVID-19 response (Mali). Underpinning these interventions was a deliberate effort to build partners’ overall sustainability through data and financial systems strengthening and sustainability efforts to improve their resilience to future shocks, whether from a sudden loss of donor funding or a crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic, which erupted in the last quarter of the project, tested this capacity as partners pivoted quickly to provide continuity of services and to advocate for the inclusion of SRHR as part of the emergency response. For more information, visit the project report: GAC/She Decides Report

Malawi_IPPF_Tommy Trenchard
31 January 2022

Feminist Opportunities Now (FON)

The objective of the project is to build the capacity of women's movements, via sub-grants and organizational development support, especially for small organizations, often non-registered, to address and respond to gender-based violence. Budget:  14,000 000 EUR Donor: Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Timeline: 4 years (Start date – Q2 of 2022) Project implementation areas: Mexico and Columbia in Latin-America (led by MdM), Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Asia (led by CREA) and Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Guinea the Ivory Cost, Kenya and Mali (led by IPPFARO Partners: IPPF ARO, Médecins du Monde(MdM), Creating Resources for Empowerment in Action (CREA), FIDH (International Federation on Human Rights) & Empow’Her. Other interesting information: It is the first time IPPF has received direct funding from AFD, the first time we are partnering with these new consortium partners and delivering on a large global project. The project supporting CSOs in Kenya Youth Changers Kenya (YCK) is a community-based organization that was founded in 2015 to promote sexual reproductive health and rights and to address systemic issues of sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women from rural and peri- urban areas. YCK’s work with girls & young women strives to provide knowledge and skills necessary to pursue education, participate in policy spaces, delay pregnancy, make informed choices and build self-confidence. At the same time, YCK strategically engages with key gate keepers to build a strong collaboration aimed at developing a more equitable justice system for sexual violence against girls and women.YCK has five thematic areas of focus which include: advocacy, sexual reproductive health and rights, girls’ education, mental health, and sexual violence. While maintaining a national focus, YCK’s 2020 focus was honed in Kakamega,  Kiambu and Nairobi counties, owing to the increased rates of SRHR violations in both areas. Further information about their work can be found here: Youth Changers Kenya – Youth Changers Kenya (YCK) is a community-based organization that was founded in 2015 to promote sexual reproductive health and rights and to address systemic issues of sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women from rural and peri- urban areas Jinsiangu focuses its work on Intersex, Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals. Jinsiangu seeks to ensure that the lives and wellbeing of ITGNC persons are enhanced through the establishment of safe spaces, through advocacy and research, through the provision of information, health services, and psycho-social support, and by fostering opportunities for holistic empowerment. It is probably the FON-supported organisation in Kenya that is the strongest in terms of advocacy. FON (through our partner FIDH – Federation international des droits de l’Homme), supported Jinsiangu to attend the AU advocacy training in Arusha Tanzania last month and FON has also nominated them for CSW68, next year, because their advocacy plans include participation in this event. Website: jinsiangu , Intersex, Transgender, Gender-Non-Conforming Kenya MaryFaith Children Center MFCC is a dedicated rescue center that has been unwavering in its commitment to providing essential support and care to sexually abused girls, many of whom have endured the trauma of incestuous relationships with relatives or close family friends. Website: Mary Faith Children Centre – Securing children from societal abuse Smart Ladies Youth Initiative SLYI is a community-based organization that uses sports and Art as a unique tool for mobilizing girls and young women to dialogue on their Sexual Reproductive Health challenges. This unique approach has created avenues of reaching the vulnerable age and has developed trust and confidence in discussing any challenges girls and young women face. No Website. Entashata Loita: Entashata Loita Community Based Organization (CBO) serves the Maasai pastoralist community in the arid and semi-arid lands of Loita Division in Kenya, sharing climate adaptation strategies and advocating for women and girls’ rights to education and abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).  Kiambu Sex Workers Alliance (KIASWA): Established in 2014, the Kiambu Sex Workers Association (KIASWA) was founded by female sex workers to provide sexual and reproductive health services to Trans sex workers and female sex workers, including those using drugs, primarily in Kiambu county slums. KIASWA aims to economically empower the sex worker community in Central Kenya through initiatives such as entrepreneurship skills training, short courses, and table banking. Although its positive impact in Kiambu County was evident within six months, the challenges posed by HIV and AIDS prompted the group to seek official recognition. As one of the pioneering organizations in Central Kenya, KIASWA focuses on promoting the rights of female sex workers, adolescent girls, young women, women who have sex with women, and women who use drugs (referred to as KIASWA key populations). With a strong reputation for influencing national and local policies related to HIV prevention, care, and treatment, human rights awareness, and economic empowerment, KIASWA actively advocates for marginalized groups, aiming to reduce stigma and discrimination. The organization's goal is to influence policy and improve access to high-quality healthcare, human rights education, legal assistance, and economic empowerment for important populations, including female sex workers, teenage girls, and young women. Members actively participate in economic empowerment, gender and human rights awareness, HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support, as well as advocacy. In addressing stigma and discrimination, KIASWA speaks up for marginalized groups and involves various stakeholders in advocacy and policy discussions. HOME - KIASWA (kiaswa-ke.org)  

3M project
31 January 2022

Mes Droits, Ma Sante, Mon Avenir -3M

  The project seeks to contribute to the reduction of gender inequalities through the empowerment of youth and the technical strengthening of local feminist CSOs towards the transformation of gender norms in favour of the sexual rights of adolescents and youth. Budget:  899,996 EUR Donor: Fonds de Solidarité pour les Projets Innovants (FSPi) Timeline: 2 Years (April 2021 – March 2023) Project implementation areas: Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso Partners: Association Nigérienne pour le Bien Êtr  e Familial (ANBEF), Association Burkinabè pour le Bien Être Familial (ABBEF), Association Tchadienne pour le Bien Être Familial (ASTBEF) and Association Togolaise pour le Bien Être Familial (ATBEF) Key achievements to date: 3 Member Association (MA) supported through MA-to-MA support from ATBEF, More than 600 trainers of trainees trained in Gender and SRH, 100 Youth and feminist associations strengthened in local communities, The organisation of more than 200 community talks on SRHR and gender equality, supported by approaches and channels adapted to the beneficiaries, made it possible to reach 2,299 people, including 1,374 girls and 925 adolescent boys and young people, on unwanted pregnancies, family planning, STIs, HIV/AIDS and contraception. Innovative approaches: This project uses the MA-to-MA Approach, south-south collaboration & Peer to Peer support where ATBEF is supporting the 3 implementing MAs. Active collaboration with Youth and feminist associations at grassroot level. Lessons learned:  Public and private collaboration is critical as well as the need to document best practices. The involvement of the central level (Ministries) in the implementation of the project positively influences the operational levels and strengthens their commitment to the project activities and makes them feel more accountable. Also, collaboration with the health, education and gender departments has enabled the project teams to benefit from technical support for access to pupils, teachers, and parents, to have an orientation on current policies in relation to the projects, and to be accompanied in the training. 

Fane Zara
14 January 2022

The BMZ Project: Supporting People Affected by Humanitarian Crises in sub-Saharan Africa

The BMZ project supported refugees, internally displaced people, and host communities in Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Togo, in accessing quality sexual reproductive health care and in setting up income generating activities. Watch our video to find out how. Also watch the stories of beneficiaries reached through the BMZ project: BMZ Beneficiary story: Cameroon BMZ Beneficiary story: Burkina Faso BMZ Beneficiary story: Togo

FON in NY
15 March 2024

FON Parallel Event at CSW68: Advancing Gender Equality Through Feminist Financing

By Alejandra Garcia In the bustling halls of the CSW68, amidst discussions on global issues and women's rights, the FON Project carved out a space to spotlight an essential aspect of Advancing Equality: Financing with Feminist Approaches. This parallel event gathered a distinguished panel featuring voices from diverse backgrounds, each offering unique perspectives on the crucial role of feminist funding in promoting gender equality worldwide.  Carolina Calle, a sex worker and human rights defender from Colombia, shared her experiences alongside Shelani Palihawadana, Program Director at Youth Advocacy Network Sri Lanka, Tori Chakma representing Supporting People and Rebuilding Communities in Bangladesh, Mar Merita Blat, Head of Mission Gender at the French Development Agency (AFD), and Marie Josiane Tra Lou, from Initiative Tile in Cote d’Ivoire. Guiding the conversation was Aminata Ba, FON Project Manager from IPPF. The panel's discussions delved into the heart of the matter, highlighting the indispensable role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in economically empowering survivors of gender-based violence, particularly in the Global South. At the core of the discourse was the transformative power of feminist funding and its impact on advancing gender equality on a global scale.  Key insights emerged from the dynamic exchange, emphasizing the urgent need for direct support to feminist movements, especially in regions with fewer resources. The importance of funding dedicated explicitly to women's rights and feminist organizations was underscored, alongside the advocacy for flexible, multi-year grants that offer core support. Such funding mechanisms empower organizations to allocate resources based on their priorities, fostering sustainability and autonomy.  Moreover, the panel shed light on the significance of recognizing and supporting small, informal community groups. Bridging the funding gap and enabling mid-sized women's groups to access more substantial resources emerged as critical strategies for amplifying the impact of feminist funding initiatives. Calls for the decolonization of funding practices, feminist accountability, and a transformation of power dynamics within funding structures resonated throughout the discussions. As the event concluded, participants reflected on actionable recommendations for governments to enhance fiscal regulations supporting medium and informal feminist organizations. The collective commitment to advancing gender equality through feminist financing approaches was palpable, igniting a sense of hope and determination among attendees.  In closing, the FON Project's event at CSW68 serves as a beacon of inspiration for all stakeholders invested in gender equality. Through collaborative efforts and a steadfast dedication to feminist principles in financing, meaningful change can be realized, empowering the feminist movement worldwide. Together, let us continue to strive for a more equitable and just future for all.   

BF1
04 May 2023

Field Diary: Youth in Action for Gender Transformation: IPPF’s Stream 2 Project for Meaningful Youth Engagement In SRHR

By Martine Aminata Ouedraogo, Youth Program Professional Coordination Assistant, IPPF Africa Region, based in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Burkina Faso’s population is predominantly young. Those under 15 years of age represent 45.3%, while 64.2% of the population is under 24 years of age, and 77.9% is under 35 years of age. (Source) From 4 to 11 March 2023, I was part of an IPPF Africa Regional Office mission led by Regional Director Mrs. Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry to the IPPF Member Association in Burkina Faso, the Association Burkinabè pour le Bien Être et la Famille (ABBEF). The purpose of this mission was to present the youth transformation program, Stream 2, to the country's authorities and partners. The "Youth in Action for Gender Transformation" project is a two-year catalytic project led by ABBEF together with a consortium of IPPF Member Associations in Mali, Niger, India, Tunisia, Togo, and an external youth organization, the African Youth and Adolescents Network on Population and Development (AFRIYAN). AFRIYAN is a non-governmental organization present in several regions of Africa, including in Burkina Faso. The Stream 2 program is part of the strengthening of human rights and the meaningful engagement of youth in gender issues. During the mission, the IPPF team met with various Government officials and key stakeholders who are influential in contributing to the successful implementation of the project. These included the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene and the Minister of Human Rights. The partners are UNFPA BURKINA, Pathfinder Burkina, USAID Burkina, and Amnesty International Burkina. As a young Burkinabe woman aware of the fact that the population of my country is predominantly young, I believe that this project will foster the leadership development of my fellow youth. The project will enable us to freely develop the design and implementation of our youth program, to participate as actors in decision-making for the development of our localities, and to take on leadership roles while acting on social norms to address power inequalities and privilege between people of different sexes. It will also contribute to the empowerment of women, girls and people with diverse sexual orientations and identities. The actions planned by ABBEF for the successful implementation of the project include the production of materials and content covering Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality; the use of channels and approaches according to the specificity of each target group to raise awareness in and out of school; the provision of sexual reproductive health (SRH) services through high-impact interventions; the promotion of gender equality through the "positive masculinity and CSE teaching" approach. I believe that the "positive masculinity" approach, which is an approach aimed at involving men, boys, and adolescents in the development processes of egalitarian and inclusive societies and the promotion of gender equality through awareness raising in schools, extra-curricular activities and in our different communities will have a real impact on the achievement of this program. Also, for an enabling environment, community power holders will be trained on SRHR. Finally, spaces for dialogue will be created as well as partnerships with public, private and community media. According to Stephanie Thombiano, ABBEF’s Youth Action Movement *(YAM) President, “Stream 2 is a transformative program, that focuses on young people as actors in the transformation of social norms regarding gender. I think it is a great asset for our member associations to run this program in consortium with young people.” “Youth are the hope of Burkina Faso, and it is therefore important to empower them. It is important that their actions and contributions are valued. Youth must be part of the deal,” said the IPPF Africa Regional Director, Mrs. Petrus-Barry, during the meeting with the members of the ABBEF Youth Action Movement (YAM). This mission to my home country, Burkina Faso, was very insightful for me, in the sense that I could really see the positive impact of the youth transformation program in the country, especially in the current security context, and strengthen my capacities in terms of team management.   *YAM: In 2004, in recognition of the importance of effective and meaningful youth participation in youth programs, the International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) established the Youth Action Movement (YAM) as a primary means of building youth capacity, improving youth participation in governance, leadership and management of youth programs. The YAM brings together young volunteers aged 10 to 24 in IPPF Africa Region Member Associations.   Martine Aminata P. Ouedraogo started as a Program Intern at IPPF Africa Region and later became a Coordination Assistant for the Professional Youth Program at the West and Central Africa Sub-Regional Office of the International Planned Parenthood Federation based in Abidjan. Quote: “My journey at IPPF has been very rewarding. Today, more than ever, as a youth activist and leader, I feel very capable and well equipped to defend and carry the voice of young people all over the world, and especially in Africa. All young people should have access to information about their rights and be able to claim them. It is important for us to be able to express ourselves and our sexuality in a pleasant and healthy way.”

FON family photo
16 March 2023

Feminist Opportunities Now: Empowering Feminist Organizations Around the World

Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) is a programme that aims to build capacity of feminist organisations via subgrants to enhance more diverse and resilience Civil Society Organisations when addressing and responding to gender-based violence, inequalities, discrimination and other human rights violations related to gender. International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is the FON consortium lead, with the other consortium partners being Médecins du Monde (MdM-FR), Creating Resources for Empowerment and Action Inc. (CREA), the International Federation on Human Rights (FIDH) and Empow’Her (EH). The programme is funded by the French Government via the French Development Agency (AFD). The action of the consortium's member organizations is based on feminist principles, a deep commitment to the promotion of human rights and the fight against inequalities and discrimination, especially against women and girls. They have a long experience of the themes of the programme mandates and complementary expertise that underpin the robustness of the holistic approach of the programme.   The Challenge  Gender inequalities on a global scale affect half of the world's population. Gender inequality is one of the main obstacles to human development. The FON Programme seeks to address such inequalities. Some of the challenges leading to these inequalities include: Lack of and/or effective implementation of comprehensive laws, policies, legal instruments to address gender inequalities worldwide, leading to increased gender inequalities. Lack of or limited implementation of the frameworks, which widens inequalities and aggravate the precariousness of women and girls- particularly people with disabilities, living with HIV, sex workers, and those of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI)  COVID-19 that dramatically exacerbated social and economic challenges leading to an increase in gender-based violence (GBV).  Inadequate involvement of people with disabilities (15% of the world's population), LGBTI+, sex workers and people living with HIV-AIDS, in initiatives to promote and defend their rights, and the least associated in preventing and responding to this violence. Inadequate support to nascent or relatively new Civil Society Organizations many of which remain undeclared, and, despite their effervescence and dynamism, they continue to face challenges that restrict their ability to reduce GBV and protect and promote women's rights. Limited creation of an innovative and flexible financing system in order to strengthen the contribution of CSOs in the South, in all their diversity, to the reduction of GBV. Objectives of the Programme  To Improve the sustainability of feminist Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) at the organizational and technical levels by proposing an inclusive approach to capacity building.   To support the resilience and diversity of feminist CSOs through access to flexible sustainable financing mechanisms tailored to small and/or informal and/or marginalized CSOs. To strengthen a networked movement of feminist CSOs in the Global South, linking these CSOs and national, regional, and international networks, to make their voices heard on the public stage.     To promote innovation at all levels of the programme by the CSOs themselves and the consortium member organisations.   Targets of the Programme  Feminist CSOs working with and/or for the various structurally excluded groups. Activist organizations working with or led by people who may face particularly high discrimination. Gender inequalities and GBV, such as members of the LGBTI+ community and in general people with diverse sexual orientation and gender identities and Gender Expressions (SOGIE). People living with disabilities. People with HIV/AIDS.  Sex workers.  Indirectly, targets of advocacy activities (regional bodies, national / local authorities, etc)   Approaches of the Programme  Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) aims to build capacity of feminist organisations via subgrants to enhance more diverse and resilient Civil Society Organisations when addressing and responding to gender-based violence, inequalities, discrimination, and other human rights violations related to gender. FON will set up Regional Coordination and Advisory Committees in each region (Africa, Asia and Latin America), whose role will be to help ensure inclusiveness and identify advocacy opportunities. The Sub-granting will be phased into three categories or funding windows below, and for which the first call for proposals is scheduled to be launched in April 2023: Window 1 / "Boost" The objective is for the feminist CSOs or young feminists to have the enhanced capacity to face external events (political instability, insecurity, etc.) and/or internal hurdles (organisational difficulties, necessary a project co-funding or additional programme component etc.). This window should also allow CSOs to apply for a grant in case of an upcoming opportunity such as in programming, advocacy, etc. Key words are therefore flexibility and opportunity. Window 2/ "Programmatic & Organizational Development" will support small and middle-size CSOs and young feminists that are trying to grow from an organisational, technical and programmatic point of view. The objective is to simultaneously fund a programme while reinforcing the capacities of the recipient organizations programme. Window 3 / "Synergies" will fund networks, movements and alliances to implement advocacy activities on GBV, and organizations that want to get involved in existing networks.  It will promote network and alliance building and promote visibility on national, regional and international platforms.   Location Justification  Equity is a pillar integrated in the FON implementation strategy. The programme 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). FON put great consideration to determine the location of the implementation of the programme using below criteria: Countries where the needs of CSOs for support are strong and the potential for exchanges and collaborations is high. Existing normative and policy frameworks but little or no implementation and respect in national law. The needs of the populations are immense and in varying proportions from one country to another, also revealing a wide potential for learning and training. Contexts that exacerbate gender-based violence and increase the need for support for feminist CSOs. Potential for collaboration with other existing and/or new interventions.  To read more about the FON consortium partners' workshop, click here.  

Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry

Communiqué de presse - Première visite de la Directrice Régionale de l'IPPF Région Afrique au Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou, 03 mars 2023- La Directrice Régionale de la Fédération Internationale Pour la Planification Familiale sera en visite au Burkina Faso du 06 au 11 mars 2023. Cette visite, la première de madame Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry depuis sa prise de fonction en décembre 2019 au bureau régional Afrique à Nairobi vise à accélérer et soutenir l’Association Burkinabè pour le Bien-Etre Familial (ABBEF) dans la réforme de la gouvernance de l'IPPF et dans la nouvelle orientation stratégique de la fédération. « Je suis enthousiasmée de visiter l’ABBEF, notre association membre du Burkina Faso qui œuvre depuis plus de 40 ans dans la promotion de la santé et des droits sexuels et reproductifs. Je viens également appuyer l’équipe de la gouvernance et de la direction dans le processus de la reforme qu’elles conduisent actuellement », a déclaré madame Petrus-Barry. La visite de Mme Petrus-Barry s’inscrit également dans le soutien du secrétariat à l’ABBEF pour la réussite de la mise en œuvre du projet « Youth In Action Transforming Gender Norms » porté par un consortium de six (06) organisations membres (au Mali, au Niger, au Togo, en Tunisie, en Inde et AfriYan) dont l’ABBEF assure le lead. Ce projet s’inscrit dans le renforcement des droits humains et notamment en ce qui concerne l’engagement significatif des jeunes dans les questions liées au genre.   Au cours de sa visite, Mme Petrus-Barry rencontrera des membres du gouvernement, des partenaires techniques et financiers, des organisations féministes et de jeunes en vue de renforcer le partenariat stratégique pour la promotion des droits humains. Pour M. Saibou KABORE, Président National de l’ABBEF « nous nous réjouissons d’accueillir la directrice régionale dans un moment charnière de l’évolution de notre association marquée par la transformation de l’architecture de notre gouvernance. Les échanges que nous aurons au cours de son séjour nous permettrons par ailleurs de renforcer la collaboration avec nos différents partenaires et le secrétariat de IPPF Région Afrique ». Créée en 1979, l’ABBEF est membre à part entière de l’IPPF depuis 1989, elle est accréditée par cette fédération.    Contact presse : Youssouf BA, Chargé de Plaidoyer et la Mobilisation des ressources, Association Burkinabè pour le Bien-être Familial (ABBEF), email : [email protected],  +226 70 74 82 63 A PROPOS DE L’ABBEF Créée en 1979, l’Association Burkinabè pour le Bien-Être Familial (ABBEF) est une association nationale à but non lucratif bénévole et apolitique. Elle est pionnière de la planification familiale au Burkina Faso. L’ABBEF est une des structures clés de la société civile qui accompagne l’Etat dans le domaine de la santé sexuelle et la reproduction, notamment la planification familiale au Burkina Faso depuis plus de 40 ans. Elle est affiliée à la Fédération Internationale pour la Planification Familiale (IPPF). Elle a reçu de nombreuses distinctions de l’Etat dont la dernière en 2012 est celle de Commandeur de l’Ordre du Mérite. L’ABBEF jouit du statut d’association d’utilité publique depuis 1994. L’ABBEF est présente dans 10 régions du pays et 32 districts sanitaires sur les 70 à travers différents projets. Elle dispose de six (06) centres de santé (cliniques) fixes dont deux (02) pour l’offre de services de santé sexuelle au profit des adultes (Ouagadougou et Bobo- Dioulasso) et quatre (04) centres d’écoute pour jeunes pour l’offre de services conviviaux aux adolescents et aux jeunes dans les villes de Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou et Koupéla. Elle intervient également à travers l’offre de services par les équipes mobiles différentes zones d’intervention du pays. En 2022, l’ABBEF a fourni : 681012 services de Planification Familiale. 3974 services de soins après avortement. 106404 services d’IST. 202209 services de VIH/SIDA. Contactez-nous sur www.abbef-bf.org  facebook. youtube. ,twitter.   A PROPOS DE L’IPPF REGION AFRIQUE La Fédération Internationale pour la Planification Familiale, région Afrique est l'une des principales organisations de prestation de services de santé sexuelle et reproductive (SSR) en Afrique, et l'une des principales voix de défense de la santé et des droits sexuels et reproductifs dans la région. Basée à Nairobi, au Kenya, l'objectif principal de l'IPPFAR est d'améliorer l'accès aux services de santé sexuelle et reproductive pour les jeunes, les hommes et les femmes les plus vulnérables d'Afrique subsaharienne. Soutenu par des milliers de bénévoles, IPPFAR s'attaque aux défis croissants du continent en matière de droits à la santé sexuelle et reproductive par le biais d'un réseau d'associations membres (AM) dans 40 pays. Pour ce faire, nous faisons de nos Associations Membres des entités capables de fournir et de maintenir des services de haute qualité, axés sur les jeunes et les populations les plus vulnérables. Nous travaillons avec les gouvernements, l'Union africaine, les commissions économiques régionales, le Parlement panafricain, les organes des Nations Unies, entre autres, pour élargir les engagements politiques et financiers en faveur de la santé et des droits sexuels et reproductifs en Afrique. Visitez notre site web. Suivez-nous sur Facebook, Twitter, Instagram et You Tube.

Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry

Feminist Opportunities Now: Empowering Feminist Organisations Around The World

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

IPPF_Isabel Corthier
31 January 2022

Humanitarian Capacity Development Center

The project aims to strengthen the capacity of 6 MAs in and SARO to deliver high-quality SRH services in crises. Budget:  770,000 USD Donor: IPPF Solutions 2 Timeline: 2 Years ( March 2020–Dec 2022 ) Project implementation areas: Burkina Faso, Burundi, CAR, Maldives, Sudan, and Yemen Partners: UNFPA and national humanitarian actors Other interesting information: The project is designed to be led by MAs, as part of the Member Association-centric approach, with support from the regional offices and the Global Humanitarian Team. Innovative approaches: Operational research will be useful for measuring interventions’ impact and will highlight key challenges, suggest areas of improvement and good practices. Inclusion of LGBTQUIA and organisation's of persons with Disabilities in preparedness and planning. Lessons learned: Language barrier is a serious risk to project implementation if not properly addressed at design stage. Translation and interpretation costs should be significantly budgeted for when engaging English and French-speaking MAs as key project implementers.

The She Decides Project
01 December 2016

The She Decides Project

From 2018 to 2020, funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), through the She Decides project, supported IPPF and its local partners in five priority countries – Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Malawi, and Mali – to expand their reach and impact in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), particularly for those who are most marginalized. During the project period, partners provided close to 17 million SRH services at their service delivery points, such as STI screenings, HIV testing, safe abortion, and counselling and access to modern contraceptives such as long-term injectables, surpassing the initial target by 770,000. The vast majority of clients receiving these services (76.5%) are those living below the poverty line, frequently at great distances from existing health services/facilities, who may be internally displaced as a result of humanitarian crises, and are often further marginalized on the basis of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Funding through She Decides enabled partners to develop and implement innovative strategies for reaching these populations and the most hard-to-reach regions that had some of the worst SRHR indicators. For example, In Malawi, our Member Association - Family Planning Association of Malawi (FPAM) - expanded its service delivery to rural, under-served communities in four districts (Dedza, Dowa, Mzuzu and Lilongwe) through outreach services, and strengthened provision of a comprehensive package of integrated SRH services through static clinics in 12 districts. Over the course of implementation, FPAM reached approximately 555,186 (over 25 years) women and 659,382 (<25 years) girls with integrated SHR services. A particular focus of the project has been to increase the access of hard-to-reach youth to SRHR information and services, through Youth Life Centers, youth outreach clinics, and intensive involvement of youth in outreach activities and awareness-raising campaigns. In Mali, IPPF Member Association - Association Malienne pour la Promotion et la Protection de la Famille (AMPPF) - used multiple service delivery strategies to expand access to SRH services in some of the most under-served regions of the country, some of them affected by ongoing security risks. It includes the regions of Kayes, Koulikoro, Sikasso, Ségou, Mopti, Gao, and Bamako District. Over the course of the project, AMPPF provided 1,524,825 integrated SRH services to over 556,228 women and girls. AMPPF organized 857 community engagement activities, including outreach at highly attended community festivals, reaching an estimated 41,423 people with positive messages about SRHR. In addition to directly supporting services and community mobilization to reach specific vulnerable populations in each country, She Decides has helped boost partners’ advocacy efforts to champion sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), in particular for a more enabling environment in which governments and other key decision-makers are committed to upholding and fulfilling SRHR. Through this project, partners completed 2,005 specific advocacy engagements. Partners contributed to 31 advocacy wins that engender greater respect and protection of SRHR and have long-term implications for the health and wellbeing of women and girls in project countries. Key high-level advocacy initiatives included: incorporation of SRHR in municipal development plans in project regions (Colombia); approval of the National Plan to Reduce Teen Pregnancy (Dominican Republic); increasing contraceptive security and transparency around SRH financing (Guatemala); advancing abortion law reform (Malawi); and advocating for the integration of SRH into the COVID-19 response (Mali). Underpinning these interventions was a deliberate effort to build partners’ overall sustainability through data and financial systems strengthening and sustainability efforts to improve their resilience to future shocks, whether from a sudden loss of donor funding or a crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic, which erupted in the last quarter of the project, tested this capacity as partners pivoted quickly to provide continuity of services and to advocate for the inclusion of SRHR as part of the emergency response. For more information, visit the project report: GAC/She Decides Report

Malawi_IPPF_Tommy Trenchard
31 January 2022

Feminist Opportunities Now (FON)

The objective of the project is to build the capacity of women's movements, via sub-grants and organizational development support, especially for small organizations, often non-registered, to address and respond to gender-based violence. Budget:  14,000 000 EUR Donor: Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Timeline: 4 years (Start date – Q2 of 2022) Project implementation areas: Mexico and Columbia in Latin-America (led by MdM), Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Asia (led by CREA) and Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Guinea the Ivory Cost, Kenya and Mali (led by IPPFARO Partners: IPPF ARO, Médecins du Monde(MdM), Creating Resources for Empowerment in Action (CREA), FIDH (International Federation on Human Rights) & Empow’Her. Other interesting information: It is the first time IPPF has received direct funding from AFD, the first time we are partnering with these new consortium partners and delivering on a large global project. The project supporting CSOs in Kenya Youth Changers Kenya (YCK) is a community-based organization that was founded in 2015 to promote sexual reproductive health and rights and to address systemic issues of sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women from rural and peri- urban areas. YCK’s work with girls & young women strives to provide knowledge and skills necessary to pursue education, participate in policy spaces, delay pregnancy, make informed choices and build self-confidence. At the same time, YCK strategically engages with key gate keepers to build a strong collaboration aimed at developing a more equitable justice system for sexual violence against girls and women.YCK has five thematic areas of focus which include: advocacy, sexual reproductive health and rights, girls’ education, mental health, and sexual violence. While maintaining a national focus, YCK’s 2020 focus was honed in Kakamega,  Kiambu and Nairobi counties, owing to the increased rates of SRHR violations in both areas. Further information about their work can be found here: Youth Changers Kenya – Youth Changers Kenya (YCK) is a community-based organization that was founded in 2015 to promote sexual reproductive health and rights and to address systemic issues of sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women from rural and peri- urban areas Jinsiangu focuses its work on Intersex, Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals. Jinsiangu seeks to ensure that the lives and wellbeing of ITGNC persons are enhanced through the establishment of safe spaces, through advocacy and research, through the provision of information, health services, and psycho-social support, and by fostering opportunities for holistic empowerment. It is probably the FON-supported organisation in Kenya that is the strongest in terms of advocacy. FON (through our partner FIDH – Federation international des droits de l’Homme), supported Jinsiangu to attend the AU advocacy training in Arusha Tanzania last month and FON has also nominated them for CSW68, next year, because their advocacy plans include participation in this event. Website: jinsiangu , Intersex, Transgender, Gender-Non-Conforming Kenya MaryFaith Children Center MFCC is a dedicated rescue center that has been unwavering in its commitment to providing essential support and care to sexually abused girls, many of whom have endured the trauma of incestuous relationships with relatives or close family friends. Website: Mary Faith Children Centre – Securing children from societal abuse Smart Ladies Youth Initiative SLYI is a community-based organization that uses sports and Art as a unique tool for mobilizing girls and young women to dialogue on their Sexual Reproductive Health challenges. This unique approach has created avenues of reaching the vulnerable age and has developed trust and confidence in discussing any challenges girls and young women face. No Website. Entashata Loita: Entashata Loita Community Based Organization (CBO) serves the Maasai pastoralist community in the arid and semi-arid lands of Loita Division in Kenya, sharing climate adaptation strategies and advocating for women and girls’ rights to education and abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).  Kiambu Sex Workers Alliance (KIASWA): Established in 2014, the Kiambu Sex Workers Association (KIASWA) was founded by female sex workers to provide sexual and reproductive health services to Trans sex workers and female sex workers, including those using drugs, primarily in Kiambu county slums. KIASWA aims to economically empower the sex worker community in Central Kenya through initiatives such as entrepreneurship skills training, short courses, and table banking. Although its positive impact in Kiambu County was evident within six months, the challenges posed by HIV and AIDS prompted the group to seek official recognition. As one of the pioneering organizations in Central Kenya, KIASWA focuses on promoting the rights of female sex workers, adolescent girls, young women, women who have sex with women, and women who use drugs (referred to as KIASWA key populations). With a strong reputation for influencing national and local policies related to HIV prevention, care, and treatment, human rights awareness, and economic empowerment, KIASWA actively advocates for marginalized groups, aiming to reduce stigma and discrimination. The organization's goal is to influence policy and improve access to high-quality healthcare, human rights education, legal assistance, and economic empowerment for important populations, including female sex workers, teenage girls, and young women. Members actively participate in economic empowerment, gender and human rights awareness, HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support, as well as advocacy. In addressing stigma and discrimination, KIASWA speaks up for marginalized groups and involves various stakeholders in advocacy and policy discussions. HOME - KIASWA (kiaswa-ke.org)  

3M project
31 January 2022

Mes Droits, Ma Sante, Mon Avenir -3M

  The project seeks to contribute to the reduction of gender inequalities through the empowerment of youth and the technical strengthening of local feminist CSOs towards the transformation of gender norms in favour of the sexual rights of adolescents and youth. Budget:  899,996 EUR Donor: Fonds de Solidarité pour les Projets Innovants (FSPi) Timeline: 2 Years (April 2021 – March 2023) Project implementation areas: Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso Partners: Association Nigérienne pour le Bien Êtr  e Familial (ANBEF), Association Burkinabè pour le Bien Être Familial (ABBEF), Association Tchadienne pour le Bien Être Familial (ASTBEF) and Association Togolaise pour le Bien Être Familial (ATBEF) Key achievements to date: 3 Member Association (MA) supported through MA-to-MA support from ATBEF, More than 600 trainers of trainees trained in Gender and SRH, 100 Youth and feminist associations strengthened in local communities, The organisation of more than 200 community talks on SRHR and gender equality, supported by approaches and channels adapted to the beneficiaries, made it possible to reach 2,299 people, including 1,374 girls and 925 adolescent boys and young people, on unwanted pregnancies, family planning, STIs, HIV/AIDS and contraception. Innovative approaches: This project uses the MA-to-MA Approach, south-south collaboration & Peer to Peer support where ATBEF is supporting the 3 implementing MAs. Active collaboration with Youth and feminist associations at grassroot level. Lessons learned:  Public and private collaboration is critical as well as the need to document best practices. The involvement of the central level (Ministries) in the implementation of the project positively influences the operational levels and strengthens their commitment to the project activities and makes them feel more accountable. Also, collaboration with the health, education and gender departments has enabled the project teams to benefit from technical support for access to pupils, teachers, and parents, to have an orientation on current policies in relation to the projects, and to be accompanied in the training. 

Fane Zara
14 January 2022

The BMZ Project: Supporting People Affected by Humanitarian Crises in sub-Saharan Africa

The BMZ project supported refugees, internally displaced people, and host communities in Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Togo, in accessing quality sexual reproductive health care and in setting up income generating activities. Watch our video to find out how. Also watch the stories of beneficiaries reached through the BMZ project: BMZ Beneficiary story: Cameroon BMZ Beneficiary story: Burkina Faso BMZ Beneficiary story: Togo