Bookmark this page
 
Map of India 

Project example: India

Our Member Association in India worked with young women and their families to encourage them to make a common oath not to marry before the legal age of 18.

In Rajasthan, the Member Association organized public rallies and street plays against child marriage, with the participation of children and young people.

Ending Child Marriage

Read our guide aimed at key policy makers to improve the quality of life of millions of girls and young women forced into child marriages.

Member Association: India
 

 

The Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) was established in 1949 and is a founder member of IPPF.

The FPAI is the largest voluntary organisation in the country working in the field of reproductive health and family planning, including:

  • safe motherhood and child survival
  • women’s empowerment
  • male involvement
  • adolescent health
  • youth development

We work closely with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the government through our 40 branches and eight projects.

FPAI enables men and women to form local voluntary groups to initiate action for the improvement of their communities. This community approach has resulted in improved health and standards of living, better decision-making powers and self-reliance.

The FPAI aim to provide comprehensive services through static and outreach service units, focusing on under-served rural and urban slum areas. We run three infertility clinics, a contraceptive retail sales programme and provide condom dispensing machines.

With the use of various media: film, radio, newsletters, journals and other print media,  the FPAI is implementing  an information and education programme on topics such as:

  • family planning
  • maternal and child health
  • risks of unsafe abortion
  • infertility
  • prevention of sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
  • counselling for newly weds

The FPAI encourages the empowerment of women through mahila mandals (women's groups), balwadis (nursery schools), literacy and income generation programmes.

FPAI has been addressing the concerns of young people in a holistic manner through our 30 Sexuality Education, Counselling, Research, Training/Therapy (SECRT) Centres spread accross the country.

The centres offer youth friendly services that prepare young people for their future by building their confidence and self-esteem for enjoying healthy relationships.

The centres also provide counselling and information on various developmental issues like:

  • sex
  • coping with peer pressure
  • relationships
  • responsible sexual behaviour
  • marriage
  • parenthood
  • contraception
  • prevention of STIs/HIV/AIDS

FPAI branches have been integrating the topics related to prevention of STI/HIV/AIDS in our regular programmes.

In accordance with the status of national NGO, FPAI continues to evaluate the proposals of other NGOs, on behalf of the government of India.

The development of human resources is a focal programme. FPAI conducts orientation and training progrmmes at institutional, individual and grassroots level.

Advocacy

We advocate through community representatives and media people and through representation on government bodies such as the Central Health and Welfare Council and Steering Committee on Population Education.