Member Associations

Located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Comoros is an archipelago of 4 islands at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel between northeaster Mozambique and northwestern Madagascar. At a little over 1,800 square kilometres, it’s the third smallest nation in Africa, but has over 700,000 inhabitants. It is one of the most densely populated countries on the continent. A third of the population are women of reproductive age and the absence of essential health services presents major risks to their health and survival. High fertility levels allied to low contraceptive uptake, and widespread poverty combine to drive high risks related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH). In response, the Association Comorienne pour le Bien-Être Famille (ASCOBEF) is delivering a comprehensive range of sexual and reproductive health programmes and services. These include family planning, gynaecological counselling and services, antenatal care, information, education and communication (IEC) programmes and behaviour change communications (BCC) activities to promote health-seeking behaviour. It is also playing a major advocacy role in the fight against gender-based violence, and has provided extensive victim support. The majority of ASCOBEF's clients are poor, marginalized, socially excluded and/or under-served. ASCOBEF deliver services and programmes supported by volunteers, Youth Action Movement members and peer educators. ASCOBEF works in partnership with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including Réseau Femmes et Développement. It receives financial support from UNFPA, the Global Fund, UNICEF and the World Health Organization.

Väestöliitto is a non-governmental-organization working in the field of social services, health and human rights. Väestöliitto was founded in 1941 and is composed of 35 member organizations. Within a global network, Väestöliitto, Finland’s leading sexual rights organisation, works to promote sexual health and rights and gender equality. Through their activities the Väestöliitto works to allow every individual and couple to make free, responsible and informed choices about their sexuality, such as, forming close relationships, getting married, using contraception, and having children. Within the scope of this aim, Väestöliitto works to stop gender based violence. Väestöliitto’s operations are divided into services for citizens, research, and advocacy. Väestöliitto promotes family-friendly policies, sustainable population policies, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Finland, Europe, and globally. All of Väestöliitto’s advocacy aims to further the UN’s goals for sustainable development. Väestöliitto provides online-services for people of all ages at Hyvä kysymys online service. Väestöliitto also has chat service for young people focusing on sexual wellbeing. Väestöliitto provides a helpline telephone and web service for boys and young men.