Member Associations

Based in Tbilisi, Georgia, Association HERA XXI is a women’s rights organization working from the feminist perspective. It has been actively working in the fields of healthcare, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality since 1998. HERA XXI offers comprehensive education to vulnerable societal groups, makes quality SRHR services more accessible, promotes development of institutions of volunteerism and activism and enhances strengthening and engagement of youth and community groups. Evidence-based advocacy, partnerships, awareness-raising, and results-oriented monitoring are essential approaches for achieving HERA XXI’s programmatic goals. Target groups: Girls and women of childbearing age; Girls and women living under the poverty line; IDP girls and women; Rural population; Girls and boys aged 14 to 25; High risk groups; Ethnic minorities; The following telephone and online/remote services can be received through the HERA XXI’s Call Center (Hot-line: 20 11 221): Consultation with a doctor/reproductive specialist; Legal consultation on sexual and reproductive rights and domestic violence; Consultation of a Social Worker for Internally Displaced People (IDPs); Online consultation service of a reproductive specialist and a legal consultant for young people - the service is available on the platform – www.youth-counseling.ge. Advocacy The Association contributes to the improvement of the political, social and economic environment of the country by promoting universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, maternal health, comprehensive education on reproductive health and healthy lifestyles, improving legal environment of children’s rights in terms of SRHR, advocating youth policies at local, national and international levels, and increasing readiness and awareness of decision-makers regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights. 

Society for Health Education (SHE) is an organization that is proactive in identifying and addressing the crucial health and social concerns of the Maldives. SHE was founded in 1988 by four women with the mission to enhance the quality of life of Maldivian families. The organization embraces the following mandate: Strive to improve the quality of life of the Maldivian people Harness the expertise of national professionals, on a voluntary basis for development programmes Endeavour to raise awareness of health and social issues Today, SHE is one of the largest, most vibrant NGOs in the Maldives which addresses issues concerning Thalassemia, Counselling and Psychosocial Support, Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Health Education. The organization reaffirms its commitment to sustain these initiatives, and to further increasing public awareness on issues that influence family well-being. Effectiveness of health promotion initiatives are ensured by adopting applicable service delivery mechanisms, fostering improvements in reproductive health parameters, continuing Thalassemia prevention activities, promoting responsible parenthood concepts, facilitating empowerment of women and youth, supporting victims of abuse by providing gender based violence screening services, essential SRH services and psychosocial support and referral services, as well as extending Counselling to adolescents and families, and encouraging community ownership of development. SHE operates an in-house clinic offering a range of services under one roof in the Maldives capital, Male’. The in-house clinic provides three main services; SRH services, counselling and psychosocial services, and thalassemia and diagnostic services. The SRH clinic of SHE has a long-standing reputation for client friendly and quality service provision on SRH and various other general health issues. The clinic conducts mobile outreach activities including awareness programmes targets for Key Affected Populations. Under the HIV and AIDS programme of the clinic, free Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services are offered to the general public. The Thalassemia prevention programme undertaken by SHE comprises an awareness component along with provision of screening services.The prevention programme aims to reduce the number of thalassemics born in the Maldives by providing testing services to identify thalassemia carrier status and raising awareness of how the disorder is inherited. The first, and only thalassemia DNA testing facility in the Maldives was established at SHE in 2005 to minimize the number of inconclusive results. The Counselling and Psychosocial services comprises face to face counselling, telephone counselling, and play therapy for young children. In addition to day to day regular services, the clinic conducts several skill development programmes targeting young people, vulnerable populations, teachers and parents. Furthermore, the organization adopts an integrated approach to health education and service delivery and its role includes increasing the accessibility of services and using media for education and communication. This includes collaborating with other Civil Society Organizations and State Institutions that work towards relating to issues on health and well-being. The society runs outreach programmes and mobilizes voluntary support to develop projects and to maintain and enhance service provision. With this number of services, SHE reaches over 5000 people of the population of the Maldives yearly. The success of the organization depends on the unreserved commitment of the organization’s members, volunteers, and staff. SHE strives to raise the bar higher at every opportunity, to ensure that the organization could progressively add greater value to clients and stakeholders, thereby uplifting the community’s general wellbeing.