Member Associations

Established in 2004 by Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan, Respect, Educate, Nurture, Empower Women (RENEW) became an Associate Member Association of IPPF in November 2009. It aims to be the leading organization in shaping the future role of women in Bhutanese Society, helping to reduce vulnerabilities while nurturing and empowering them. Their work is focused on reaching poor, disadvantaged and adolescent girls and women. RENEW has a widespread community-based support (CBS) system (established in 20 districts), and a community outreach programme run from the RENEW centre. Work focuses on sensitization with regard to HIV and AIDS, education in family planning approaches and contraceptive methods, and enhancing the safety of pregnancy and childbirth. A clear problem in Bhutan is the unequal position of women. One of the expressions of gender inequality is high levels of gender-based violence (GBV) which is seen as a natural part of married life, and not as an issue. RENEW has a vigorous education programme designed to reverse such attitudes. Bhutan is a unique country: all development is based on promoting Gross National Happiness (GNH), and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, acceptance of every individual’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and the practical realization of those rights are regarded as critical components in increasing GNH. Given this political context, RENEW has ambitious targets. Although it has only been established for 10 years, it is making remarkable strides towards the achievement of better SRH and SRHR outcomes for the nation and its people.

The Soul City Institute for Social Justice (SCI) is an intersectional feminist non-governmental organization that is internationally and locally recognized for its innovation and expertise over two decades in Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC).  The SCI’s primary focus is to work with young women and girls (ages 10 – 35 years) to develop and grow as feminist activists and leaders committed to strengthening movements and advancing the broader agenda for the rights and wellbeing of young women.  The institute also works with men and boys as a secondary focus to promote gender equality and the development of feminist allies. The Institute’s vision is to ensure that young women and girls fully realize their human rights in a just society and can live with dignity and self-determination and have the health and well-being to grow, flourish and reach their full potential. It supports and amplifies young women’s feminist consciousness, voice, agency, and activism to dismantle patriarchy, protect their rights and enable their self-determination. The SCI’s programmes operate at multiple levels to influence individuals, communities, and the socio-economic and political environment. It harness popular culture for social change with prime-time dramas and talk shows on television and radio, combined with social media and print, social mobilization, and policy advocacy.  The SCI approach is unique in that it combines multiple-level strategies at scale. Over the years we have reached over 80% of South Africa through our various programmes and our brand – Soul City - is loved and trusted, with two generations of South Africans having grown up with us. At least three communities the country have so identified themselves with our programmes that they have named themselves Soul City. SoulCity count total clinics Nationally. They provide SRH services (teenage pregnancy screening, contraceptives, PrEP & PEP, CTOP, condom distribution, Cheka Impilo (BP, BMI, diabetes), HTS, TB screening. Follow The Soul City Institute for Social Justice (SCI) on Twitter, Facebook and You Tube. See the RHNK website here.