| 31 March 2016
Reproductive & Family Health Association of Fiji
The Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji (RFHAF) was inaugurated in June 1996. It has played a key role in shaping national family planning policy and in promoting sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education, particularly among young people and communities in which myths about the dangers of family planning prevail. The use of contraceptives is still believed by many to cause cancer and immature childbirth. RFHAF has also undertaken concerted national advocacy work (with a particular emphasis on HIV and AIDS) through its involvement with the National Advisory Committee on AIDS and the country co-ordinating mechanism. As such, it played a critical role in securing the HIV Prevention and Treatment Decree which outlaws discrimination, promotes counselling, testing and reporting, assures confidentiality, and legislates on the supply of blood products. The organization’s committed promotion of wider awareness of SRH issues is changing attitudes, and as attitudes change, uptake of services increase.
| 20 January 2025
Asociación de Mujeres Trabajadoras Sexuales del Paraguay, Unidas en la Esperanza
The Union of Women Sex Workers of Paraguay (Unión de Trabajadoras Sexuales del Paraguay -UNES) is a grassroots organization founded in 2006 in Asunción by and for adult women who engage in sex work autonomously. As a member of Redtrasex, UNES advocates for the recognition of sex workers' rights, the elimination of stigma, and their social inclusion. Its main goal is to collaborate with the Paraguayan state to strengthen and expand guarantees for comprehensive healthcare access with a human rights approach. Through various projects, UNES raises awareness among healthcare professionals, distributes prevention packages (including condoms, lubricants, counseling, and rapid tests for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B), and conducts community oversight visits to healthcare services. Additionally, it provides support to sex workers in accessing treatment and medical consultations. The organization promotes the political training of its leaders, builds alliances with feminist and human rights networks, and engages in public policy advocacy. UNES also works on developing legal frameworks that protect sex workers' rights, including legislative proposals such as the Sex Work Bill Proposal. Moreover, it carries out awareness-raising initiatives targeting key actors in the judicial, municipal, and governmental sectors. By strengthening partnerships with national and international organizations, UNES continues to advocate for the recognition and respect of sex workers' rights in Paraguay and across the region. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unes_py/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNESPY