Member Associations

Though there is still a long way to go with regard to the risk of maternal and child mortality, Egypt’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) statistics are improving year on year and the Egyptian Family Planning Association (EFPA) has been at the heart of driving improvements. It has done so through service delivery (complementing government services) and a concerted programme of advocacy to high-level policy makers. EFPA is the Egyptian government’s primary partner in SRH, and it co-ordinates the delivery of family planning services by other voluntary organizations. Additionally, EFPA is a lead partner in the National Population Commission’s ongoing initiative to increase contraceptive prevalence across the country. A critical part of the organization’s work is the provision of information, education and communication (IEC) programmes for the general public, many of which (particularly amongst young people) are run on a peer-to-peer basis. Emergency intervention to prevent reported early marriage cases is a key priority. EFPA has a particular interest in the socio-economic aspects of family planning and promotes activity designed to enhance women’s capacity for income generation. In 1972, EFPA set up the Alexandria Training Centre for family planning professionals, which it continues to run. Thanks to the EFPA, demand for SHR services by young people has increased, as has male condom use. EPFA successfully advocated for the issuance of 2 landmark legal codes criminalizing female genital mutilation (FGM), and raising the legal age of marriage. EFPA is a strong, well-established, transparent and competent association. It is known for its capacity to implement quality projects. EFPA enjoys the trust and confidence of many partners and donor agencies. These include, but are not limited to, UNFPA, UNIFEM, FHI, CEOSS, Y-PEER, the Regional Training Centre, the National Population Council, and the National Council for Child and Mother. Contacts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EFPA.eg Twitter: https://twitter.com/efpa_

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.