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Two Bangladeshi girls standing together
news item

| 02 March 2017

Bangladesh’s new Child Marriage Act is a step backwards for young women warns IPPF

New legislation in Bangladesh which will allow girls under the age of 18 to be married-off legally in “special circumstances” is a step backwards for young woman, the International Planned Parenthood Federation has warned. The Child Marriage restraint Bill 2017 gives parents or guardians the ability to seek a court order for children to be married-off in their “best interests.” Currently, it is illegal for girls under 18 or men under 21 to marry in Bangladesh, although the law is widely flouted. The new law opens the possibility of girls who have been raped being married to their attackers or girls who have become pregnant being married to abusers. Anjali Sen, regional director for IPPF’s South Asia Region, which includes Bangladesh, said the new legislation was a move in the wrong direction. “Any legislation which opens the possibility of young girls being forced into marriage is going the wrong way,” she said. “Countries around the world and in the South Asia region are looking to close loopholes around child marriage and tighten restrictions, rather than create new exceptions which allow it. “We know that early marriage for young girls is likely to lead to them dropping out of school and narrows their life chances. “This new legislation appears to work against Bangladesh’s welcome commitment to ending child marriage – which means marriage before 18 – by 2041 and reducing it by a third by 2021. “IPPF would urge the Government of Bangladesh to think again about this legislation and the rights of the young girls it threatens to undermine.” Bangladesh has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, according to a 2016 UNICEF report, which said 52% of girls in Bangladesh were married before the age of 18 and nearly 20% by 15. IPPF is a global federation of locally-owned associations and partners providing and campaigning for sexual and reproductive health care and rights in 170 countries.

Two Bangladeshi girls standing together
news_item

| 02 March 2017

Bangladesh’s new Child Marriage Act is a step backwards for young women warns IPPF

New legislation in Bangladesh which will allow girls under the age of 18 to be married-off legally in “special circumstances” is a step backwards for young woman, the International Planned Parenthood Federation has warned. The Child Marriage restraint Bill 2017 gives parents or guardians the ability to seek a court order for children to be married-off in their “best interests.” Currently, it is illegal for girls under 18 or men under 21 to marry in Bangladesh, although the law is widely flouted. The new law opens the possibility of girls who have been raped being married to their attackers or girls who have become pregnant being married to abusers. Anjali Sen, regional director for IPPF’s South Asia Region, which includes Bangladesh, said the new legislation was a move in the wrong direction. “Any legislation which opens the possibility of young girls being forced into marriage is going the wrong way,” she said. “Countries around the world and in the South Asia region are looking to close loopholes around child marriage and tighten restrictions, rather than create new exceptions which allow it. “We know that early marriage for young girls is likely to lead to them dropping out of school and narrows their life chances. “This new legislation appears to work against Bangladesh’s welcome commitment to ending child marriage – which means marriage before 18 – by 2041 and reducing it by a third by 2021. “IPPF would urge the Government of Bangladesh to think again about this legislation and the rights of the young girls it threatens to undermine.” Bangladesh has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, according to a 2016 UNICEF report, which said 52% of girls in Bangladesh were married before the age of 18 and nearly 20% by 15. IPPF is a global federation of locally-owned associations and partners providing and campaigning for sexual and reproductive health care and rights in 170 countries.

Nicaragua, Jennifer Matthew
news item

| 02 March 2017

Canadian funds to champion sexual and reproductive health and rights welcomed

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) today welcomed the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announcement of $4 million for support to sexual and reproductive health and rights. The funding announcement to IPPF came as governments pledged their support at the She Decides conference in Brussels, Belgium today.   “Every woman + girl must be treated with dignity and respect.” Watch Canada’s position on sexual reproductive health & rights #SRHR pic.twitter.com/3xxPkne8wG — Development Canada (@CanadaDev) February 3, 2017 Tewodros Melesse, IPPF Director General said on news of the announcement “We are delighted that the quality of our work to reach the world's poorest and most vulnerable women and girls is recognised through this contribution from Global Affairs Canada.  Ensuring women and girls health and rights is critical for their development, that of their family and the advancement of their country.” “Canada's support is part of their ongoing commitment to champion sexual and reproductive health and rights and to be part of the global movement to advance women’s health and rights.”    

Nicaragua, Jennifer Matthew
news_item

| 02 March 2017

Canadian funds to champion sexual and reproductive health and rights welcomed

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) today welcomed the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announcement of $4 million for support to sexual and reproductive health and rights. The funding announcement to IPPF came as governments pledged their support at the She Decides conference in Brussels, Belgium today.   “Every woman + girl must be treated with dignity and respect.” Watch Canada’s position on sexual reproductive health & rights #SRHR pic.twitter.com/3xxPkne8wG — Development Canada (@CanadaDev) February 3, 2017 Tewodros Melesse, IPPF Director General said on news of the announcement “We are delighted that the quality of our work to reach the world's poorest and most vulnerable women and girls is recognised through this contribution from Global Affairs Canada.  Ensuring women and girls health and rights is critical for their development, that of their family and the advancement of their country.” “Canada's support is part of their ongoing commitment to champion sexual and reproductive health and rights and to be part of the global movement to advance women’s health and rights.”    

women in Nepal, one of the country affected by the Global Gag Rule
news item

| 30 January 2017

Extended Mexico City Policy detrimental to health care of world's poorest

Mexico City Policy will have a devastating impact for International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) with its extension far beyond family planning.  Restrictions into support for HIV, maternal health and infectious diseases programmes will mean that millions will be denied lifesaving healthcare they need. The policy will hit hardest, the women living at the margins of society – the poorest, the most remote and those under 25.    The Global Gag Rule, also known as the Mexico City Policy, denies US funding to organizations who provide any abortion related services, including counselling, even when such services are legal in a national context.   IPPF has a special focus on working with the world’s most poor and vulnerable and tailoring services to meet their needs. At country levels, the US funding loss will reduce or halt IPPF’s services and arrest opportunities to scale up, build capacity and reach more people.   Tewodros Melesse, IPPF Director General, said in reaction, “For over 30 years, the Mexico City Policy has played politics with women’s lives. It is a cynical attempt to silence the choice and voice of the world’s poorest women.  As a champion for them and people everywhere, we will not be held back.   "This extended policy covers every aspect of IPPF’s work with the world's poorest people. It also fails in its stated intent to reduce the global incidence of abortion. With the expansion of its restrictions to work on broader health efforts it is short-sighted and dangerous, and threatens years of IPPF gains to advance the health and well-being of communities and undercuts health care access for millions worldwide.”   The extended policy will now affect IPPF’s long record of working on HIV prevention in more than 20 countries covering Africa and Latin America often providing clients integrated sexual and reproductive health care services. The Global Gag rule could also endanger emergency funding for Zika prevention, education and health services in Latin America and the Caribbean, where the epidemic continues to rage.   Examples of Country Impact: Barbados: IPPF partner Barbados Family Planning Association receives funding from the U.S. government to provide HIV prevention and education services to at-risk, hard-to-reach populations including men who have sex with men. The Caribbean has the second-highest HIV prevalence rate among adults after Sub-Saharan Africa.   Nepal: IPPF aims to increase voluntary use of family planning services by increasing accessibility and availability of quality comprehensive family planning services to the hard to reach, disadvantaged, poor and adolescent populations in 11 districts and increase access to voluntary family planning information, education, and services. Nepal has failing and patchy family planning coverage which is often only available at certain times of the year. IPPF are working closely with the government to expand and strengthen static clinics in selected district hospitals, health posts and health facilities with birthing centers to reach all year round, reaching eligible couples with high unmet need. Malawi: The Family Planning Association of Malawi are providing much needed integrated family planning and HIV prevention to young adolescent and women in Malawi via clinics and outreach teams travelling to communities to raise awareness and offer services for vulnerable young women to prevent and treat sexual  gender based violence, HIV infection and access to family planning. Without funding they will no longer be able to provide or expand this vital information, support community learning and offer both family planning services and treatment for sexual and gender based violence in one place.   The rule blocks critical funding for health services like contraception, maternal health, and HIV prevention and treatment for any organization that refuses to sign up to it.    For IPPF, it means foregoing US$100,000,000 that would be directed to proven programmes that provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services for millions of women and girls who would otherwise go without vital services that save lives.   IPPF is the world’s largest women’s health network with members in 170 countries with over 45,000 service delivery points delivering over 300 services a minute. Individuals can donate to IPPF’s online appeal www.ippf.org/donate     WANT TO GET INVOLVED? SUBSCRIBE NOW TO GET UPDATES FROM IPPF SUPPORT OUR WORK WITH A DONATION JOIN OUR THUNDERCLAP     View my Flipboard Magazine.

women in Nepal, one of the country affected by the Global Gag Rule
news_item

| 30 January 2017

Extended Mexico City Policy detrimental to health care of world's poorest

Mexico City Policy will have a devastating impact for International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) with its extension far beyond family planning.  Restrictions into support for HIV, maternal health and infectious diseases programmes will mean that millions will be denied lifesaving healthcare they need. The policy will hit hardest, the women living at the margins of society – the poorest, the most remote and those under 25.    The Global Gag Rule, also known as the Mexico City Policy, denies US funding to organizations who provide any abortion related services, including counselling, even when such services are legal in a national context.   IPPF has a special focus on working with the world’s most poor and vulnerable and tailoring services to meet their needs. At country levels, the US funding loss will reduce or halt IPPF’s services and arrest opportunities to scale up, build capacity and reach more people.   Tewodros Melesse, IPPF Director General, said in reaction, “For over 30 years, the Mexico City Policy has played politics with women’s lives. It is a cynical attempt to silence the choice and voice of the world’s poorest women.  As a champion for them and people everywhere, we will not be held back.   "This extended policy covers every aspect of IPPF’s work with the world's poorest people. It also fails in its stated intent to reduce the global incidence of abortion. With the expansion of its restrictions to work on broader health efforts it is short-sighted and dangerous, and threatens years of IPPF gains to advance the health and well-being of communities and undercuts health care access for millions worldwide.”   The extended policy will now affect IPPF’s long record of working on HIV prevention in more than 20 countries covering Africa and Latin America often providing clients integrated sexual and reproductive health care services. The Global Gag rule could also endanger emergency funding for Zika prevention, education and health services in Latin America and the Caribbean, where the epidemic continues to rage.   Examples of Country Impact: Barbados: IPPF partner Barbados Family Planning Association receives funding from the U.S. government to provide HIV prevention and education services to at-risk, hard-to-reach populations including men who have sex with men. The Caribbean has the second-highest HIV prevalence rate among adults after Sub-Saharan Africa.   Nepal: IPPF aims to increase voluntary use of family planning services by increasing accessibility and availability of quality comprehensive family planning services to the hard to reach, disadvantaged, poor and adolescent populations in 11 districts and increase access to voluntary family planning information, education, and services. Nepal has failing and patchy family planning coverage which is often only available at certain times of the year. IPPF are working closely with the government to expand and strengthen static clinics in selected district hospitals, health posts and health facilities with birthing centers to reach all year round, reaching eligible couples with high unmet need. Malawi: The Family Planning Association of Malawi are providing much needed integrated family planning and HIV prevention to young adolescent and women in Malawi via clinics and outreach teams travelling to communities to raise awareness and offer services for vulnerable young women to prevent and treat sexual  gender based violence, HIV infection and access to family planning. Without funding they will no longer be able to provide or expand this vital information, support community learning and offer both family planning services and treatment for sexual and gender based violence in one place.   The rule blocks critical funding for health services like contraception, maternal health, and HIV prevention and treatment for any organization that refuses to sign up to it.    For IPPF, it means foregoing US$100,000,000 that would be directed to proven programmes that provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services for millions of women and girls who would otherwise go without vital services that save lives.   IPPF is the world’s largest women’s health network with members in 170 countries with over 45,000 service delivery points delivering over 300 services a minute. Individuals can donate to IPPF’s online appeal www.ippf.org/donate     WANT TO GET INVOLVED? SUBSCRIBE NOW TO GET UPDATES FROM IPPF SUPPORT OUR WORK WITH A DONATION JOIN OUR THUNDERCLAP     View my Flipboard Magazine.

Japan's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Odawara, with Director General of IPPF
news item

| 15 December 2016

Japan and IPPF take actions together for realizing society where every woman shines

14 December 2016, Tokyo - IPPF attended the World Assembly of Women (WAW!) 2016, which was held in Tokyo on 13-14 December, and made a case that Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is fundamental for women’s empowerment, and universal health coverage cannot be achieved without universal reproductive health coverage.  At the WAW conference, Japan’s Prime Minister Mr Shinzo Abe said women’s voices are not prioritised in crisis. The international community was not allowed to leave the issue of sexual violence under crisis, he added. Mr Abe stressed that under crisis situations, the international response will be improved remarkably if women’s perspectives are fully incorporated into it. At the same time it is matter of life and death to improve maternal and child health. The international community needs to take action on these issues and give hope to people affected, to build a future together.  Tewodros Melesse, Director General of IPPF, said: ‘Poor is the women whose happiness depends on the approval of others.  From birth, every women has rights to shine. A comprehensive approach, where empowered women make their own decisions, is the key to ensuring no woman is left behind’  Tewodros Melesse also had a meeting with H.E. Mr Odawara, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. Mr Odawara said that the Japanese Government highly appreciated IPPF’s activities to respond to women’s needs by closely working with Japan. Mr Melesse raised the issue of global uncertainty, which could give a serious impact on IPPF’s activities to protect women’s health, rights and lives, and requested Japan’s further assistance and continuing strong leadership in the SRHR area.     

Japan's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Odawara, with Director General of IPPF
news_item

| 15 December 2016

Japan and IPPF take actions together for realizing society where every woman shines

14 December 2016, Tokyo - IPPF attended the World Assembly of Women (WAW!) 2016, which was held in Tokyo on 13-14 December, and made a case that Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is fundamental for women’s empowerment, and universal health coverage cannot be achieved without universal reproductive health coverage.  At the WAW conference, Japan’s Prime Minister Mr Shinzo Abe said women’s voices are not prioritised in crisis. The international community was not allowed to leave the issue of sexual violence under crisis, he added. Mr Abe stressed that under crisis situations, the international response will be improved remarkably if women’s perspectives are fully incorporated into it. At the same time it is matter of life and death to improve maternal and child health. The international community needs to take action on these issues and give hope to people affected, to build a future together.  Tewodros Melesse, Director General of IPPF, said: ‘Poor is the women whose happiness depends on the approval of others.  From birth, every women has rights to shine. A comprehensive approach, where empowered women make their own decisions, is the key to ensuring no woman is left behind’  Tewodros Melesse also had a meeting with H.E. Mr Odawara, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. Mr Odawara said that the Japanese Government highly appreciated IPPF’s activities to respond to women’s needs by closely working with Japan. Mr Melesse raised the issue of global uncertainty, which could give a serious impact on IPPF’s activities to protect women’s health, rights and lives, and requested Japan’s further assistance and continuing strong leadership in the SRHR area.     

SWOP 2016 report cover - credits: UNFPA
news item

| 20 October 2016

Let’s accelerate change for rights, power and opportunities for every girl around the world

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) welcomes United Nations Population Fund’s 2016 State of the World’s Population (SWOP) report ‘10’’ on the future for young girls at age ten. The human rights of girls across social, economic and political life are deeply intertwined and indivisible. Girls are often left behind, given no voice or an opportunity to aspire for a future. There is no denying that this is the story for many girls in both developing and developed nations around the world. UNFPA’s report demonstrates clearly how the lives of young girls can be changed at the age of 10. It highlights how gender norms for girls can lead to early and forced marriage and having children far too early. Tewodros Melesse, Director General of International Planned Parenthood Federation, said in response to the launch of the UNFPA report today. “Early marriage reduces girls’ access to education, and anticipation of an early marriage often prevents secondary education for girls. When a girl is not able to go to school and receive an education, there is a knock‑on effect on her future work opportunities and also her health. This not only impacts on the individual lives of girls, but also perpetuates systemic gender inequalities where the rights of girls are valued less than that of boys. This is a vicious cycle we have to break. Young girls are a big focus for the Federation. We also work with all those who can help make the shifts that are needed so a girl can decide her own future both freely and safely. Our comprehensive sexuality education is progressive and part of our package of rights-based interventions available through our Member Associations to tackle gender norms but also empower girls in their communities. IPPF puts girls first and the center of what we do. By respecting and fulfilling their right to high quality services. We stand for girls by supporting them in making their own decisions related to their rights, sexuality and pregnancy. We work not only to amplify their voice, but to have them involved, build their resilience and take control of their own destinies. Over the past decade, we have made significant progress to advance girls’ rights to education, health, and security. But we only have to look at the facts to know that more changes are needed. As UNFPA’s report demonstrates, we need to look towards the future and with a positive frame. By protecting girls, giving them access to services and education they will be able to build their own futures as a basic human right. Let’s not turn our backs but accelerate change for better rights, power and opportunities for every girl around the world.”  

SWOP 2016 report cover - credits: UNFPA
news_item

| 20 October 2016

Let’s accelerate change for rights, power and opportunities for every girl around the world

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) welcomes United Nations Population Fund’s 2016 State of the World’s Population (SWOP) report ‘10’’ on the future for young girls at age ten. The human rights of girls across social, economic and political life are deeply intertwined and indivisible. Girls are often left behind, given no voice or an opportunity to aspire for a future. There is no denying that this is the story for many girls in both developing and developed nations around the world. UNFPA’s report demonstrates clearly how the lives of young girls can be changed at the age of 10. It highlights how gender norms for girls can lead to early and forced marriage and having children far too early. Tewodros Melesse, Director General of International Planned Parenthood Federation, said in response to the launch of the UNFPA report today. “Early marriage reduces girls’ access to education, and anticipation of an early marriage often prevents secondary education for girls. When a girl is not able to go to school and receive an education, there is a knock‑on effect on her future work opportunities and also her health. This not only impacts on the individual lives of girls, but also perpetuates systemic gender inequalities where the rights of girls are valued less than that of boys. This is a vicious cycle we have to break. Young girls are a big focus for the Federation. We also work with all those who can help make the shifts that are needed so a girl can decide her own future both freely and safely. Our comprehensive sexuality education is progressive and part of our package of rights-based interventions available through our Member Associations to tackle gender norms but also empower girls in their communities. IPPF puts girls first and the center of what we do. By respecting and fulfilling their right to high quality services. We stand for girls by supporting them in making their own decisions related to their rights, sexuality and pregnancy. We work not only to amplify their voice, but to have them involved, build their resilience and take control of their own destinies. Over the past decade, we have made significant progress to advance girls’ rights to education, health, and security. But we only have to look at the facts to know that more changes are needed. As UNFPA’s report demonstrates, we need to look towards the future and with a positive frame. By protecting girls, giving them access to services and education they will be able to build their own futures as a basic human right. Let’s not turn our backs but accelerate change for better rights, power and opportunities for every girl around the world.”  

António Guterres - UN Secretary-General Credits:©European Parliament/Pietro Naj-Oleari
news item

| 07 October 2016

IPPF welcomes new UN Secretary General

Excellency António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, I am writing to you to today on behalf of our 152 national Member Associations, and the millions of staff and volunteers that work for the International Planned Parenthood Federation in over 172 countries. We would like to congratulate you on your appointment as the ninth Secretary General of the United Nations, and express our commitment to working with you and the United Nations system throughout your term. As the largest civil society organization working in the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights, we collaborate with United Nations in the advancement of this critical agenda. We believe that a close and constructive relationship with you and your team will continue the development of an enabling environment for the provision of life-saving services, the promotion of gender equality and the realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. With the world in the first stages of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, your leadership in the area of sustainable people-centered development is critical; a human rights based approach, gender equality and the realization of sexual and reproductive health and rights is central to achieving progress under all of the sustainable development goals and targets. We encourage you to ensure that these issues remain priorities for you and the United Nations and offer our support to do so. With your leadership and support, we will be able to ensure that all women and girls have access to family planning services, can live free from violence and are able and empowered to participate fully in the life of their communities. As an organization working for gender equality we were delighted to hear you pledge to ensure gender parity at the UN and your promise to work for the promotion, protection and respect of women’s rights. I, alongside IPPF Member Associations and partners, stand ready to work with you in your new role and to set in place the programs and initiatives that will ensure 2030 Agenda is fully implemented. Working together, we can achieve the ambitious goals that the global community set just one year ago, and ensure that truly no one is left behind.   Yours sincerely, Tewodros Melesse Director General

António Guterres - UN Secretary-General Credits:©European Parliament/Pietro Naj-Oleari
news_item

| 07 October 2016

IPPF welcomes new UN Secretary General

Excellency António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, I am writing to you to today on behalf of our 152 national Member Associations, and the millions of staff and volunteers that work for the International Planned Parenthood Federation in over 172 countries. We would like to congratulate you on your appointment as the ninth Secretary General of the United Nations, and express our commitment to working with you and the United Nations system throughout your term. As the largest civil society organization working in the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights, we collaborate with United Nations in the advancement of this critical agenda. We believe that a close and constructive relationship with you and your team will continue the development of an enabling environment for the provision of life-saving services, the promotion of gender equality and the realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. With the world in the first stages of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, your leadership in the area of sustainable people-centered development is critical; a human rights based approach, gender equality and the realization of sexual and reproductive health and rights is central to achieving progress under all of the sustainable development goals and targets. We encourage you to ensure that these issues remain priorities for you and the United Nations and offer our support to do so. With your leadership and support, we will be able to ensure that all women and girls have access to family planning services, can live free from violence and are able and empowered to participate fully in the life of their communities. As an organization working for gender equality we were delighted to hear you pledge to ensure gender parity at the UN and your promise to work for the promotion, protection and respect of women’s rights. I, alongside IPPF Member Associations and partners, stand ready to work with you in your new role and to set in place the programs and initiatives that will ensure 2030 Agenda is fully implemented. Working together, we can achieve the ambitious goals that the global community set just one year ago, and ensure that truly no one is left behind.   Yours sincerely, Tewodros Melesse Director General