Resources

Safe abortion is heavily restricted in Uganda, yet gender inequality and sexual violence are widespread. Hosted by IPPF, the Safe Abortion Action Fund is helping vulnerable women to turn their lives around. People are learning about safe abortion and fewer girls are dying. Community attitudes have been transformed and social stigma has started to give way to human rights and understanding. Read the success stories and meet the people behind the scenes

Many sex workers in Uganda end up having unwanted pregnancies often resorting to unsafe abortions. There are many myths and misconceptions about contraception as well as a lack of access. This issue was one of the reasons why Lady Mermaid's Bureau (LMB), a sex workers rights organisation from Kampala, decided to apply for a grant from the Safe Abortion Action Fund (SAAF) in 2013.  Founded in 2002 by a group of former sex workers, the Lady Mermaid's Bureau, the first organization of its kind in the region, works to prevent and reduce unsafe abortions amongst sex workers in Uganda and campaigns to decriminalize abortion and sex work.  The Safe Abortion Action Fund (SAAF) which is hosted by IPPF was set up in 2006 in order to support grass-roots organisations to increase access to safe abortion.  Photography © IPPF/Tommy Trenchard

In response to President Trump's reinstatement of the Global Gag Rule 50 countries and leading civil society organizations rallied together.  The aim of the She Decides Conference was for these governments to reaffirm their commitments to sexual and reproductive health and rights. These are human rights which are now at risk around the world because the Global Gag Rule blocks critical USAID funding to health organizations like IPPF. IPPF is losing $100m in funding from USAID which means programs to deliver life-saving health services will be jeopardised. With increased commitments from other leading governments around the world, civil society organizations like IPPF can continue to provide the access to service and information that millions of women need.

For over 60 years, IPPF has been at the vanguard of the family planning movement, championing and fighting for rights‑based, voluntary family planning worldwide. 

Activists around the world took the social media to say, in several languages: "Stop Violence against women and girls!" The IPPF #StopViolence campaign, to mark the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, was launched by IPPF Champion Jessica Pratt and Yvonne Chaka Chaka. For 16 days, women and men shared the aspect of violence against women that affects or hurts them the most, always with a clear message: we're sick of it.   

Jessica Pratt is a successful Opera Singer. Despite her busy rehearsal schedule, she took the time to say the world "I'm sick of violence against women and want it to stop".  Join her: take a photo or a video holding a sign, tell us why you're sick of violence against women! #StopViolence Facebook filter: https://www.isupportcause.com/campaign/im-sick-of-violence-against-women 

Artist and women's rights activist Yvonne Chaka Chaka joins IPPF campaign for the elimination of violence against women and girls, and invite people to follow! Write your message against gender-based violence, tell the world you're sick of it, and want to #StopViolence! Artist and women's rights activist Yvonne Chaka Chaka joins IPPF campaign for the elimination of violence against women and girls, and invite people to follow! Write your message against gender-based violence, tell the world you're sick of it, and want to #StopViolence! Facebook Filter: https://www.isupportcause.com/campaign/im-sick-of-violence-against-women

Switching a light on before dawn and after dusk. "Click". And it gives light. This everyday action, which most people in the world take for granted, is new for women living in non-electrified villages in Africa. Being able to switch on a light has brought radical changes to their lives. This brochure tells you an innovative partnership involving public, private sectors and civil society in Ghana, which has not only brought light but also better health and status to the village women.   This project was supported by the IPPF Japan Trust Fund (JTF).  

Women's empowerment is key to ensuring gender equality and health equity. A partnership between public, private and civil society found a unique way to address health and gender inequalities in some of the most disadvantaged communities of northern Ghana. This short film funded by the Japan Trust Fund showcases a project that introduced solar lanterns, health and economic interventions to 20 villages.  

Key facts and figures highlighting IPPF's achievements in 2015.