IPPF recognizes that investing in gender equality is essential both as a means for fulfilling SRHR and as an end in itself. Sexual and reproductive health and rights will only be achieved when there is gender equality.  The report is available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic.

Under-served and Over-looked is a flag in the ground. It is a decisive declaration that IPPF stands for equity. IPPF stands for human rights for all. While IPPF has long worked to scale up family planning services, to reduce unmet need and to reach vulnerable populations, with the launch of Under-served and Over-looked we are confirming that reaching the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups is IPPF’s top priority. This report is a synthesis of evidence revealed from a literature review, including 68 reports from 34 countries. The results are dire: the poorest women and girls, in the poorest communities of the poorest countries are still not benefitting from the global investment in family planning and the joined up actions of the global family planning movement. Women in the poorest countries who want to avoid pregnancy are one-third as likely to be using a modern method as those living in higher-income developing countries. This is not acceptable.   Join IPPF campaign for universal access to contraception

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

In Uganda, 42% of all pregnancies each year are unintended. The country's weak economy is exacerbated by high levels of gender inequality and poor access to jobs for women. Many women who turn to sex work are at risk of abuse and often rape. Abortion is heavily restricted in Uganda and clandestine safe services are very costly. This results in further poverty for many sex workers and sometimes unplanned pregnancies or even death from unsafe abortion. View the project and meet the women who are turning their lives around

Rural communities in Uganda have a high prevalence rate of gender inequality, sexual abuse and incest. There is little provision of sexual and reproductive health services and abortion is highly restricted. The Safe Abortion Action Fund, hosted by IPPF, is financing the grassroots organization, VODA, to empower young people as changemakers in their schools and communities. With training and support, peer educators have been educating friends about sexual and reproductive health, and local health providers are serving women in need. Death from unsafe abortion was once a widespread problem but through the power of peer education, these have almost disappeared and community attitudes towards safe abortion has been transformed. View the project and meet the school communities making change

The evidence is clear: family planning saves lives. Yet, the poorest and most marginalized women and girls are being left behind during one of the most successful advances in public health in the past half century. IPPF’s report Under-served and Over-looked offers an overview of the women and girls that are being left behind and unable to access the life-saving contraception they want and need. IPPF is fighting for a world where women everywhere can say "I decide". Support our call for universal access to contraception! Add your voice