Spotlight
A selection of stories from across the Federation
What does the year 2024 hold for us?
As the new year begins, we take a look at the trends and challenges ahead for sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Most Popular This Week
Palestine
In their own words: The people providing sexual and reproductive health care under bombardment in Gaza
Week after week, heavy Israeli bombardment from air, land, and sea, has continued across most of the Gaza Strip.
Vanuatu
When getting to the hospital is difficult, Vanuatu mobile outreach can save lives
In the mountains of Kumera on Tanna Island, Vanuatu, the village women of Kamahaul normally spend over 10,000 Vatu ($83 USD) to travel to the nearest hospital.
Vanuatu
Sex: changing minds and winning hearts in Tanna, Vanuatu
“Very traditional.” These two words are often used to describe the people of Tanna in Vanuatu, one of the most populated islands in the small country in the Pacific.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu cyclone response: The mental health toll on humanitarian providers
Girls and women from nearby villages flock to mobile health clinics set up by the Vanuatu Family Health Association (VFHA).
Cook Islands
Trans & Proud: Being Transgender in the Cook Islands
It’s a scene like many others around the world: a loving family pour over childhood photos, giggling and reminiscing about the memories.
Cook Islands
In Pictures: The activists who helped win LGBTI+ rights in the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands has removed a law that criminalizes homosexuality, in a huge victory for the local LGBTI+ community. <
Cook Islands
Dean and the Cook Islands Condom Car
On the island of Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands in the South Pacific, a little white van makes its rounds on the palm-tree lined circular road.
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- Afghan Family Guidance Association
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- Associação Moçambicana para Desenvolvimento da Família
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- Association Burundaise pour le Bien-Etre Familial
- Association Malienne pour la Protection et la Promotion de la Famille
- Association pour le Bien-Etre Familial/Naissances Désirables
- Association Sénégalaise pour le Bien-Étre Familial
- Association Togolaise pour le Bien-Etre Familial
- Botswana Family Welfare Association
- Cameroon National Association for Family Welfare
- Cook Islands Family Welfare Association
- Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia
- Family Planning Association of India
- Family Planning Association of Malawi
- Family Planning Association of Nepal
- Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka
- Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago
- Foundation for the Promotion of Responsible Parenthood - Aruba
- Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association
- Jamaica Family Planning Association
- Kiribati Family Health Association
- Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association
- Palestinian Family Planning and Protection Association (PFPPA)
- Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana
- Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand
- Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia
- Planned Parenthood Federation of America
- Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria
- Rahnuma-Family Planning Association of Pakistan
- Reproductive & Family Health Association of Fiji
- Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia (RHAC)
- Reproductive Health Uganda
- Somaliland Family Health Association
- Sudan Family Planning Association
- Tonga Family Health Association
- Vanuatu Family Health Association
| 12 December 2022
2022 in photos: We won't let the opposition define us
There was hope at the start of 2022 that this year would bring more security and stability than in the previous year. Instead, we’ve been presented with some enormous challenges to sexual and reproductive health and rights - from conflicts, to climate crises, to the rollback of rights and the rise in opposition movements in many countries around the world. But at IPPF, we won’t let the opposition define us. We choose not to remember 2022 solely for its setbacks. Here, we highlight some stories of positive change from our colleagues, clients and partners around the world.
| 19 December 2022
2022 in photos: We won't let the opposition define us
There was hope at the start of 2022 that this year would bring more security and stability than in the previous year. Instead, we’ve been presented with some enormous challenges to sexual and reproductive health and rights - from conflicts, to climate crises, to the rollback of rights and the rise in opposition movements in many countries around the world. But at IPPF, we won’t let the opposition define us. We choose not to remember 2022 solely for its setbacks. Here, we highlight some stories of positive change from our colleagues, clients and partners around the world.
| 09 December 2022
Human Rights Day 2022: Defend the Defenders in Poland
Two years ago, Poland brought into force one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe, banning it in almost all circumstances. Protests against this cruel, regressive ban erupted across Poland, and peaceful protesters were met with excessive force, with authorities using tear gas, pepper spray, and physical assault. Two years on, we are seeing escalating attacks against women’s human rights defenders – often orchestrated and encouraged by the Polish authorities. Marta, Klementyna, and Justyna of the Polish Women’s Strike face prison sentences for exercising their right to peaceful protest. The prosecution is using the pretext of the pandemic to disguise politicized attacks and drag them to court. These are their stories.
| 10 December 2022
Human Rights Day 2022: Defend the Defenders in Poland
Two years ago, Poland brought into force one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe, banning it in almost all circumstances. Protests against this cruel, regressive ban erupted across Poland, and peaceful protesters were met with excessive force, with authorities using tear gas, pepper spray, and physical assault. Two years on, we are seeing escalating attacks against women’s human rights defenders – often orchestrated and encouraged by the Polish authorities. Marta, Klementyna, and Justyna of the Polish Women’s Strike face prison sentences for exercising their right to peaceful protest. The prosecution is using the pretext of the pandemic to disguise politicized attacks and drag them to court. These are their stories.
| 10 May 2022
In pictures: The Women of Tigray
The civil war in the Tigray region of Ethiopia began in November 2020, causing tens of thousands of people to flee. There are currently over 21,000 refugees in Um Rakuba camp, where the Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) has established a sexual and reproductive healthcare clinic for refugees and the host community. Community mobilizers visit the camp daily to let women know about the clinic, which provides pregnancy testing, pre- and post-natal care (including ultrasounds), HIV and STI testing and care, and both long and short acting contraceptives. This collection of portraits captures the strength, grace, and dignity of the women, despite the horrendous trauma they have experienced and the circumstances they now live in. Photography ©IPPF/Hannah Maule-Ffinch.
| 10 May 2022
In pictures: The Women of Tigray
The civil war in the Tigray region of Ethiopia began in November 2020, causing tens of thousands of people to flee. There are currently over 21,000 refugees in Um Rakuba camp, where the Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) has established a sexual and reproductive healthcare clinic for refugees and the host community. Community mobilizers visit the camp daily to let women know about the clinic, which provides pregnancy testing, pre- and post-natal care (including ultrasounds), HIV and STI testing and care, and both long and short acting contraceptives. This collection of portraits captures the strength, grace, and dignity of the women, despite the horrendous trauma they have experienced and the circumstances they now live in. Photography ©IPPF/Hannah Maule-Ffinch.
| 15 March 2022
In pictures: Humanitarian photographers share their experiences of storytelling in the field
In 2021, IPPF responded to 15 crises across 10 countries, reaching a total of 683,136 beneficiaries. IPPF’s localized approach to humanitarian emergencies is led by our Member Associations' response teams. Whenever possible, we deploy local photographers who, like our Member Associations, are present before, during, and after a humanitarian crisis. We spoke with seven international photographers and filmmakers, who shared their experiences and insights on the importance of connecting with the local community and building trust to capture personal, and often intimate, photos and stories. Read the full interview on Medium.
| 15 March 2022
In pictures: Humanitarian photographers share their experiences of storytelling in the field
In 2021, IPPF responded to 15 crises across 10 countries, reaching a total of 683,136 beneficiaries. IPPF’s localized approach to humanitarian emergencies is led by our Member Associations' response teams. Whenever possible, we deploy local photographers who, like our Member Associations, are present before, during, and after a humanitarian crisis. We spoke with seven international photographers and filmmakers, who shared their experiences and insights on the importance of connecting with the local community and building trust to capture personal, and often intimate, photos and stories. Read the full interview on Medium.
| 05 January 2022
In pictures: The changemaker keeping her community healthy and happy
The Get Up, Speak Out! initiative works with and for young people to overcome barriers such as unequal gender norms, negative attitudes towards sexuality, taboos about sex, menstruation, and abortion. Empowering youth communities - especially girls and young women - with information and knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, and the provision of access to health and contraceptive care, is at the heart of the initiative. Get Up, Speak Out! is an international initiative developed by a consortium of partners including IPPF, Rutgers, CHOICE for Youth & Sexuality, Dance4Life, Simavi, and Aidsfonds, with support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
| 19 March 2024
In pictures: The changemaker keeping her community healthy and happy
The Get Up, Speak Out! initiative works with and for young people to overcome barriers such as unequal gender norms, negative attitudes towards sexuality, taboos about sex, menstruation, and abortion. Empowering youth communities - especially girls and young women - with information and knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, and the provision of access to health and contraceptive care, is at the heart of the initiative. Get Up, Speak Out! is an international initiative developed by a consortium of partners including IPPF, Rutgers, CHOICE for Youth & Sexuality, Dance4Life, Simavi, and Aidsfonds, with support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
| 04 January 2022
In pictures 2021: Committed to caring for people wherever they are
Through our global teams and partners, we continue to deliver healthcare to clients wherever they are including communities impacted by humanitarian disasters or living in protracted crises, young people, and marginalized groups such as those living with a disability. Working through our global networks we advocate for the protection of sexual and reproductive rights, and especially the right to safe abortion. The pandemic has continued to challenge us yet present new opportunities, but above all it has not changed what we do. Here we acknowledge some of our amazing colleagues, clients, and partners as well as events that have shaped 2021.
| 19 March 2024
In pictures 2021: Committed to caring for people wherever they are
Through our global teams and partners, we continue to deliver healthcare to clients wherever they are including communities impacted by humanitarian disasters or living in protracted crises, young people, and marginalized groups such as those living with a disability. Working through our global networks we advocate for the protection of sexual and reproductive rights, and especially the right to safe abortion. The pandemic has continued to challenge us yet present new opportunities, but above all it has not changed what we do. Here we acknowledge some of our amazing colleagues, clients, and partners as well as events that have shaped 2021.
| 12 December 2022
2022 in photos: We won't let the opposition define us
There was hope at the start of 2022 that this year would bring more security and stability than in the previous year. Instead, we’ve been presented with some enormous challenges to sexual and reproductive health and rights - from conflicts, to climate crises, to the rollback of rights and the rise in opposition movements in many countries around the world. But at IPPF, we won’t let the opposition define us. We choose not to remember 2022 solely for its setbacks. Here, we highlight some stories of positive change from our colleagues, clients and partners around the world.
| 19 December 2022
2022 in photos: We won't let the opposition define us
There was hope at the start of 2022 that this year would bring more security and stability than in the previous year. Instead, we’ve been presented with some enormous challenges to sexual and reproductive health and rights - from conflicts, to climate crises, to the rollback of rights and the rise in opposition movements in many countries around the world. But at IPPF, we won’t let the opposition define us. We choose not to remember 2022 solely for its setbacks. Here, we highlight some stories of positive change from our colleagues, clients and partners around the world.
| 09 December 2022
Human Rights Day 2022: Defend the Defenders in Poland
Two years ago, Poland brought into force one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe, banning it in almost all circumstances. Protests against this cruel, regressive ban erupted across Poland, and peaceful protesters were met with excessive force, with authorities using tear gas, pepper spray, and physical assault. Two years on, we are seeing escalating attacks against women’s human rights defenders – often orchestrated and encouraged by the Polish authorities. Marta, Klementyna, and Justyna of the Polish Women’s Strike face prison sentences for exercising their right to peaceful protest. The prosecution is using the pretext of the pandemic to disguise politicized attacks and drag them to court. These are their stories.
| 10 December 2022
Human Rights Day 2022: Defend the Defenders in Poland
Two years ago, Poland brought into force one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe, banning it in almost all circumstances. Protests against this cruel, regressive ban erupted across Poland, and peaceful protesters were met with excessive force, with authorities using tear gas, pepper spray, and physical assault. Two years on, we are seeing escalating attacks against women’s human rights defenders – often orchestrated and encouraged by the Polish authorities. Marta, Klementyna, and Justyna of the Polish Women’s Strike face prison sentences for exercising their right to peaceful protest. The prosecution is using the pretext of the pandemic to disguise politicized attacks and drag them to court. These are their stories.
| 10 May 2022
In pictures: The Women of Tigray
The civil war in the Tigray region of Ethiopia began in November 2020, causing tens of thousands of people to flee. There are currently over 21,000 refugees in Um Rakuba camp, where the Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) has established a sexual and reproductive healthcare clinic for refugees and the host community. Community mobilizers visit the camp daily to let women know about the clinic, which provides pregnancy testing, pre- and post-natal care (including ultrasounds), HIV and STI testing and care, and both long and short acting contraceptives. This collection of portraits captures the strength, grace, and dignity of the women, despite the horrendous trauma they have experienced and the circumstances they now live in. Photography ©IPPF/Hannah Maule-Ffinch.
| 10 May 2022
In pictures: The Women of Tigray
The civil war in the Tigray region of Ethiopia began in November 2020, causing tens of thousands of people to flee. There are currently over 21,000 refugees in Um Rakuba camp, where the Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) has established a sexual and reproductive healthcare clinic for refugees and the host community. Community mobilizers visit the camp daily to let women know about the clinic, which provides pregnancy testing, pre- and post-natal care (including ultrasounds), HIV and STI testing and care, and both long and short acting contraceptives. This collection of portraits captures the strength, grace, and dignity of the women, despite the horrendous trauma they have experienced and the circumstances they now live in. Photography ©IPPF/Hannah Maule-Ffinch.
| 15 March 2022
In pictures: Humanitarian photographers share their experiences of storytelling in the field
In 2021, IPPF responded to 15 crises across 10 countries, reaching a total of 683,136 beneficiaries. IPPF’s localized approach to humanitarian emergencies is led by our Member Associations' response teams. Whenever possible, we deploy local photographers who, like our Member Associations, are present before, during, and after a humanitarian crisis. We spoke with seven international photographers and filmmakers, who shared their experiences and insights on the importance of connecting with the local community and building trust to capture personal, and often intimate, photos and stories. Read the full interview on Medium.
| 15 March 2022
In pictures: Humanitarian photographers share their experiences of storytelling in the field
In 2021, IPPF responded to 15 crises across 10 countries, reaching a total of 683,136 beneficiaries. IPPF’s localized approach to humanitarian emergencies is led by our Member Associations' response teams. Whenever possible, we deploy local photographers who, like our Member Associations, are present before, during, and after a humanitarian crisis. We spoke with seven international photographers and filmmakers, who shared their experiences and insights on the importance of connecting with the local community and building trust to capture personal, and often intimate, photos and stories. Read the full interview on Medium.
| 05 January 2022
In pictures: The changemaker keeping her community healthy and happy
The Get Up, Speak Out! initiative works with and for young people to overcome barriers such as unequal gender norms, negative attitudes towards sexuality, taboos about sex, menstruation, and abortion. Empowering youth communities - especially girls and young women - with information and knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, and the provision of access to health and contraceptive care, is at the heart of the initiative. Get Up, Speak Out! is an international initiative developed by a consortium of partners including IPPF, Rutgers, CHOICE for Youth & Sexuality, Dance4Life, Simavi, and Aidsfonds, with support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
| 19 March 2024
In pictures: The changemaker keeping her community healthy and happy
The Get Up, Speak Out! initiative works with and for young people to overcome barriers such as unequal gender norms, negative attitudes towards sexuality, taboos about sex, menstruation, and abortion. Empowering youth communities - especially girls and young women - with information and knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, and the provision of access to health and contraceptive care, is at the heart of the initiative. Get Up, Speak Out! is an international initiative developed by a consortium of partners including IPPF, Rutgers, CHOICE for Youth & Sexuality, Dance4Life, Simavi, and Aidsfonds, with support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
| 04 January 2022
In pictures 2021: Committed to caring for people wherever they are
Through our global teams and partners, we continue to deliver healthcare to clients wherever they are including communities impacted by humanitarian disasters or living in protracted crises, young people, and marginalized groups such as those living with a disability. Working through our global networks we advocate for the protection of sexual and reproductive rights, and especially the right to safe abortion. The pandemic has continued to challenge us yet present new opportunities, but above all it has not changed what we do. Here we acknowledge some of our amazing colleagues, clients, and partners as well as events that have shaped 2021.
| 19 March 2024
In pictures 2021: Committed to caring for people wherever they are
Through our global teams and partners, we continue to deliver healthcare to clients wherever they are including communities impacted by humanitarian disasters or living in protracted crises, young people, and marginalized groups such as those living with a disability. Working through our global networks we advocate for the protection of sexual and reproductive rights, and especially the right to safe abortion. The pandemic has continued to challenge us yet present new opportunities, but above all it has not changed what we do. Here we acknowledge some of our amazing colleagues, clients, and partners as well as events that have shaped 2021.