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Spotlight

A selection of stories from across the Federation

Abortion Rights: Latest Decisions and Developments around the World

France, Germany, Poland, United Kingdom, United States, Colombia, India, Tunisia

Story

Abortion Rights: Latest Decisions and Developments around the World

The global landscape of abortion rights continues to evolve in 2024, with new legislation and feminist movements fighting for better access. Let's take a trip around the world to see the latest developments.
Young peer educator in Palestine.
story

| 17 December 2019

In pictures: From humanitarian emergencies to a historic referendum – a decade delivering care

2010 Haiti PROFAMIL, the IPPF Member Association in Haiti, deployed teams to help communities affected by the earthquake that struck in January 2010.During crises we work closely with our clinics on the ground to deliver life-saving care to people in need. Our mobile clinics provide on-the-spot healthcare such as STI and HIV diagnosis and treatment, short and long-acting contraception, and emergency obstetric and neonatal care.©IPPF/Toan Tran/Haiti Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2011 Bolivia IPPF’s Member Association in Bolivia, CIES, offers the HPV vaccine in schools, health centres, and mobile clinics to ensure widespread access to this lifesaving prevention measure.By 2011, more than 75,000 girls had received vaccinations.©IPPFWHR/Juan Pablo Richter/Bolivia Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2012 Palestine A group of young women attend a theatre session as part of PFPPA’s gender based violence work delivered through a mobile healthcare clinic in a Bedouin village.In 2012, 40% of our sexual and reproductive healthcare was delivered to young people.©IPPF/Graeme Robertson/Palestine Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2013 Philippines In response to the devastating aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013, IPPF's humanitarian team worked with our Member Association, the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), supporting relief efforts to provide lifesaving healthcare to affected communities.©IPPF/Suzanne Lee/Philippines Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2014 Uganda In 2014, IPPF distributed 187,257,756 condoms globally. Condoms are the only form of contraception that can protect you from HIV and STIs and are 87-98% effective for an external (male) condom and 79-95% effective for an internal (female) condom.Using a condom alongside another form of contraception (for example an IUD or the Pill) is the best way to protect against unintended pregnancy.©IPPFTommy Trenchard/Uganda Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2015 Nepal On Saturday 25 April 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Nepal, causing massive devastation and loss of life. It was the worst natural disaster to strike the country for 80 years.The Family Planning Association of Nepal set up a mobile healthcare clinic in Gagarfedi; one of the worse affected villages in the Kathmandu district north of the city delivering vital healthcare to the local community.©IPPF/Amelia Andrews/Nepal Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2016 Nigeria IPPF has played a major role in the introduction – and accessibility – of Sayana Press; a three-month, progestin-only injectable contraceptive favoured for its convenience in administration and portability.Emiade Kudirat is a Community Health Extension Worker with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN). Specializing in Sayana Press, she says:"I go from house-to-house to provide health education and introduce family planning services. I do counselling and provision of these services too. The PPFN model can really reduce the mortality rate of women in the community. We're taking the clinic to women at the market, to their homes and to their work."©IPPF/George Osodi/Nigeria Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2017 Mozambique Albertina, now retired, worked with HIV patients for Amodefa for 38 years and was their longest serving nurse. “I like helping people, that’s why I do this job.”Albertina headed up Amodefa’s home care programme which provides medical, nutritional and emotional support to HIV positive patients living in the poorest suburbs of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.©IPPF/Grant Lee Neuenburg/Mozambique Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2018 Ireland 2018 brought a legislative victory to repeal the 8th amendment; on 25 May people voted for a more caring and compassionate Ireland, where women can access abortion care in their own country.Áine, activist with IFPA says, “It was exciting to be part of a big campaign. Young people are often seen as politically apathetic, but it’s important my generation are involved in the reproductive rights movement.For me abortion is about motherhood at the end of the day. It’s about allowing us the right to be the best mothers we can be, if and only when we decide it’s right for us to be."©IPPF/Barry Cronin/Ireland Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2019 India Pradipta Kumar, 22, a security guard and Pankanjini Behera, 21, are recently married. The young couple have decided not to have children for a couple of years.They attended a clinic set up by the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) to help those affected by Cyclone Fani for advice on types of contraception available.©IPPF/Kathleen Prior/India Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Young peer educator in Palestine.
story

| 25 April 2024

In pictures: From humanitarian emergencies to a historic referendum – a decade delivering care

2010 Haiti PROFAMIL, the IPPF Member Association in Haiti, deployed teams to help communities affected by the earthquake that struck in January 2010.During crises we work closely with our clinics on the ground to deliver life-saving care to people in need. Our mobile clinics provide on-the-spot healthcare such as STI and HIV diagnosis and treatment, short and long-acting contraception, and emergency obstetric and neonatal care.©IPPF/Toan Tran/Haiti Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2011 Bolivia IPPF’s Member Association in Bolivia, CIES, offers the HPV vaccine in schools, health centres, and mobile clinics to ensure widespread access to this lifesaving prevention measure.By 2011, more than 75,000 girls had received vaccinations.©IPPFWHR/Juan Pablo Richter/Bolivia Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2012 Palestine A group of young women attend a theatre session as part of PFPPA’s gender based violence work delivered through a mobile healthcare clinic in a Bedouin village.In 2012, 40% of our sexual and reproductive healthcare was delivered to young people.©IPPF/Graeme Robertson/Palestine Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2013 Philippines In response to the devastating aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013, IPPF's humanitarian team worked with our Member Association, the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), supporting relief efforts to provide lifesaving healthcare to affected communities.©IPPF/Suzanne Lee/Philippines Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2014 Uganda In 2014, IPPF distributed 187,257,756 condoms globally. Condoms are the only form of contraception that can protect you from HIV and STIs and are 87-98% effective for an external (male) condom and 79-95% effective for an internal (female) condom.Using a condom alongside another form of contraception (for example an IUD or the Pill) is the best way to protect against unintended pregnancy.©IPPFTommy Trenchard/Uganda Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2015 Nepal On Saturday 25 April 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Nepal, causing massive devastation and loss of life. It was the worst natural disaster to strike the country for 80 years.The Family Planning Association of Nepal set up a mobile healthcare clinic in Gagarfedi; one of the worse affected villages in the Kathmandu district north of the city delivering vital healthcare to the local community.©IPPF/Amelia Andrews/Nepal Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2016 Nigeria IPPF has played a major role in the introduction – and accessibility – of Sayana Press; a three-month, progestin-only injectable contraceptive favoured for its convenience in administration and portability.Emiade Kudirat is a Community Health Extension Worker with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN). Specializing in Sayana Press, she says:"I go from house-to-house to provide health education and introduce family planning services. I do counselling and provision of these services too. The PPFN model can really reduce the mortality rate of women in the community. We're taking the clinic to women at the market, to their homes and to their work."©IPPF/George Osodi/Nigeria Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2017 Mozambique Albertina, now retired, worked with HIV patients for Amodefa for 38 years and was their longest serving nurse. “I like helping people, that’s why I do this job.”Albertina headed up Amodefa’s home care programme which provides medical, nutritional and emotional support to HIV positive patients living in the poorest suburbs of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.©IPPF/Grant Lee Neuenburg/Mozambique Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2018 Ireland 2018 brought a legislative victory to repeal the 8th amendment; on 25 May people voted for a more caring and compassionate Ireland, where women can access abortion care in their own country.Áine, activist with IFPA says, “It was exciting to be part of a big campaign. Young people are often seen as politically apathetic, but it’s important my generation are involved in the reproductive rights movement.For me abortion is about motherhood at the end of the day. It’s about allowing us the right to be the best mothers we can be, if and only when we decide it’s right for us to be."©IPPF/Barry Cronin/Ireland Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2019 India Pradipta Kumar, 22, a security guard and Pankanjini Behera, 21, are recently married. The young couple have decided not to have children for a couple of years.They attended a clinic set up by the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) to help those affected by Cyclone Fani for advice on types of contraception available.©IPPF/Kathleen Prior/India Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

story

| 05 August 2019

In pictures: Preparing women in India for life after prison

Gayatri Trained in beauty parlour related work by FPAI Gayatri, 20, was implicated in the murder of her boyfriend and is two years into a 20-year prison sentence at Gwalior District Jail.She received beauty parlour related training, a skills building initiative run by the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) in six locations across India."I was really interested in beauty parlour because I was learning something new. It was good that they trained us. When I leave I'll be able to start my own parlour." Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Mariam Trained in mechanics and textiles by FPAI "Initially, I didn’t want to learn new skills as these things are not encouraged back home.I’ve now trained as a mechanic and done other courses in sewing and block printing. When I get released, I will use these skills to earn a living."Mariam is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Aditi Chaturvedi Superintendent of Indore District Jail, Madhya Pradesh, India "I think if you prepare them for everything, if you make them financially stable, or give them a healthy living, once they are out they’ll be able to take care of themselves - whether the family accepts them or not." Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Beauty training Gwalior District Jail Women attend a beauty training course run by the Family Planning Association of India, in Gwalior District Jail, Madhya Pradesh, India. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Anjana Trained in textiles & beauty parlour related work by FPAI "I know how to stitch and have learnt beauty parlour related work. Since I have these skills I will earn and feed myself and be able to live with my children."Anjana is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Beauty training Gwalior District Jail Women at the Gwalior District Jail practise their beauty training skills. The Family Planning Association of India runs training programmes across 6 locations in India and have trained over 768 women. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

story

| 25 April 2024

In pictures: Preparing women in India for life after prison

Gayatri Trained in beauty parlour related work by FPAI Gayatri, 20, was implicated in the murder of her boyfriend and is two years into a 20-year prison sentence at Gwalior District Jail.She received beauty parlour related training, a skills building initiative run by the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) in six locations across India."I was really interested in beauty parlour because I was learning something new. It was good that they trained us. When I leave I'll be able to start my own parlour." Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Mariam Trained in mechanics and textiles by FPAI "Initially, I didn’t want to learn new skills as these things are not encouraged back home.I’ve now trained as a mechanic and done other courses in sewing and block printing. When I get released, I will use these skills to earn a living."Mariam is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Aditi Chaturvedi Superintendent of Indore District Jail, Madhya Pradesh, India "I think if you prepare them for everything, if you make them financially stable, or give them a healthy living, once they are out they’ll be able to take care of themselves - whether the family accepts them or not." Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Beauty training Gwalior District Jail Women attend a beauty training course run by the Family Planning Association of India, in Gwalior District Jail, Madhya Pradesh, India. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Anjana Trained in textiles & beauty parlour related work by FPAI "I know how to stitch and have learnt beauty parlour related work. Since I have these skills I will earn and feed myself and be able to live with my children."Anjana is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Beauty training Gwalior District Jail Women at the Gwalior District Jail practise their beauty training skills. The Family Planning Association of India runs training programmes across 6 locations in India and have trained over 768 women. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Hervé Tchuigwa Djiya
story

| 08 July 2019

"I help to raise awareness of why we have to protect ourselves"

“The first time I met Chariette [a peer educator for the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare] was at Sunday football, around four years ago. She was invited by the organizer to come and talk to us when the match was over. We were all men but she wasn’t intimidated and she handled the stupid jokes well.  We stayed in touch and then one day I realized I had an STI. It’s a little taboo and I didn’t want to talk about it. I bought some drugs at the local market but they didn’t have any effect. I called Chariette and we discussed what had happened. She told me to come to the CAMNAFAW clinic and I did, where I spoke about my problem and they gave me proper drugs to get rid of it. That day, I decided to become a peer educator myself. There are a lot of guys who are suffering but too scared to speak out. Above all, men are scared of talking about STIs.  I now work in schools and youth groups, especially sports teams. They will insist they don’t have anything wrong but every Sunday since then I have gone round the teams and chatted with them.  I speak about pregnancy as well. It’s the guys who push women to have sex without a condom and also to have an abortion afterwards. I help to raise awareness of why we have to protect ourselves. It’s hard to recruit people to become peer educators because we are volunteers. It’s not easy to persuade people to change their ways. The view from a lot of churches is very strict and centers on abstinence. The young men want to be macho.” Hervé Tchuigwa Djiya is a peer educator for the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare (CAMNAFAW)

Hervé Tchuigwa Djiya
story

| 25 April 2024

"I help to raise awareness of why we have to protect ourselves"

“The first time I met Chariette [a peer educator for the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare] was at Sunday football, around four years ago. She was invited by the organizer to come and talk to us when the match was over. We were all men but she wasn’t intimidated and she handled the stupid jokes well.  We stayed in touch and then one day I realized I had an STI. It’s a little taboo and I didn’t want to talk about it. I bought some drugs at the local market but they didn’t have any effect. I called Chariette and we discussed what had happened. She told me to come to the CAMNAFAW clinic and I did, where I spoke about my problem and they gave me proper drugs to get rid of it. That day, I decided to become a peer educator myself. There are a lot of guys who are suffering but too scared to speak out. Above all, men are scared of talking about STIs.  I now work in schools and youth groups, especially sports teams. They will insist they don’t have anything wrong but every Sunday since then I have gone round the teams and chatted with them.  I speak about pregnancy as well. It’s the guys who push women to have sex without a condom and also to have an abortion afterwards. I help to raise awareness of why we have to protect ourselves. It’s hard to recruit people to become peer educators because we are volunteers. It’s not easy to persuade people to change their ways. The view from a lot of churches is very strict and centers on abstinence. The young men want to be macho.” Hervé Tchuigwa Djiya is a peer educator for the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare (CAMNAFAW)

Peer educator and English language student Gertrude Zouakeu Noutcha, 29, at Mimboman clinic in Yaounde, Cameroon
story

| 08 July 2019

"I have brothers and I have helped them to change too. I’ve helped them to adopt a healthier sex life"

“Chariette was my neighbor. We lived next door to each other. She often organized group information sessions in the neighbourhood to talk about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and early pregnancy, and unintended pregnancies as well.  When I started attending her sessions I was in a bit of unstable relationship. My life was chaotic. My boyfriend didn’t like using protection and we told each other that as we loved each other we weren’t taking any risks. Once I caught something and I was itching a lot. My boyfriend told me that I must have caught it in a public toilet. I trusted him and I didn’t realize I could catch something. When I started listening to Chariette it opened my eyes and I realized I was running big risks. As we aren’t married and we are still studying, we shouldn’t have an unintended pregnancy. What would we do? She told me about sexually transmitted infections as well. I tried to talk to my boyfriend about it but he didn’t want to hear about it, especially about using condoms. I asked for a private session with Chariette for him, and she spoke to us both and he finally understood. Today we have a much more stable sex life and we aren’t running those risks anymore. He learned how to use a condom. After attending her sessions, I was able to save a friend with Chariette’s help. This friend tried to perform an abortion herself and she was bleeding everywhere. I remembered that Chariette told me about the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare clinic, so I called her and asked how she could be admitted. She was able to receive post-abortion care but if I hadn’t known Chariette I don’t know what would have happened. I have brothers and I have helped them to change too. I’ve helped them to adopt a healthier sex life. There is HIV around and it’s scary.” Gertrude Zouakeu Noutcha, 29, is a student and peer educator for the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare (CAMNAFAW)

Peer educator and English language student Gertrude Zouakeu Noutcha, 29, at Mimboman clinic in Yaounde, Cameroon
story

| 25 April 2024

"I have brothers and I have helped them to change too. I’ve helped them to adopt a healthier sex life"

“Chariette was my neighbor. We lived next door to each other. She often organized group information sessions in the neighbourhood to talk about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and early pregnancy, and unintended pregnancies as well.  When I started attending her sessions I was in a bit of unstable relationship. My life was chaotic. My boyfriend didn’t like using protection and we told each other that as we loved each other we weren’t taking any risks. Once I caught something and I was itching a lot. My boyfriend told me that I must have caught it in a public toilet. I trusted him and I didn’t realize I could catch something. When I started listening to Chariette it opened my eyes and I realized I was running big risks. As we aren’t married and we are still studying, we shouldn’t have an unintended pregnancy. What would we do? She told me about sexually transmitted infections as well. I tried to talk to my boyfriend about it but he didn’t want to hear about it, especially about using condoms. I asked for a private session with Chariette for him, and she spoke to us both and he finally understood. Today we have a much more stable sex life and we aren’t running those risks anymore. He learned how to use a condom. After attending her sessions, I was able to save a friend with Chariette’s help. This friend tried to perform an abortion herself and she was bleeding everywhere. I remembered that Chariette told me about the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare clinic, so I called her and asked how she could be admitted. She was able to receive post-abortion care but if I hadn’t known Chariette I don’t know what would have happened. I have brothers and I have helped them to change too. I’ve helped them to adopt a healthier sex life. There is HIV around and it’s scary.” Gertrude Zouakeu Noutcha, 29, is a student and peer educator for the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare (CAMNAFAW)

Student
story

| 23 May 2019

In pictures: Young people leading the way

Indri, Youth Volunteer IPPA, Indonesia Inspiring young people like 20-year-old Indri play a crucial role in our crisis response with the Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association in Palu.“When the earthquake struck, I was one of the victims. I saw a lot of people in distress, and even a corpse. So, I immediately thought, what kind of person am I? I still have hands, have legs, I still have everything, why not help others?I realized that I have given the chance to live to help others. I know what HIV/AIDS is like. I have seen what happens regarding HIV/AIDS, I know its process. I am the same human as you. You and me, are the same. That’s why I’m a youth volunteer.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Adjo, Student Togo “In the youth club, we learn how to protect ourselves. They also ask our parents to talk to us so that they can help protect us too.  When you are older and you have a  boyfriend,  you should use contraception. I want to finish my studies and have a boyfriend later.”  Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Áine, Activist IFPA, Ireland “It was exciting to be part of a big campaign. Young people are often seen as politically apathetic, but it’s important my generation are involved in the reproductive rights movement. For me abortion is about motherhood at the end of the day. It’s about allowing us the right to be the best mothers we can be, if and only when we decide it’s right for us to be.”The 25 May 2018 brought a legislative victory for the Yes Campaign to repeal the 8th amendment legalizing abortion care. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Joseph, University student Botswana Joseph, 19, first came to BOFWA in 2017 when he and his boyfriend decided to start practicing safe sex. “I had put myself in risky situations so thought I should get tested for HIV,” he says. After learning he was HIV positive, Joseph tried out a few clinics to receive his treatment but found BOFWA to be the most confidential and friendly.Sitting in the clinic behind the doctor’s desk, he says, “I never have any problems coming here. I feel comfortable here. At [the government clinic] there is no privacy; most of my friends are there. Sometimes if you go there you find them suspecting something, and everyone will be knowing your status. That’s why I prefer BOFWA.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Artemisa ,   Youth  activist   Albania Artemisa is in her first year as an activist at the Aulona Centre. “The Aulona Centre has high standards of friendly services for teenagers and youngsters, so you can feel safe and not prejudiced against. Confidentiality is very high here and the doctors are very qualified. In the young groups you feel like a community you can speak openly about your concerns.”   Artemisa hopes that by distributing information to women and girls, it is empowering them as well giving them an opportunity to fight for their own rights. “My greatest satisfaction as an activist is seeing them coming to the centre  for a [health] visit or for counselling, because this means that my work has paid off. Every girl and woman’s life counts.”  Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Kader, Youth champion ABPF, Benin 26-year-old ABPF youth champion, Kader, says his first youth meeting at ABPF was a positive experience.   “They told me that there was a jam session at the event. What I liked is that it was run by young people. Everything that I know about reproductive health I learnt at the centre. A lot of young women I know got pregnant very early. I know people who have died because of unsafe abortion. We can avoid so much of it if people have the right information.”  Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Sexual health clinic for students Amodefa, Mozambique At the Armando Emilio Guebuza secondary school in Maputo Amodefa has set up a sexual and reproductive health clinic to provide access to services including contraception. Known locally as the 'Tua Cena' project, the clinic aims to increase access to quality services and information on safe abortion, STIs and HIV, relationships. “This is better than a hospital – it’s close, it’s private, I feel comfortable,” says Aida, a student. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Hélène  , Youth champion ABPF, Benin 27-year-old Hélène is a youth champion with the Young People’s Action Movement. She  acts as a link between young people’s activities and the ABPF board. Hélène  has advocated for abortion rights at conferences locally and internationally.   “In my school there were a fair  number of pregnant girls so I was already looking for a way to help. Every week I went to different classes to educate them about abortion and stigma. When my mother found out, she told me this was a movement of depravity! But after a while my mum became a member of the association and came with me, and even my dad. Now they say they are proud of what I’ve achieved.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Milan, Student & volunteer FPAN, Nepal “After I was diagnosed as HIV positive, slowly all the people in the area found out about my status and there was so much discrimination. My friends at school didn’t want to sit with me and they humiliated and bullied me,” says Milan. Today, twenty-one-year-old Milan lives a busy and fulfilling life, juggling his university studies, his work as a community home-based care mobilizer for FPAN and a burgeoning music career. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Youth volunteers FHOK, Kenya Family Health Options Kenya’s youth volunteers run storytelling sessions within their local community. These open and informative sessions provide a safe space where young people are free to share their experiences and ask questions related to their sexual health and wellbeing. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Rachel, Student & volunteer UK Rachel, 21, a student, has seen the consequences of this at university: “I’ve been struck by the number of friends who knew nothing about contraception or consent. Some of my friends had been sexually assaulted at university but didn’t report it as they didn’t think they would be believed. People just don’t understand the concept of consent. It’s not just about saying ‘no’, consent is an enthusiastic ‘yes’.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Activists Argentina Youth activists attending part in the rallies outside the Argentine Senate on August 8, 2018, when they debated then voted on a bill to legalize abortion.Across the globe thousands of youth activists continue to fight for the right to a free reproductive life so that women, couples and families can lead safe and dignified lives. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Student
story

| 25 April 2024

In pictures: Young people leading the way

Indri, Youth Volunteer IPPA, Indonesia Inspiring young people like 20-year-old Indri play a crucial role in our crisis response with the Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association in Palu.“When the earthquake struck, I was one of the victims. I saw a lot of people in distress, and even a corpse. So, I immediately thought, what kind of person am I? I still have hands, have legs, I still have everything, why not help others?I realized that I have given the chance to live to help others. I know what HIV/AIDS is like. I have seen what happens regarding HIV/AIDS, I know its process. I am the same human as you. You and me, are the same. That’s why I’m a youth volunteer.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Adjo, Student Togo “In the youth club, we learn how to protect ourselves. They also ask our parents to talk to us so that they can help protect us too.  When you are older and you have a  boyfriend,  you should use contraception. I want to finish my studies and have a boyfriend later.”  Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Áine, Activist IFPA, Ireland “It was exciting to be part of a big campaign. Young people are often seen as politically apathetic, but it’s important my generation are involved in the reproductive rights movement. For me abortion is about motherhood at the end of the day. It’s about allowing us the right to be the best mothers we can be, if and only when we decide it’s right for us to be.”The 25 May 2018 brought a legislative victory for the Yes Campaign to repeal the 8th amendment legalizing abortion care. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Joseph, University student Botswana Joseph, 19, first came to BOFWA in 2017 when he and his boyfriend decided to start practicing safe sex. “I had put myself in risky situations so thought I should get tested for HIV,” he says. After learning he was HIV positive, Joseph tried out a few clinics to receive his treatment but found BOFWA to be the most confidential and friendly.Sitting in the clinic behind the doctor’s desk, he says, “I never have any problems coming here. I feel comfortable here. At [the government clinic] there is no privacy; most of my friends are there. Sometimes if you go there you find them suspecting something, and everyone will be knowing your status. That’s why I prefer BOFWA.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Artemisa ,   Youth  activist   Albania Artemisa is in her first year as an activist at the Aulona Centre. “The Aulona Centre has high standards of friendly services for teenagers and youngsters, so you can feel safe and not prejudiced against. Confidentiality is very high here and the doctors are very qualified. In the young groups you feel like a community you can speak openly about your concerns.”   Artemisa hopes that by distributing information to women and girls, it is empowering them as well giving them an opportunity to fight for their own rights. “My greatest satisfaction as an activist is seeing them coming to the centre  for a [health] visit or for counselling, because this means that my work has paid off. Every girl and woman’s life counts.”  Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Kader, Youth champion ABPF, Benin 26-year-old ABPF youth champion, Kader, says his first youth meeting at ABPF was a positive experience.   “They told me that there was a jam session at the event. What I liked is that it was run by young people. Everything that I know about reproductive health I learnt at the centre. A lot of young women I know got pregnant very early. I know people who have died because of unsafe abortion. We can avoid so much of it if people have the right information.”  Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Sexual health clinic for students Amodefa, Mozambique At the Armando Emilio Guebuza secondary school in Maputo Amodefa has set up a sexual and reproductive health clinic to provide access to services including contraception. Known locally as the 'Tua Cena' project, the clinic aims to increase access to quality services and information on safe abortion, STIs and HIV, relationships. “This is better than a hospital – it’s close, it’s private, I feel comfortable,” says Aida, a student. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Hélène  , Youth champion ABPF, Benin 27-year-old Hélène is a youth champion with the Young People’s Action Movement. She  acts as a link between young people’s activities and the ABPF board. Hélène  has advocated for abortion rights at conferences locally and internationally.   “In my school there were a fair  number of pregnant girls so I was already looking for a way to help. Every week I went to different classes to educate them about abortion and stigma. When my mother found out, she told me this was a movement of depravity! But after a while my mum became a member of the association and came with me, and even my dad. Now they say they are proud of what I’ve achieved.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Milan, Student & volunteer FPAN, Nepal “After I was diagnosed as HIV positive, slowly all the people in the area found out about my status and there was so much discrimination. My friends at school didn’t want to sit with me and they humiliated and bullied me,” says Milan. Today, twenty-one-year-old Milan lives a busy and fulfilling life, juggling his university studies, his work as a community home-based care mobilizer for FPAN and a burgeoning music career. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Youth volunteers FHOK, Kenya Family Health Options Kenya’s youth volunteers run storytelling sessions within their local community. These open and informative sessions provide a safe space where young people are free to share their experiences and ask questions related to their sexual health and wellbeing. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Rachel, Student & volunteer UK Rachel, 21, a student, has seen the consequences of this at university: “I’ve been struck by the number of friends who knew nothing about contraception or consent. Some of my friends had been sexually assaulted at university but didn’t report it as they didn’t think they would be believed. People just don’t understand the concept of consent. It’s not just about saying ‘no’, consent is an enthusiastic ‘yes’.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Activists Argentina Youth activists attending part in the rallies outside the Argentine Senate on August 8, 2018, when they debated then voted on a bill to legalize abortion.Across the globe thousands of youth activists continue to fight for the right to a free reproductive life so that women, couples and families can lead safe and dignified lives. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Beneficiary and community activist, Matiisetso Sefako,
story

| 14 May 2019

“For them to be engaged in family planning, it would really help them”

“I saw this challenge when children are having children and they're having a number of children at a very young age,” says 37-year-old Matiisetso Sefako, after emerging from the Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association (LPPA) tent in Mokhethoaneng village, an hour drive from the capital Maseru. “For them to be engaged in family planning, it would really help them.” The mother of two lives just outside the village and says she’s become something of a community activist on the issue of early child marriage and the need for family planning. After she receives services, she lingers for an hour, speaking with young women and teenage girls who are looking over at the LPPA mobile clinic with interest.    She herself was a 19-year-old mother and has been using contraceptives for nearly 20 years. Then, it was harder to come by and she would often have to travel at her own cost. Now, she comes regularly when LPPA makes the monthly visit to her village.  And she’s done quite a lot on this to advise people to try and convince them to come and access such services, she says.  “The only problem I encounter is that the biggest challenge within the village is that there is a high rate of teenage pregnancy. I try to convince them this tent will help.”  This is her fourth visit to the LPPA outreach to receive services herself. Her only wish? “That these services be here every day,” she says, explaining that there is a deeply-felt need in her community and her hope is that she can refer more young women to follow up and receive the same monthly services she benefits from.  

Beneficiary and community activist, Matiisetso Sefako,
story

| 25 April 2024

“For them to be engaged in family planning, it would really help them”

“I saw this challenge when children are having children and they're having a number of children at a very young age,” says 37-year-old Matiisetso Sefako, after emerging from the Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association (LPPA) tent in Mokhethoaneng village, an hour drive from the capital Maseru. “For them to be engaged in family planning, it would really help them.” The mother of two lives just outside the village and says she’s become something of a community activist on the issue of early child marriage and the need for family planning. After she receives services, she lingers for an hour, speaking with young women and teenage girls who are looking over at the LPPA mobile clinic with interest.    She herself was a 19-year-old mother and has been using contraceptives for nearly 20 years. Then, it was harder to come by and she would often have to travel at her own cost. Now, she comes regularly when LPPA makes the monthly visit to her village.  And she’s done quite a lot on this to advise people to try and convince them to come and access such services, she says.  “The only problem I encounter is that the biggest challenge within the village is that there is a high rate of teenage pregnancy. I try to convince them this tent will help.”  This is her fourth visit to the LPPA outreach to receive services herself. Her only wish? “That these services be here every day,” she says, explaining that there is a deeply-felt need in her community and her hope is that she can refer more young women to follow up and receive the same monthly services she benefits from.  

Young peer educator in Palestine.
story

| 17 December 2019

In pictures: From humanitarian emergencies to a historic referendum – a decade delivering care

2010 Haiti PROFAMIL, the IPPF Member Association in Haiti, deployed teams to help communities affected by the earthquake that struck in January 2010.During crises we work closely with our clinics on the ground to deliver life-saving care to people in need. Our mobile clinics provide on-the-spot healthcare such as STI and HIV diagnosis and treatment, short and long-acting contraception, and emergency obstetric and neonatal care.©IPPF/Toan Tran/Haiti Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2011 Bolivia IPPF’s Member Association in Bolivia, CIES, offers the HPV vaccine in schools, health centres, and mobile clinics to ensure widespread access to this lifesaving prevention measure.By 2011, more than 75,000 girls had received vaccinations.©IPPFWHR/Juan Pablo Richter/Bolivia Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2012 Palestine A group of young women attend a theatre session as part of PFPPA’s gender based violence work delivered through a mobile healthcare clinic in a Bedouin village.In 2012, 40% of our sexual and reproductive healthcare was delivered to young people.©IPPF/Graeme Robertson/Palestine Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2013 Philippines In response to the devastating aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013, IPPF's humanitarian team worked with our Member Association, the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), supporting relief efforts to provide lifesaving healthcare to affected communities.©IPPF/Suzanne Lee/Philippines Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2014 Uganda In 2014, IPPF distributed 187,257,756 condoms globally. Condoms are the only form of contraception that can protect you from HIV and STIs and are 87-98% effective for an external (male) condom and 79-95% effective for an internal (female) condom.Using a condom alongside another form of contraception (for example an IUD or the Pill) is the best way to protect against unintended pregnancy.©IPPFTommy Trenchard/Uganda Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2015 Nepal On Saturday 25 April 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Nepal, causing massive devastation and loss of life. It was the worst natural disaster to strike the country for 80 years.The Family Planning Association of Nepal set up a mobile healthcare clinic in Gagarfedi; one of the worse affected villages in the Kathmandu district north of the city delivering vital healthcare to the local community.©IPPF/Amelia Andrews/Nepal Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2016 Nigeria IPPF has played a major role in the introduction – and accessibility – of Sayana Press; a three-month, progestin-only injectable contraceptive favoured for its convenience in administration and portability.Emiade Kudirat is a Community Health Extension Worker with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN). Specializing in Sayana Press, she says:"I go from house-to-house to provide health education and introduce family planning services. I do counselling and provision of these services too. The PPFN model can really reduce the mortality rate of women in the community. We're taking the clinic to women at the market, to their homes and to their work."©IPPF/George Osodi/Nigeria Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2017 Mozambique Albertina, now retired, worked with HIV patients for Amodefa for 38 years and was their longest serving nurse. “I like helping people, that’s why I do this job.”Albertina headed up Amodefa’s home care programme which provides medical, nutritional and emotional support to HIV positive patients living in the poorest suburbs of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.©IPPF/Grant Lee Neuenburg/Mozambique Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2018 Ireland 2018 brought a legislative victory to repeal the 8th amendment; on 25 May people voted for a more caring and compassionate Ireland, where women can access abortion care in their own country.Áine, activist with IFPA says, “It was exciting to be part of a big campaign. Young people are often seen as politically apathetic, but it’s important my generation are involved in the reproductive rights movement.For me abortion is about motherhood at the end of the day. It’s about allowing us the right to be the best mothers we can be, if and only when we decide it’s right for us to be."©IPPF/Barry Cronin/Ireland Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2019 India Pradipta Kumar, 22, a security guard and Pankanjini Behera, 21, are recently married. The young couple have decided not to have children for a couple of years.They attended a clinic set up by the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) to help those affected by Cyclone Fani for advice on types of contraception available.©IPPF/Kathleen Prior/India Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Young peer educator in Palestine.
story

| 25 April 2024

In pictures: From humanitarian emergencies to a historic referendum – a decade delivering care

2010 Haiti PROFAMIL, the IPPF Member Association in Haiti, deployed teams to help communities affected by the earthquake that struck in January 2010.During crises we work closely with our clinics on the ground to deliver life-saving care to people in need. Our mobile clinics provide on-the-spot healthcare such as STI and HIV diagnosis and treatment, short and long-acting contraception, and emergency obstetric and neonatal care.©IPPF/Toan Tran/Haiti Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2011 Bolivia IPPF’s Member Association in Bolivia, CIES, offers the HPV vaccine in schools, health centres, and mobile clinics to ensure widespread access to this lifesaving prevention measure.By 2011, more than 75,000 girls had received vaccinations.©IPPFWHR/Juan Pablo Richter/Bolivia Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2012 Palestine A group of young women attend a theatre session as part of PFPPA’s gender based violence work delivered through a mobile healthcare clinic in a Bedouin village.In 2012, 40% of our sexual and reproductive healthcare was delivered to young people.©IPPF/Graeme Robertson/Palestine Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2013 Philippines In response to the devastating aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013, IPPF's humanitarian team worked with our Member Association, the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), supporting relief efforts to provide lifesaving healthcare to affected communities.©IPPF/Suzanne Lee/Philippines Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2014 Uganda In 2014, IPPF distributed 187,257,756 condoms globally. Condoms are the only form of contraception that can protect you from HIV and STIs and are 87-98% effective for an external (male) condom and 79-95% effective for an internal (female) condom.Using a condom alongside another form of contraception (for example an IUD or the Pill) is the best way to protect against unintended pregnancy.©IPPFTommy Trenchard/Uganda Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2015 Nepal On Saturday 25 April 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Nepal, causing massive devastation and loss of life. It was the worst natural disaster to strike the country for 80 years.The Family Planning Association of Nepal set up a mobile healthcare clinic in Gagarfedi; one of the worse affected villages in the Kathmandu district north of the city delivering vital healthcare to the local community.©IPPF/Amelia Andrews/Nepal Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2016 Nigeria IPPF has played a major role in the introduction – and accessibility – of Sayana Press; a three-month, progestin-only injectable contraceptive favoured for its convenience in administration and portability.Emiade Kudirat is a Community Health Extension Worker with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN). Specializing in Sayana Press, she says:"I go from house-to-house to provide health education and introduce family planning services. I do counselling and provision of these services too. The PPFN model can really reduce the mortality rate of women in the community. We're taking the clinic to women at the market, to their homes and to their work."©IPPF/George Osodi/Nigeria Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2017 Mozambique Albertina, now retired, worked with HIV patients for Amodefa for 38 years and was their longest serving nurse. “I like helping people, that’s why I do this job.”Albertina headed up Amodefa’s home care programme which provides medical, nutritional and emotional support to HIV positive patients living in the poorest suburbs of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.©IPPF/Grant Lee Neuenburg/Mozambique Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2018 Ireland 2018 brought a legislative victory to repeal the 8th amendment; on 25 May people voted for a more caring and compassionate Ireland, where women can access abortion care in their own country.Áine, activist with IFPA says, “It was exciting to be part of a big campaign. Young people are often seen as politically apathetic, but it’s important my generation are involved in the reproductive rights movement.For me abortion is about motherhood at the end of the day. It’s about allowing us the right to be the best mothers we can be, if and only when we decide it’s right for us to be."©IPPF/Barry Cronin/Ireland Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email 2019 India Pradipta Kumar, 22, a security guard and Pankanjini Behera, 21, are recently married. The young couple have decided not to have children for a couple of years.They attended a clinic set up by the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) to help those affected by Cyclone Fani for advice on types of contraception available.©IPPF/Kathleen Prior/India Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

story

| 05 August 2019

In pictures: Preparing women in India for life after prison

Gayatri Trained in beauty parlour related work by FPAI Gayatri, 20, was implicated in the murder of her boyfriend and is two years into a 20-year prison sentence at Gwalior District Jail.She received beauty parlour related training, a skills building initiative run by the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) in six locations across India."I was really interested in beauty parlour because I was learning something new. It was good that they trained us. When I leave I'll be able to start my own parlour." Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Mariam Trained in mechanics and textiles by FPAI "Initially, I didn’t want to learn new skills as these things are not encouraged back home.I’ve now trained as a mechanic and done other courses in sewing and block printing. When I get released, I will use these skills to earn a living."Mariam is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Aditi Chaturvedi Superintendent of Indore District Jail, Madhya Pradesh, India "I think if you prepare them for everything, if you make them financially stable, or give them a healthy living, once they are out they’ll be able to take care of themselves - whether the family accepts them or not." Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Beauty training Gwalior District Jail Women attend a beauty training course run by the Family Planning Association of India, in Gwalior District Jail, Madhya Pradesh, India. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Anjana Trained in textiles & beauty parlour related work by FPAI "I know how to stitch and have learnt beauty parlour related work. Since I have these skills I will earn and feed myself and be able to live with my children."Anjana is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Beauty training Gwalior District Jail Women at the Gwalior District Jail practise their beauty training skills. The Family Planning Association of India runs training programmes across 6 locations in India and have trained over 768 women. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

story

| 25 April 2024

In pictures: Preparing women in India for life after prison

Gayatri Trained in beauty parlour related work by FPAI Gayatri, 20, was implicated in the murder of her boyfriend and is two years into a 20-year prison sentence at Gwalior District Jail.She received beauty parlour related training, a skills building initiative run by the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) in six locations across India."I was really interested in beauty parlour because I was learning something new. It was good that they trained us. When I leave I'll be able to start my own parlour." Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Mariam Trained in mechanics and textiles by FPAI "Initially, I didn’t want to learn new skills as these things are not encouraged back home.I’ve now trained as a mechanic and done other courses in sewing and block printing. When I get released, I will use these skills to earn a living."Mariam is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Aditi Chaturvedi Superintendent of Indore District Jail, Madhya Pradesh, India "I think if you prepare them for everything, if you make them financially stable, or give them a healthy living, once they are out they’ll be able to take care of themselves - whether the family accepts them or not." Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Beauty training Gwalior District Jail Women attend a beauty training course run by the Family Planning Association of India, in Gwalior District Jail, Madhya Pradesh, India. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Anjana Trained in textiles & beauty parlour related work by FPAI "I know how to stitch and have learnt beauty parlour related work. Since I have these skills I will earn and feed myself and be able to live with my children."Anjana is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Beauty training Gwalior District Jail Women at the Gwalior District Jail practise their beauty training skills. The Family Planning Association of India runs training programmes across 6 locations in India and have trained over 768 women. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Hervé Tchuigwa Djiya
story

| 08 July 2019

"I help to raise awareness of why we have to protect ourselves"

“The first time I met Chariette [a peer educator for the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare] was at Sunday football, around four years ago. She was invited by the organizer to come and talk to us when the match was over. We were all men but she wasn’t intimidated and she handled the stupid jokes well.  We stayed in touch and then one day I realized I had an STI. It’s a little taboo and I didn’t want to talk about it. I bought some drugs at the local market but they didn’t have any effect. I called Chariette and we discussed what had happened. She told me to come to the CAMNAFAW clinic and I did, where I spoke about my problem and they gave me proper drugs to get rid of it. That day, I decided to become a peer educator myself. There are a lot of guys who are suffering but too scared to speak out. Above all, men are scared of talking about STIs.  I now work in schools and youth groups, especially sports teams. They will insist they don’t have anything wrong but every Sunday since then I have gone round the teams and chatted with them.  I speak about pregnancy as well. It’s the guys who push women to have sex without a condom and also to have an abortion afterwards. I help to raise awareness of why we have to protect ourselves. It’s hard to recruit people to become peer educators because we are volunteers. It’s not easy to persuade people to change their ways. The view from a lot of churches is very strict and centers on abstinence. The young men want to be macho.” Hervé Tchuigwa Djiya is a peer educator for the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare (CAMNAFAW)

Hervé Tchuigwa Djiya
story

| 25 April 2024

"I help to raise awareness of why we have to protect ourselves"

“The first time I met Chariette [a peer educator for the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare] was at Sunday football, around four years ago. She was invited by the organizer to come and talk to us when the match was over. We were all men but she wasn’t intimidated and she handled the stupid jokes well.  We stayed in touch and then one day I realized I had an STI. It’s a little taboo and I didn’t want to talk about it. I bought some drugs at the local market but they didn’t have any effect. I called Chariette and we discussed what had happened. She told me to come to the CAMNAFAW clinic and I did, where I spoke about my problem and they gave me proper drugs to get rid of it. That day, I decided to become a peer educator myself. There are a lot of guys who are suffering but too scared to speak out. Above all, men are scared of talking about STIs.  I now work in schools and youth groups, especially sports teams. They will insist they don’t have anything wrong but every Sunday since then I have gone round the teams and chatted with them.  I speak about pregnancy as well. It’s the guys who push women to have sex without a condom and also to have an abortion afterwards. I help to raise awareness of why we have to protect ourselves. It’s hard to recruit people to become peer educators because we are volunteers. It’s not easy to persuade people to change their ways. The view from a lot of churches is very strict and centers on abstinence. The young men want to be macho.” Hervé Tchuigwa Djiya is a peer educator for the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare (CAMNAFAW)

Peer educator and English language student Gertrude Zouakeu Noutcha, 29, at Mimboman clinic in Yaounde, Cameroon
story

| 08 July 2019

"I have brothers and I have helped them to change too. I’ve helped them to adopt a healthier sex life"

“Chariette was my neighbor. We lived next door to each other. She often organized group information sessions in the neighbourhood to talk about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and early pregnancy, and unintended pregnancies as well.  When I started attending her sessions I was in a bit of unstable relationship. My life was chaotic. My boyfriend didn’t like using protection and we told each other that as we loved each other we weren’t taking any risks. Once I caught something and I was itching a lot. My boyfriend told me that I must have caught it in a public toilet. I trusted him and I didn’t realize I could catch something. When I started listening to Chariette it opened my eyes and I realized I was running big risks. As we aren’t married and we are still studying, we shouldn’t have an unintended pregnancy. What would we do? She told me about sexually transmitted infections as well. I tried to talk to my boyfriend about it but he didn’t want to hear about it, especially about using condoms. I asked for a private session with Chariette for him, and she spoke to us both and he finally understood. Today we have a much more stable sex life and we aren’t running those risks anymore. He learned how to use a condom. After attending her sessions, I was able to save a friend with Chariette’s help. This friend tried to perform an abortion herself and she was bleeding everywhere. I remembered that Chariette told me about the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare clinic, so I called her and asked how she could be admitted. She was able to receive post-abortion care but if I hadn’t known Chariette I don’t know what would have happened. I have brothers and I have helped them to change too. I’ve helped them to adopt a healthier sex life. There is HIV around and it’s scary.” Gertrude Zouakeu Noutcha, 29, is a student and peer educator for the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare (CAMNAFAW)

Peer educator and English language student Gertrude Zouakeu Noutcha, 29, at Mimboman clinic in Yaounde, Cameroon
story

| 25 April 2024

"I have brothers and I have helped them to change too. I’ve helped them to adopt a healthier sex life"

“Chariette was my neighbor. We lived next door to each other. She often organized group information sessions in the neighbourhood to talk about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and early pregnancy, and unintended pregnancies as well.  When I started attending her sessions I was in a bit of unstable relationship. My life was chaotic. My boyfriend didn’t like using protection and we told each other that as we loved each other we weren’t taking any risks. Once I caught something and I was itching a lot. My boyfriend told me that I must have caught it in a public toilet. I trusted him and I didn’t realize I could catch something. When I started listening to Chariette it opened my eyes and I realized I was running big risks. As we aren’t married and we are still studying, we shouldn’t have an unintended pregnancy. What would we do? She told me about sexually transmitted infections as well. I tried to talk to my boyfriend about it but he didn’t want to hear about it, especially about using condoms. I asked for a private session with Chariette for him, and she spoke to us both and he finally understood. Today we have a much more stable sex life and we aren’t running those risks anymore. He learned how to use a condom. After attending her sessions, I was able to save a friend with Chariette’s help. This friend tried to perform an abortion herself and she was bleeding everywhere. I remembered that Chariette told me about the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare clinic, so I called her and asked how she could be admitted. She was able to receive post-abortion care but if I hadn’t known Chariette I don’t know what would have happened. I have brothers and I have helped them to change too. I’ve helped them to adopt a healthier sex life. There is HIV around and it’s scary.” Gertrude Zouakeu Noutcha, 29, is a student and peer educator for the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare (CAMNAFAW)

Student
story

| 23 May 2019

In pictures: Young people leading the way

Indri, Youth Volunteer IPPA, Indonesia Inspiring young people like 20-year-old Indri play a crucial role in our crisis response with the Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association in Palu.“When the earthquake struck, I was one of the victims. I saw a lot of people in distress, and even a corpse. So, I immediately thought, what kind of person am I? I still have hands, have legs, I still have everything, why not help others?I realized that I have given the chance to live to help others. I know what HIV/AIDS is like. I have seen what happens regarding HIV/AIDS, I know its process. I am the same human as you. You and me, are the same. That’s why I’m a youth volunteer.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Adjo, Student Togo “In the youth club, we learn how to protect ourselves. They also ask our parents to talk to us so that they can help protect us too.  When you are older and you have a  boyfriend,  you should use contraception. I want to finish my studies and have a boyfriend later.”  Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Áine, Activist IFPA, Ireland “It was exciting to be part of a big campaign. Young people are often seen as politically apathetic, but it’s important my generation are involved in the reproductive rights movement. For me abortion is about motherhood at the end of the day. It’s about allowing us the right to be the best mothers we can be, if and only when we decide it’s right for us to be.”The 25 May 2018 brought a legislative victory for the Yes Campaign to repeal the 8th amendment legalizing abortion care. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Joseph, University student Botswana Joseph, 19, first came to BOFWA in 2017 when he and his boyfriend decided to start practicing safe sex. “I had put myself in risky situations so thought I should get tested for HIV,” he says. After learning he was HIV positive, Joseph tried out a few clinics to receive his treatment but found BOFWA to be the most confidential and friendly.Sitting in the clinic behind the doctor’s desk, he says, “I never have any problems coming here. I feel comfortable here. At [the government clinic] there is no privacy; most of my friends are there. Sometimes if you go there you find them suspecting something, and everyone will be knowing your status. That’s why I prefer BOFWA.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Artemisa ,   Youth  activist   Albania Artemisa is in her first year as an activist at the Aulona Centre. “The Aulona Centre has high standards of friendly services for teenagers and youngsters, so you can feel safe and not prejudiced against. Confidentiality is very high here and the doctors are very qualified. In the young groups you feel like a community you can speak openly about your concerns.”   Artemisa hopes that by distributing information to women and girls, it is empowering them as well giving them an opportunity to fight for their own rights. “My greatest satisfaction as an activist is seeing them coming to the centre  for a [health] visit or for counselling, because this means that my work has paid off. Every girl and woman’s life counts.”  Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Kader, Youth champion ABPF, Benin 26-year-old ABPF youth champion, Kader, says his first youth meeting at ABPF was a positive experience.   “They told me that there was a jam session at the event. What I liked is that it was run by young people. Everything that I know about reproductive health I learnt at the centre. A lot of young women I know got pregnant very early. I know people who have died because of unsafe abortion. We can avoid so much of it if people have the right information.”  Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Sexual health clinic for students Amodefa, Mozambique At the Armando Emilio Guebuza secondary school in Maputo Amodefa has set up a sexual and reproductive health clinic to provide access to services including contraception. Known locally as the 'Tua Cena' project, the clinic aims to increase access to quality services and information on safe abortion, STIs and HIV, relationships. “This is better than a hospital – it’s close, it’s private, I feel comfortable,” says Aida, a student. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Hélène  , Youth champion ABPF, Benin 27-year-old Hélène is a youth champion with the Young People’s Action Movement. She  acts as a link between young people’s activities and the ABPF board. Hélène  has advocated for abortion rights at conferences locally and internationally.   “In my school there were a fair  number of pregnant girls so I was already looking for a way to help. Every week I went to different classes to educate them about abortion and stigma. When my mother found out, she told me this was a movement of depravity! But after a while my mum became a member of the association and came with me, and even my dad. Now they say they are proud of what I’ve achieved.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Milan, Student & volunteer FPAN, Nepal “After I was diagnosed as HIV positive, slowly all the people in the area found out about my status and there was so much discrimination. My friends at school didn’t want to sit with me and they humiliated and bullied me,” says Milan. Today, twenty-one-year-old Milan lives a busy and fulfilling life, juggling his university studies, his work as a community home-based care mobilizer for FPAN and a burgeoning music career. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Youth volunteers FHOK, Kenya Family Health Options Kenya’s youth volunteers run storytelling sessions within their local community. These open and informative sessions provide a safe space where young people are free to share their experiences and ask questions related to their sexual health and wellbeing. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Rachel, Student & volunteer UK Rachel, 21, a student, has seen the consequences of this at university: “I’ve been struck by the number of friends who knew nothing about contraception or consent. Some of my friends had been sexually assaulted at university but didn’t report it as they didn’t think they would be believed. People just don’t understand the concept of consent. It’s not just about saying ‘no’, consent is an enthusiastic ‘yes’.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Activists Argentina Youth activists attending part in the rallies outside the Argentine Senate on August 8, 2018, when they debated then voted on a bill to legalize abortion.Across the globe thousands of youth activists continue to fight for the right to a free reproductive life so that women, couples and families can lead safe and dignified lives. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Student
story

| 25 April 2024

In pictures: Young people leading the way

Indri, Youth Volunteer IPPA, Indonesia Inspiring young people like 20-year-old Indri play a crucial role in our crisis response with the Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association in Palu.“When the earthquake struck, I was one of the victims. I saw a lot of people in distress, and even a corpse. So, I immediately thought, what kind of person am I? I still have hands, have legs, I still have everything, why not help others?I realized that I have given the chance to live to help others. I know what HIV/AIDS is like. I have seen what happens regarding HIV/AIDS, I know its process. I am the same human as you. You and me, are the same. That’s why I’m a youth volunteer.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Adjo, Student Togo “In the youth club, we learn how to protect ourselves. They also ask our parents to talk to us so that they can help protect us too.  When you are older and you have a  boyfriend,  you should use contraception. I want to finish my studies and have a boyfriend later.”  Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Áine, Activist IFPA, Ireland “It was exciting to be part of a big campaign. Young people are often seen as politically apathetic, but it’s important my generation are involved in the reproductive rights movement. For me abortion is about motherhood at the end of the day. It’s about allowing us the right to be the best mothers we can be, if and only when we decide it’s right for us to be.”The 25 May 2018 brought a legislative victory for the Yes Campaign to repeal the 8th amendment legalizing abortion care. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Joseph, University student Botswana Joseph, 19, first came to BOFWA in 2017 when he and his boyfriend decided to start practicing safe sex. “I had put myself in risky situations so thought I should get tested for HIV,” he says. After learning he was HIV positive, Joseph tried out a few clinics to receive his treatment but found BOFWA to be the most confidential and friendly.Sitting in the clinic behind the doctor’s desk, he says, “I never have any problems coming here. I feel comfortable here. At [the government clinic] there is no privacy; most of my friends are there. Sometimes if you go there you find them suspecting something, and everyone will be knowing your status. That’s why I prefer BOFWA.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Artemisa ,   Youth  activist   Albania Artemisa is in her first year as an activist at the Aulona Centre. “The Aulona Centre has high standards of friendly services for teenagers and youngsters, so you can feel safe and not prejudiced against. Confidentiality is very high here and the doctors are very qualified. In the young groups you feel like a community you can speak openly about your concerns.”   Artemisa hopes that by distributing information to women and girls, it is empowering them as well giving them an opportunity to fight for their own rights. “My greatest satisfaction as an activist is seeing them coming to the centre  for a [health] visit or for counselling, because this means that my work has paid off. Every girl and woman’s life counts.”  Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Kader, Youth champion ABPF, Benin 26-year-old ABPF youth champion, Kader, says his first youth meeting at ABPF was a positive experience.   “They told me that there was a jam session at the event. What I liked is that it was run by young people. Everything that I know about reproductive health I learnt at the centre. A lot of young women I know got pregnant very early. I know people who have died because of unsafe abortion. We can avoid so much of it if people have the right information.”  Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Sexual health clinic for students Amodefa, Mozambique At the Armando Emilio Guebuza secondary school in Maputo Amodefa has set up a sexual and reproductive health clinic to provide access to services including contraception. Known locally as the 'Tua Cena' project, the clinic aims to increase access to quality services and information on safe abortion, STIs and HIV, relationships. “This is better than a hospital – it’s close, it’s private, I feel comfortable,” says Aida, a student. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Hélène  , Youth champion ABPF, Benin 27-year-old Hélène is a youth champion with the Young People’s Action Movement. She  acts as a link between young people’s activities and the ABPF board. Hélène  has advocated for abortion rights at conferences locally and internationally.   “In my school there were a fair  number of pregnant girls so I was already looking for a way to help. Every week I went to different classes to educate them about abortion and stigma. When my mother found out, she told me this was a movement of depravity! But after a while my mum became a member of the association and came with me, and even my dad. Now they say they are proud of what I’ve achieved.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Milan, Student & volunteer FPAN, Nepal “After I was diagnosed as HIV positive, slowly all the people in the area found out about my status and there was so much discrimination. My friends at school didn’t want to sit with me and they humiliated and bullied me,” says Milan. Today, twenty-one-year-old Milan lives a busy and fulfilling life, juggling his university studies, his work as a community home-based care mobilizer for FPAN and a burgeoning music career. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Youth volunteers FHOK, Kenya Family Health Options Kenya’s youth volunteers run storytelling sessions within their local community. These open and informative sessions provide a safe space where young people are free to share their experiences and ask questions related to their sexual health and wellbeing. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Rachel, Student & volunteer UK Rachel, 21, a student, has seen the consequences of this at university: “I’ve been struck by the number of friends who knew nothing about contraception or consent. Some of my friends had been sexually assaulted at university but didn’t report it as they didn’t think they would be believed. People just don’t understand the concept of consent. It’s not just about saying ‘no’, consent is an enthusiastic ‘yes’.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Activists Argentina Youth activists attending part in the rallies outside the Argentine Senate on August 8, 2018, when they debated then voted on a bill to legalize abortion.Across the globe thousands of youth activists continue to fight for the right to a free reproductive life so that women, couples and families can lead safe and dignified lives. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Beneficiary and community activist, Matiisetso Sefako,
story

| 14 May 2019

“For them to be engaged in family planning, it would really help them”

“I saw this challenge when children are having children and they're having a number of children at a very young age,” says 37-year-old Matiisetso Sefako, after emerging from the Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association (LPPA) tent in Mokhethoaneng village, an hour drive from the capital Maseru. “For them to be engaged in family planning, it would really help them.” The mother of two lives just outside the village and says she’s become something of a community activist on the issue of early child marriage and the need for family planning. After she receives services, she lingers for an hour, speaking with young women and teenage girls who are looking over at the LPPA mobile clinic with interest.    She herself was a 19-year-old mother and has been using contraceptives for nearly 20 years. Then, it was harder to come by and she would often have to travel at her own cost. Now, she comes regularly when LPPA makes the monthly visit to her village.  And she’s done quite a lot on this to advise people to try and convince them to come and access such services, she says.  “The only problem I encounter is that the biggest challenge within the village is that there is a high rate of teenage pregnancy. I try to convince them this tent will help.”  This is her fourth visit to the LPPA outreach to receive services herself. Her only wish? “That these services be here every day,” she says, explaining that there is a deeply-felt need in her community and her hope is that she can refer more young women to follow up and receive the same monthly services she benefits from.  

Beneficiary and community activist, Matiisetso Sefako,
story

| 25 April 2024

“For them to be engaged in family planning, it would really help them”

“I saw this challenge when children are having children and they're having a number of children at a very young age,” says 37-year-old Matiisetso Sefako, after emerging from the Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association (LPPA) tent in Mokhethoaneng village, an hour drive from the capital Maseru. “For them to be engaged in family planning, it would really help them.” The mother of two lives just outside the village and says she’s become something of a community activist on the issue of early child marriage and the need for family planning. After she receives services, she lingers for an hour, speaking with young women and teenage girls who are looking over at the LPPA mobile clinic with interest.    She herself was a 19-year-old mother and has been using contraceptives for nearly 20 years. Then, it was harder to come by and she would often have to travel at her own cost. Now, she comes regularly when LPPA makes the monthly visit to her village.  And she’s done quite a lot on this to advise people to try and convince them to come and access such services, she says.  “The only problem I encounter is that the biggest challenge within the village is that there is a high rate of teenage pregnancy. I try to convince them this tent will help.”  This is her fourth visit to the LPPA outreach to receive services herself. Her only wish? “That these services be here every day,” she says, explaining that there is a deeply-felt need in her community and her hope is that she can refer more young women to follow up and receive the same monthly services she benefits from.