Ipas Africa Alliance’s Post

This is quite a line up! Join this stellar group to talk about the "CTS nexus", that is child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and school dropout. We must think and work on these factors together to remove barriers for young people. Join the webinar and learn more! Planned Parenthood Global Oxfam

What Measures Can Be Taken to Address The Issue of Societal Beliefs Affecting Girl Child Reproductive Rights? Around the world, millions of women and girls possess immense potential but face staggering challenges in accessing reproductive healthcare, often due to restrictive laws, harmful gender norms, and social stigma. These barriers not only deny their basic human rights but also contribute to a global health crisis that demands urgent attention. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 6.5% of women globally wish to avoid pregnancy but lack access to contraception due to social stigma, poverty, and cultural norms. Even more alarming, 172 million women use no form of contraception, leaving them exposed to unwanted pregnancies and health risks. Each year, 121 million pregnancies are unintended—a clear signal of the world's failure to protect women's reproductive rights. In many countries, cultural norms still prevent women from making decisions about their reproductive health. In some crisis-affected regions, women cannot even leave their homes without a man’s permission or accompaniment, which means missing out on critical healthcare services. This not only affects their ability to access contraception but also denies them care during emergencies like unintended pregnancies, preventable maternal deaths, and other childbirth-related complications. Actionable Solutions - Improve access to reproductive and related forms of healthcare and guarantee women’s access to contraception and healthcare without restrictions. - Provide access to comprehensive sexual education for girls and young women, especially in low-income and crisis-affected areas, to help reduce misinformation so that they can make informed decisions about their reproductive health. - Raise awareness about and agitate for female genital mutilation (FGM) practices to be outlawed throughout the world. - Prevent and combat human trafficking and sexual servitude of women and girls by advocating for strong laws that deal with both crimes to remedy the injustice. On this #InternationalDayOfTheGirl, we must fight for reproductive justice by ensuring every young girl has the right to make choices about her body and future. We must break the myths that prevent young women from controlling their own fertility. By empowering women through awareness, advocacy, and global solidarity, we can break barriers, drive change, and ensure a brighter future for girls everywhere.  #ReproductiveJustice #EmpowerHer #EndUnintendedPregnancies #DayOfTheGirl #GirlsHealth #GirlsRights

The battle for Health and Reproductive Rights takes form and content based on the prevailing challenges of the day. Even within a given era, the persistence of social stratification makes the battles fought by one group can be markedly different (even counter to) the battles of another group. For example, when the House of Lords (HL) famously decided that the word "persons" as used in section 24 of the British North America Act, did in fact include women, it might have included all women...but it didn't. Many women were excluded based on their ancestry (of course) but others were excluded based on their medical histories. Emily Murphy, one of the Famous Five who took the "Persons' Case" to the HL, was both rabidly anti-immigration, and pro-eugenics (forced sterilization of certain classes of disabled women). The Health and Reproductive Rights battle at the time of the Persons Case was to stop the routine sterilization of persons with disabilities, which in some minds included all manner of oppressed people (i.e. Indigenous Women). Today, in some parts of the world, the battle is for access to birth control and abortion. In other parts of the world the battle is for food, shelter, and clean drinking water. The International Centre for Research on Women works in the field to identify (and remove) the barriers to Health and Reproductive Rights of women. Have a look: https://lnkd.in/ew_zhrz4

30 years ago, in Cairo, governments made a transformative commitment: in addressing the challenges that come with population growth, they would adopt a rights-based approach; sustainable development would not, and is not, possible without sexual and reproductive health and rights. Back then there were 5.6 billion people on the planet. Now we're 8.1 billion. As today's anniversary opening of the UN Commission on Population and Development highlighted, there's much progress to celebrate since 1994. Maternal and child mortality has decreased substantially. Women have more control over their bodies and fertility, more access to family planning. Yet this progress has been uneven. The most vulnerable are left behind. We live longer (on average 9 years longer than in 1994) and the demand for long term care falls disproportionately on women. Gender disparity in formal employment has remained, virtually, the same as in 1994. The current global labour force participation rate for women is just under 47%. For men, it’s 72%. While more pregnancies are intended and wanted than ever before, there is a growing need for assisted reproductive technology. Associated policies must be rights-based. International migration is on the rise and many transit and host countries fail to ensure that migrants also enjoy their sexual and reproductive health and rights. What has not been said in the CPD opening is that the outlook in 2024 is, in many contexts, less promising despite the unprecedented gains over the past decades - including in the US, where we are now. Historically, progress in women's and girls' sexual and reproductive health and rights has consistently faced opposition. Yet, as over 40 organisations working on ending child marriage write in a collective statement to the CPD Bureau, a current era of rollback is unfolding, which undermines the supportive environment required at the domestic, regional, and international levels for adequate sexual and reproductive health and rights policies. This, in turn, diminishes the likelihood of advancement in areas where progress is still pending and which are crucial for ending child, early and forced marriages and unions and upholding girls’, adolescents’ and women’s right to make autonomous decisions about their bodies and lives. This week I'm at the United Nations, in NYC, with representatives of Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage member organisations from Kenya, Guatemala and Colombia to call on governments and stakeholders to accelerate action and invest in fulfilling sexual and reproductive health and rights - and prioritise adolescent girls. It's crucial for achieving so many of the sustainable development goals, including ending child marriage and other harmful practices. Read our collective statement on why girls' sexual and reproductive health and rights are crucial to #EndChildMarriage (in comments).

Empowering Disadvantaged Women Through Reproductive Health Training In today's world, empowering women means ensuring they have control over their bodies and reproductive choices. Reproductive health training for disadvantaged women is not just essential; it's a fundamental right. Here's why: Autonomy over Body: Every woman has the right to make decisions concerning her body. Reproductive health training equips women with knowledge about their bodies, contraception options, and family planning methods, empowering them to make informed choices. Health and Well-being: Access to reproductive health services ensures women can maintain their health and well-being. By understanding reproductive health, women can prevent unintended pregnancies, access prenatal care, and make informed choices about childbirth, ultimately leading to healthier outcomes for themselves and their families. Economic Empowerment: When women have control over their reproductive health, they can better plan their futures. Family planning allows women to pursue education, enter the workforce, and contribute to their families' economic stability. It breaks the cycle of poverty by enabling women to participate fully in society. Gender Equality: Reproductive health training is a critical component of achieving gender equality. When women have access to education and resources to plan their families, they can participate equally in all aspects of society, from politics to the economy. Empowerment in Decision-making: By providing reproductive health training, we empower women to take charge of their lives. When women are knowledgeable about their bodies and reproductive rights, they can advocate for themselves in healthcare settings and demand policies that support their autonomy. Thanks to Australian High Commission Kenya for the support in Motorcycle repair training program #wholisticwomenempowerment#reproductivehealth#genderequality

🌟 The Community-Based Sexual and Reproductive Health Officers Programme is rooted in strategies that equip local leaders with disabilities with the skills to lead impactful outreach activities in partnership with key stakeholders. 🏥 Together with service providers and State officers, they facilitate two-day sessions that shine a light on sexual and reproductive health and rights information and provide access to #SRH services. With a focus on women and young individuals with and without disabilities, especially those facing heightened barriers, this initiative is paving the way for inclusive access. 🌈 📊 The results from this transformative project's pilot phase speak for themselves: 👏 More than 80% of the 127 participants reported feeling more empowered to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights and request essential services after the sessions. 🌐 These shifts go beyond numbers; they're about fostering an environment where informed choices pave the way for inclusive progress. ➡️ Learn more about this community-driven change in Fiji: https://lnkd.in/d9WynaP2 . . . [ID: Against a purple background, bold, white text reads, "More than 80% of the 127 participants reported feeling more empowered to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights and request services following the sessions." To the left is a photo of a person with their hair pulled back, smiling, and gazing into the distance.]

We are excited to share that LegalOnus has just published a comprehensive article titled "X vs. Union of India: Examination of Reproductive Rights in India," written by Jagatha Guna Sai Venkat. In this insightful piece, Jagatha delves deep into the ongoing legal discourse surrounding reproductive rights in India. The article critically examines landmark cases, current legislation, and the broader implications for women's rights and healthcare in the country. Key Highlights: 1. Analysis of the X vs. Union of India case 2. Overview of India's reproductive rights landscape 3. Impact of legal rulings on women's autonomy and health 4. The future outlook for reproductive rights advocacy in India This article is a must-read for legal professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of law and human rights. Join us in exploring this vital issue and contribute to the conversation on ensuring equitable and comprehensive reproductive rights for all. 📖 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d7ZxjuCw #LegalOnus #ReproductiveRights #IndianLaw #WomensRights #HealthcareLaw #LegalUpdates #HumanRights

🌟 The Community-Based Sexual and Reproductive Health Officers Programme is rooted in strategies that equip local leaders with disabilities with the skills to lead impactful outreach activities in partnership with key stakeholders. 🏥 Together with service providers and State officers, they facilitate two-day sessions that shine a light on sexual and reproductive health and rights information and provide access to #SRH services. With a focus on women and young individuals with and without disabilities, especially those facing heightened barriers, this initiative is paving the way for inclusive access. 🌈 📊 The results from this transformative project's pilot phase speak for themselves: 👏 More than 80% of the 127 participants reported feeling more empowered to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights and request essential services after the sessions. 🌐 These shifts go beyond numbers; they're about fostering an environment where informed choices pave the way for inclusive progress. ➡️ Learn more about this community-driven change in Fiji: https://lnkd.in/d9WynaP2 . . . [ID: Against a purple background, bold, white text reads, "More than 80% of the 127 participants reported feeling more empowered to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights and request services following the sessions." To the left is a photo of a person with their hair pulled back, smiling, and gazing into the distance.]

💪 Women’s sexual and reproductive health rights are human rights. Healthy happy women, girls and mothers make for healthy, happy and sustainable communities. Last week, the NSW Select Committee on Birth Trauma handed down its report with recommendations addressing birth trauma and the impacts birth trauma can have on birthing parents and their families. Birth trauma and obstetric violence are global issues recognised by the United Nations and the World Health Organisation. However, this is the first time an Australian parliamentary committee has examined and reported on birth trauma. The Select Committee found that the Queensland Human Rights Act, which mandates true and proper informed consent for medical treatment, promoted positive cultural changes in Queensland maternity care facilities and offered women avenues to seek justice if proper informed consent is not obtained. The Committee recommended NSW make the necessary legislative changes regarding informed consent like those in the Human Rights Act in Queensland. Much like NSW, Western Australia also does not have Human Rights Act. Western Australia for a Human Rights Act (WA4HRA) calls for a Human Rights Act for Western Australia to ensure women’s sexual and reproductive rights are protected, and we have mechanisms to enforce those rights. Read the full Report from NSW here: https://buff.ly/3yKYKLg Learn more about the campaign for a Human Rights Act in WA here: www.wa4hra.com.au

I am delighted to announce the registration of my NGO, Advocacy for the Protection of Reproductive Rights of Women in Nigeria. This vision, now a reality, was born from a personal experience where my reproductive rights as a woman were grossly and severely abused. For me, seeking redress or, better yet, revenge means taking a stance to implement measures that will prevent many other women from experiencing similar abuse. Welcome to Advocacy for the Protection of the Reproductive Rights of Women in Nigeria. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing and protecting the reproductive rights of women in Nigeria. Our mission is to educate and advocate for policies that provide legislative and practical support for reproductive freedom. At our core, we believe that reproductive rights are fundamental to the right to life and should be given the utmost importance. We strive to empower women through education and advocacy, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to make independent decisions about their reproductive health. Our key initiatives include: 1. Awareness and Education: Conducting outreach programs and campaigns to educate women and communities about reproductive rights and health. 2. Advocacy: Actively working to influence policy changes and implementation to better protect and promote reproductive rights. 3. Legal Protection: Offering legal protection against the abuse of women's reproductive rights. 4. Community Engagement: Engaging with local communities to understand their needs and mobilize support for the reproductive rights of women. 5. Healthy Collaboration: Partnering with like-minded organizations to intensify and strengthen the impact of our collective advocacy efforts. Through our efforts, we aim to ensure that every woman in Nigeria is aware of her reproductive rights and has the power to make independent decisions regarding her health. Join us in our mission to create a world where reproductive freedom is a reality for all women. Follow our page for updates on our programs, events, and ways you can get involved. Together, we can make a difference. #Reproductivehealthstories #ReproductivejusticeforNigerianwomen #Reproductivehealthadvocacy