From choice, a world of possibilities

Lifting the Health Burden on Isolated Communities in the Dominican Republic

“If this project did not exist, there would be more women with cancer, more pregnant teenagers, more people with HIV.”

Leona Adolfo has worked as a nurse in Profamilia’s mobile health unit for more than three years. She travels to isolated communities throughout the Dominican Republic to ensure the most vulnerable have access to health care. In Abacao Batey, a community of mostly Haitian immigrants, more than 400 people live in wooden shacks without latrines.

Rights, Respect, and Responsibility: Amplifying Youth Advocacy in Grenada

To realize our full potential, young people need a guarantee of our human rights and the ability to be full participants in the global, regional, and national policies that affect our lives. That's why MYX, IPPF's global youth movement for sexual and reproductive rights, provided the IPPF/WHR Youth Network with the opportunity to not only learn about young women's empowerment in a two-part webinar series, but also provide members with the opportunity to apply for funds to amplify youth advocacy in their country.

Thank You for Cultivating the Leadership of Girls in Haiti

“Because we are young they think we are little kids. But we represent the future of the country. We have the right to speak and express our feelings.”

Fifteen-year-old Ester speaks with genuine emotion when she describes the impact the Haiti Adolescent Girls Network has had on her life. Like many girls living in Port-au-Prince, Ester survived the 2010 earthquake and seeks a way to create a better future for herself and her community. Unlike her peers, Ester is fortunate to still be permitted to attend school. Her dream is to become a doctor one day.

A Young Woman's Vision for Global Development

At this year’s Women Deliver conference, youth leaders had the opportunity to share our vision and priorities for the future global development agenda.

Investigating Access to Emergency Contraception in Bogotá

The United States saw a recent victory for sexual and reproductive rights when a federal judge ordered the Food and Drug Administration to allow emergency contraception to be sold over-the-counter without age restrictions. This decision has the power to increase access to emergency contraception for all women in the US—but especially young women—by removing the requirement for a physician's prescription for girls 16 a

Politics, Sex, and Revolution: An Interview with Mariela Castro

Recognized internationally for her work in human rights, Mariela Castro promotes a different brand of socialism than that of her parents, who were key leaders during the Cuban Revolution. To Castro, all forms of discrimination—whether based on race, class, sexual orientation, or gender identity—must be tackled together in an inclusive and participatory movement for social change.

Court Rules in Favor of Profamilia Campaign

Last week, the Catholic Church filed a legal complaint against Profamilia, our local partner in the Dominican Republic. Its claim was that Profamilia’s campaign on sexual and reproductive rights violated the Constitution. Today, the Fifth Civil and Commercial Chamber of the National District issued a ruling that rejected the Church’s complaint.

Mexico’s Passionate Protestor: An Interview with Angélica García Olivares

Angélica García Olivares began working toward gender equality in Mexico when she was in college. While getting a Master’s degree in psychology, Angélica saw the need to focus on gender-based violence by hearing the stories of the women she counseled. She has been working to end violence against women and girls ever since.

Brazilian Court Council Removes a Barrier to Same-Sex Marriage

The National Council of Justice, which oversees Brazil’s judiciary, ruled on Tuesday that notary publics cannot refuse to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. This decision paves the way for lesbian and gay couples in Latin America’s largest country to legally marry. Our Regional Director, Carmen Barroso, said this of the decision:

Ester’s Wish for the Safety of Girls in Haiti

Gender-based violence remains a chronic problem in Haiti, affecting hundreds of girls and women each year. The Haiti Adolescent Girls Network works to protect and empower vulnerable girls, so they may safely navigate the volatile post-earthquake environment and break the cycle of poverty. It provides them with a safe space to spend time with their peers, learn about their rights, and obtain the support of trusted adults.