From choice, a world of possibilities

Women Who Inspire Change

Every day women around the globe are working for the betterment of their communities. While some women receive their due recognition, others go unnoticed—women like our best friends, our sisters, our bosses, our colleagues, our mothers, and sometimes perfect strangers.

Although we may never know the names of these average yet extraordinary women, in many ways (both big and small) we still feel the impact of their acts of courage and compassion.

News from the Region

Below are news stories, blog posts, and other resources released this week regarding sexual and reproductive health Latin America, North America, and the Caribbean:

Moving Sexual Rights from the Margins to the Mainstream in Latin America | RH Reality Check

Brazil's Girl Power | National Geographic

Should HIV+ Women be Concerned about Hormonal Contraceptives?

Recent evidence indicating that hormonal contraception may increase the risk of women acquiring and transmitting HIV has caught the eye of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Belize Family Life Association Rises from the Ashes

Sometimes the darkest moments of our lives can hold the greatest possibility for our liberation and growth. And so it has been for the Belize Family Life Association (BFLA), one of our partners in the Caribbean.

News from the Region

Below are news stories, blog posts, and other resources released this week regarding sexual and reproductive health Latin America, North America, and the Caribbean:

Has a woman been an inspiration in your life?Tell us about it for our International Women's Day series, and we will post it to our blog, Facebook, or Twitter during the month of March!

Promoting Safer Sex Week on Jamaica's Morning Show

On February 13th, the Executive Director of FAMPLAN Jamaica, Rachel Ustanny, made a guest appearance on the morning television show Smile Jamaica to promote the country's Safer Sex Week, held February 12th to 18th. Valentine's Day presents a big opportunity for our Member Association to promote the need for young people to engage in safer sex practices, such as wearing a condom to prevent unplanned pregnancy and HIV infection.

Championing the Power of Youth Advocacy in Guatemala

Adolescent fertility rates in Latin America and the Caribbean surpass the world average, and more than 1 in 3 women in the region give birth before the age of 20. In rural areas, the adolescent birth rate is even higher. This is partly due to severe income disparities between the rich and the poor in the region that translate into disparities in access, sexuality education, contraception and health care.

News from the Region

Below are news stories, blog posts, and other resources released this week regarding sexual and reproductive health Latin America, North America, and the Caribbean:

In something of a departure... Tell Us About a Courageous Woman Who Inspires You

Putting Youth Needs at the Center of Sexual Health in Peru | Women's International Perspective

Putting Youth Needs at the Center of Sexual Health in Peru

With nearly half the world's population under the age of 25, today’s generation of youth is the largest ever. Yet many young people lack access to the services and information they need to make decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Each year, there are an estimated 1.2 million unintended pregnancies among adolescent women in Latin America and the Caribbean, proportionally surpassing figures from Sub-Saharan Africa.

No Excuses or Exceptions to Sexual Rights

Last month IPPF Director-General Tewodros Melesse gave a speech in which he reaffirmed the Federation's commitment to sexual rights. Here is an inspiring excerpt from that speech: