From choice, a world of possibilities

A Comprehensive Response to HIV and Gender-based Violence

Violence against women is a problem that many women in our region face, and sometimes they don't even know it. When a young woman receives sexual and reproductive health services, it’s possible for a conversation about gender-based violence to occur between her and the doctor. In a setting that is private and confidential, a doctor who shows empathy with a woman who she or he believes may have experienced violence is more likely to be made aware of incidents of violence that have occurred than one who does not display empathy.

Promoting Health By Responding to Gender-based Violence

Today, thousands of organizations and individuals around the world are demanding an end to gender-based violence in their communities as a part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign. Each year, the campaign begins on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends sixteen days later on December 10th, International Human Rights Day, to emphasize that gender-based violence is not only a violation of women’s rights, but also a violation of human rights.

Will Media Portray Women and Girls More Realistically in 60 Years?

Since I began my internship in July, I have had the opportunity to contribute to the celebrations, new initiatives, and campaigns surrounding IPPF’s 60th anniversary. This is a major accomplishment. Over the span of 60 years, IPPF has become the world's largest organization in the field of sexual and reproductive rights and services, with six Regional Offices and 152 Member Associations in 172 countries. In 2011, IPPF provided over 89 million sexual and reproductive health services worldwide.

Cultivating a Regional Network for Sexual and Reproductive Health

At our annual Regional Council meeting last month, representatives from Member Associations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean spoke about the great progress that has been made in the region on sexual and reproductive health and rights, and challenges that still remain. Regional Director Carmen Barroso highlighted the achievements made by the network in 2011, which include the provision of more than 29 million services and securing 41 policy and legislative reforms.

IPPF: 60 Years of Advocacy, 60 Days of Action

Sixty years ago, the International Planned Parenthood Federation was founded in Mumbai (Bombay), India when a handful of women set out to create a different kind of world. These women—from eight family planning organizations representing the Netherlands, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, West Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom, and United States—believed that empowering women to control their own bodies was essential to creating healthy families and sustainable communities.

Hurricane Sandy: An Urgent Request for Support

Our hearts go out to everyone struggling with the devastating outcome of Hurricane Sandy. Some lost loved ones, others suffered property damage, and many of us still struggle to return to our routines.

What are Your Hopes for the Next Four Years?

The International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region congratulates President Barack Obama on his re-election as the 44th President of the United States of America.

Women’s health and human rights advocates, including our Member Association, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, have lauded the victory as a strong win for reproductive rights and health in the United States.

An Update on Our Hurricane Sandy Recovery

We would like to thank everyone who has reached out with kind messages of support in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Our staff now has remote email access, but our office at 125 Maiden Lane was damaged in the storm, as this New York Times article reflects.

Building Capacity through Regional Cooperation

Earlier this month, more than twenty young people at Profamilia Dominican Republic participated in a training on how to conduct a social audit in their communities. The workshop was conducted by Rubiela Sanchez and Nathaniel Weaver, staff members of APLAFA, our Member Association in Panama.

Health in Motion: Finding Hope and Happiness in Haiti

In June 2011, I had the opportunity to travel to Haiti with IPPF/WHR to celebrate the opening of a new clinic. Although I was only there for a couple days, the trip had a big impact on me. Seeing the work of Profamil, IPPF/WHR's Member Association, affirmed my strong belief in the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights.