Americas and Caribbean Transition Consultation Process
The Americas and Caribbean Transition Strategy Development Process is coming to an end. This process began at the end of September and has been instrumental to understand the current needs of women, girls and youth, and communities left behind. This week the results of the internal reflection, listening tour and thinking sessions will be consolidated and Member Association recommendations for strategic directions and criteria will be decided upon to share with the IPPF Board of Trustees. The IPPF Board of Trustees will meet in the week of the 16th of November to make final strategic decisions based on the recommendations from Member Associations. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Member Association staff, experts, youth leaders and stakeholders who have provided their insights and guidance.
Results of Listening Tour
The consultant has completed the listening tour with MAs and regional stakeholders external to IPPF and the outcomes have been discussed with the Member Associations. The full report has been circulated this week and covers a set of core topics recommended by external actors, including the SRHR and gender equality situation in the region, strengths, gaps, the perception of IPPF, what areas IPPF should work in and the populations it should serve. The report is intersectional and explores the relationship of SRHR and gender equality with a variety of topics and provides preliminary recommendations to the new regional presence.
IPPF Americas and the Caribbean Youth Town Hall
The Youth Town Hall was attended by approximately 50 young representatives from the MA’s boards in the region and led by youth leaders from the IPPF Board. The town hall was chaired by youth members from Nepal, Kyrgyzstan and Yemen. They presented Youth around the World at IPPF and a summary of the reform process. The Secretariat Director, People, Organisation and Culture Division presented an overview of the safeguarding system in IPPF. The participants then moved into breakout sessions for young people only, where they discussed their recommendations for priorities for young people and their suggestions for making IPPF in the region truly youth centred. Key suggestions were: a focus on Comprehensive Sexuality Education, enhance the Youth Advocacy Movement, prevention and treatment services for Sexually Transmitted Infections, youth access to contraception and other Sexual and Reproductive Health services, responding to opposition and funding for further youth engagement and networking between young people in the region.
IPPF Americas and the Caribbean Website
The website for IPPF Americas and the Caribbean Region has been launched at www.ippfamr.org
Nexus and Friendship Retreat
We are happy to announce that Nexus has made the decision to remain with IPPF and will be hosted at the IPPF New York UN Advocacy Office. Donors have also made the decision to move the funding of the UN Friendship Retreat to IPPF.
COVID-19 Situation Analysis Launched
The third round of the IPPF COVID-19 Task Force situation analysis has been launched, all MAs in the region will now have received communication with the survey which is due for completion on the 12th of November. Should you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact Isabella ilewis@ippf.org
Upcoming Dates
5th and 6th November – Consolidation meetings with regional Member Associations. The meeting on the 5th of November will decide on recommendations for the strategic direction of IPPF in the region and on the 6th of November the MAs will decide on recommendations for the criteria of key aspects of the transition roadmap.
Week c/16th November – IPPF Board of Trustees Meeting.
Prepared by the Americas and the Caribbean Working Group