It is always exciting for me to visit IPPF regional offices and hear about their work and also strategise how to tackle our advocacy objectives in the current policy environment. This year alone, I attended three regional workshops in Thailand, Zambia and Malaysia and met some wonderful family planning advocates from over 15 countries. The workshops are designed to bring Joining Voices partners together to exchange ideas, discuss common issues and do some in-depth training and planning.
Such workshops always energise me, as I get to hear concrete examples of achievements and tactics that worked to raise attention and win positive outcomes for women and adolescents. I heard Family Planning organization of the Philippines (FPOP) share their work with government on the establishment of national policy on Reproductive Health & Population Development. I also heard Family Planning Association of Nepal (FPAN) describe their engagement with the Parliamentarians that led to the revision of the family planning terminology, making it more youth friendly.
There is an agreement by all participants, that governments are making progress towards their FP2020 commitments by establishing systems, expanding method mix and raising awareness to people in hard to reach areas. Many governments are including civil society and other stakeholders in decision making processes. For example, in Pakistan, Rahnuma-FPAP is part of a family planning Technical Working Group. And Myanmar Maternal & Child Welfare Association (MMCWA) has been nominated to be a member of the Reproductive Health Technical Working Group.
Such leaping steps forward don’t come with challenges. Although governments in developing countries are making progress on their FP2020 pledges, many participants agree that more needs to be done. The complex political structures, current financial climate and cultural norms, affect people accessing family planning services.
What really works is the collaborative approach of civil society organsations who partner with coalitions and other advocates to strengthen their voices in policy platforms. Many partners work with passionate Family Planning Champions who dedicate their time and resources to support Joining Voices partners raising attention to concrete agenda and securing positive messaging from decision makers.
As we have approached the half way mark towards the FP2020 commitments, the future has a lot of potential for family planning advocates. The Sustainable Development Goals for example are a good leeway to strengthen approaches and ensure that governments are held accountable to the goals and targets that were agreed. At regional level, the Africa Union and ASEAN community are a fantastic opportunity to close the gaps and open up new opportunities for family planning.
I return back to London with notebooks filled with diagrams, scribbles and action points. There is some much energy and creativity among the Joining Voices partners. The future is unknown but their work and dedication is clear and focused.
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