As always, International Safe Abortion Day on 28th September provided us with an opportunity to reflect on the gains which have been made, as well as the injustices people all over the world still face when it comes to their reproductive rights.
We have loved seeing photos and updates from SAAF grantee partners around the world. The photo above shows a public demonstration by Nèges Mawon in Haiti. Mabia Ghana launched a new hotline to provide SRHR support, and WGNRR, Visible Impact and Jeunes Volontaires pour la Santé all held artistic events to mark the day.
Making connections in Latin America and the Caribbean
Thanks to Inroads for hosting a regional gathering for abortion rights activists across the Latin America and Caribbean region. Laura G from the SAAF team and Eugenia from our board were able to meet with grantee partner organisations, as well as represent SAAF in a discussion about trust-based funding.
SAAF grantee partners in the news
- In September, the Mexican Supreme Court made a landmark decision in declaring the criminalisation of abortion unconstitutional. This is an incredible win for SAAF grantee partners like Las Libres in Mexico who have long been fighting for legal change.
- SAAF grantee partner Anis first proposed an action to partially decriminalise abortion in Brazil back in 2017. This is now a real possibility, with the recently retired President of the Supreme Court having already voted in favour of allowing abortions in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
- The advocacy efforts of Tamtang Group in Thailand have been featured in the Bangkok Post as a politician for the Move Forward party acknowledges their work in highlighting the lack of provision of safe abortion services, despite an improvement to the law.
Grantee partner spotlight: Women’s Action Group
SAAF grantee partner Women’s Action Group (WAG) is celebrating 40 years of supporting women and girls in Zimbabwe. WAG was formed in 1983 in response to over 6000 women being arrested for walking alone at night. This injustice brought together ordinary women compelled to fight for their rights and the rights of others.
Receiving funding from SAAF since 2017, WAG works to improve women and girls’ knowledge of their reproductive rights and access to safe abortion. One aspect of this is to provide counselling and support to those who have experienced gender-based violence – this includes an emergency fund to support survivors to access safe abortion and post-abortion care services when they need them.
Read more about WAG’s approach to reproductive justice in Zimbabwe.
This update is a copy of the most recent SAAF newsletter. If you are not already on our newsletter mailing list please register here.