Africa

We provide funding and technical assistance to a diverse group of organizations in Nigeria, Cameroon, and Kenya. These grassroots groups run innovative programs to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights in their communities and advocate for change at the national, regional, and global levels. Our partners are leading the charge to end child marriage, secure access to safe and legal abortion, promote comprehensive sexuality education, and expand access to modern contraception.

Partner: Action Health Incorporated (AHI)

Founded in Lagos in 1989 and supported by IWHC since 1990, Action Health Incorporated (AHI) is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of adolescents in Nigeria. Over the last 24 years, AHI has advanced efforts within private and public sector programs to include comprehensive, gender-sensitive, life skills and rights-based approaches to sexuality education and clinical services for young people.

During this period, AHI has developed model programs that have been adopted and expanded by government and other civil society organizations.

Partner: Association pour la Promotion de l’Autonomie et des Droits de la Jeune Fille/Femme (APAD)

Early and forced marriage is illegal in Cameroon, but economic and social factors allow the tradition to continue. Approximately 36 percent of girls under 18 are married — often against their will. In the extreme north region of the country, the figure jumps to nearly 80 percent.

APAD has trained more than 150 survivors of early and forced marriage to speak out against this practice. In addition, 17 influential traditional leaders have been trained to convince parents of young girls to refrain from marrying them off and insist they remain in school.

Ultraconservative Marketing Ploy Attempts to Derail Gender Equality

By Liza Kane-Hartnett
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July 16, 2019

In essence, “gender ideology” is nothing more than a right-wing marketing ploy—a dangerous conspiracy theory based on fear, not fact, that justifies discrimination against women and gender diverse people.

Grantmaking Principles

By Jocelyn Berger
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June 18, 2019

In 2018, IWHC articulated our organizational values. One year later, we are hard at work to ensure that our grantmaking strategy aligns with these values. In this process we have asked ourselves how our grantmaking model builds and sustains feminist movements, and what principles we prioritize.

The Commission on the Status of Women: A Regional Approach

By IWHC Staff
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March 21, 2019

IWHC grantee partner FEMNET is a pan-African feminist organization and convener of CSW's African Women's Caucus. In this Q&A, FEMNET discusses its role and priorities at the 63rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

Global HER Act Provides Opportunity to End Deadly Global Gag Rule

February 7, 2019

IWHC welcomes the reintroduction of the Global HER Act in the US Congress, and urges representatives and senators to protect women's rights and health by passing the bill.

IWHC Commends Kenya’s Decision to Reverse Marie Stopes Abortion Ban

December 20, 2018

IWHC welcomes the Kenyan government’s decision to lift the ban on abortions in Marie Stopes International clinics, and applauds the successful advocacy efforts of our grantee partner Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health (TICAH).