To read the original article in Spanish, in FunDheg's website, click here. On December 10 of this year, and within the framework of International Human Rights Day, which coincides in Argentina with the Day of the Restoration of Democracy, FUNDHEG held a webinar to present the report "Tongues of Fire: Flames of Hate in the Democratic Fabric," as part of the project "Democracy in Your Body," developed in collaboration with the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).  The presentation, which brought together a significant national and international audience, focused on the impact of hate speech on gender policies and human rights defenders. The report also highlights setbacks and the growing threats faced by sexual and reproductive rights, as well as the strategies needed to combat these narratives and policies through democratic and inclusive approaches.  A day marked by valuable testimonies  The event opened with remarks by Leticia Gauna, President of FUNDHEG, and Diana Cabral, the organization’s Executive Director, who underscored the importance of building a more inclusive and equitable society in the face of global challenges.  Alessandra Nilo, Director of External Relations at IPPF, provided an international perspective, emphasizing the role of global cooperation in protecting human rights. Meanwhile, Gabriela Ayala (Social Communicator) and Mariano Leiva (Journalist) presented the report, highlighting its key findings.  Among the voices that enriched the event were Verónica González Bonet, a journalist from the Network of Journalists with a Gender Perspective and the Network for the Rights of People with Disabilities (REDI), and Lenny Cáceres, feminist journalist and Director of the digital newspaper Femenino in La Pampa province. Both shared valuable experiences and perspectives on the threats faced by women and people with disabilities in public and digital spaces.  Manuela Calvo, a journalist from La Rioja, provided a profound analysis of the judicial persecution she faces in her province for addressing cases of violence against girls and adolescents. She emphasized the critical role of hate speech in these attacks.  Through a video message, Silvina Molina, journalist and founder of the International Network of Journalists with a Gender Perspective, stressed the importance of training in the use of social media as a tool for defense against hate speech, while calling for strengthened collective and network-based work. Along similar lines, Monique Aschult, a member of Mujeres por la Igualdad, agreed with Molina and proposed strengthening alliances with regional organizations as a key strategy to confront these issues.  Also present were Lidia Pérez and Diego Cazorla, former employees of the National Institute against Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Racism (INADI), recently eliminated by the current administration. They emphasized that, in this context of hate speech propagated by the State, INADI’s functions have been rendered obsolete.  The event concluded with remarks by Esmeralda Alfaro, representative of the Las Crisálidas Association in Guatemala, who reaffirmed the importance of regional sorority and solidarity in defending human rights.  Reaffirming Commitments  The webinar was widely praised for its content and the quality of the reflections shared. The testimonies and analyses presented not only identified current challenges but also proposed transformative strategies based on new democratic narratives.  FUNDHEG and IPPF reaffirmed their commitment to continue working toward an inclusive, equal, and respectful society, especially during this critical moment for human rights in Argentina and the region. This event solidified itself as an essential space for dialogue, aiming to build democratic and equitable tools to confront the flames of hate. 

The IPPF ACRO Youth Network has successfully concluded the “Rays” class of Creadoras Camp, a virtual content creation bootcamp that empowered young leaders across Latin America and the Caribbean with the skills and knowledge to transform their digital activism. Developed in collaboration with Volcánicas, a Latin American feminist media outlet, and Fundación Hoja Blanca ONG, this camp equipped participants to craft impactful, rights-affirming social media content that counters anti-rights narratives with inspiring, inclusive messages.  Over the past two months, 31 participants from Antigua & Barbuda, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Paraguay, and Peru engaged in dynamic workshops led by expert content creators and activists. Through sessions on podcast production, visual storytelling, and digital communication strategies, they explored key concepts of online advocacy and honed their ability to design, record, and produce high-quality digital content tailored to youth audiences.  The participants’ growth was remarkable, as they not only developed technical skills but also deepened their understanding of using digital platforms to advance reproductive justice and progressive social change. This program exemplified the power of collective learning, providing young advocates with the confidence and tools to amplify their voices in meaningful ways.  Following the camp, 15 standout participants will be selected for an advanced mentorship program in podcast production. This series will spotlight youth perspectives across the region, sharing experiences and insights to challenge prejudice and drive narrative change around reproductive rights and social justice.  The Rays class of Creadoras Camp stands as a testament to the transformative power of youth-led initiatives. By investing in this innovative training, IPPF ACRO has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering inclusive activism and enabling the next generation of changemakers to shape a future rooted in equity, feminism, and reproductive rights. 

A question: #WhatKindOfManAreYou?   Violence is not strength, silence is not a solution. Gender-based violence impacts countless lives every day, leaving a trail of pain and injustice. But in IPPF ACRO, we believe in change, and it starts with talking about it. It’s time to break the cycle. To stand up, speak out, and redefine what it means to be a man. Join us in questioning harmful norms. Men and boys can be partners in building respect, equality, and safety for all.Men and boys, in all their diversity can contribute to eliminating gender based violence. Let’s talk about it. Want to join us? Click here to access the campaign toolkit.    

The IPPF ACRO Youth Network has officially launched the “Rays” class of “Creadoras Camp,” a virtual content creation camp designed to equip young leaders across Latin America and the Caribbean with the conceptual and practical tools they need to elevate their digital activism. Creadoras Camp, an original methodology created by Volcánicas, a latinamerican feminist media outlet, and Fundación Hoja Blanca ONG, offers participants the skills to create impactful social media content that defends sexual and reproductive rights, countering anti-rights narratives with inspiring, inclusive messages. The Rays Class is an IPPF ACRO Youth-Network Exclusive, as it reflects the demands of the youth network for dedicated training to amplify their voices and engage others in championing progressive social change. From October to November 2024, participants will join dynamic virtual workshops led by expert content creators and activists. Guided by specialized facilitators, they’ll dive into podcast production, visual content creation, and digital communication strategies, alongside key concepts for online advocacy. Through these sessions, participants will learn to design, record, and produce high-quality digital content, equipping them to effectively communicate messages that resonate with diverse youth audiences. Creadoras Camp will welcome 31 young participants affiliated with IPPF ACRO’s membership and partners from Antigua & Barbuda, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, México, Paraguay, and Perú. Following this first stage, the 15 most promising profiles will be selected for a mentorship program in podcast production. This podcast series will give voice to the region's youth as they share insights and experiences around reproductive justice and progressive social advocacy. This project is a vital platform for narrative change, enabling youth voices to challenge prejudice and promote a more inclusive discourse in the region. Supported by IPPF ACRO and partnerships with initiatives like Volcánicas, the Rays class of Creadoras Camp is a unique opportunity for young creators to deepen their impact and contribute meaningfully to advancing feminism and reproductive rights. 

  Transforming Stories into Policies: Advancing SRHR Advocacy in the Caribbean   Click here to register Join us as we explore the pressing issue of adolescent pregnancies and the lived experiences of pregnant learners across the Caribbean. Through shared stories, innovative strategies, and expert insights, we’ll discuss how we can better support adolescent parents and turn their stories into meaningful policy change. 🤰🏽✨ This interactive session will feature presentations from experts across the region and highlight best practices to drive collective action. Let’s come together—advocates, educators, and policymakers—to shape a brighter future for our youth. 🌍 📅 Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 ⏰ Time: 10:30 am (Trinidad & Tobago Time) 📍 Platform: Zoom (Click here to register)   Why attend? Understand the urgency of addressing adolescent pregnancies in the region. Learn about data-driven advocacy strategies that inspire real change. Discover best practices from experts on the frontlines of SRHR advocacy. We hope you can join us in this important conversation!   Click here to register    

The International Planned Parenthood Federation in the Americas and the Caribbean (IPPF ACRO) celebrated the launch of its new regional office in Mexico City. This important step reaffirms IPPF's commitment to the region, adding to the existing office in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to strengthen the articulation of the Membership and advance the sexual and reproductive rights agenda. IPPF has been present in the region for over 70 years, and these offices continue the commitment to providing sexual and reproductive health and rights to all people, regardless of their circumstances. The inauguration of the new office took place during the IPPF ACRO Regional Forum, with the full Americas & the Caribbean membership (30 organizations in 30 countries) present at the event.  The launch included the participation of key allies and actors in the region, including organizations like UN Women, the Center for Reproductive Rights, IPAS LAC, Médecins Sans Frontières, Amnesty International, and Volcánicas, all of which have been instrumental in advancing our mission as a movement. Government representatives were also present, such as the Secretariat for Women of Mexico, the National Population Council, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with other governmental entities with which IPPF ACRO collaborates to ensure a comprehensive and committed approach to defending sexual and reproductive rights both in Mexico and throughout the region.  This new office will not only facilitate better coordination between IPPF's member associations in the 30 countries of the region but also allow for closer ties with local actors, strengthened alliances, and coordinated strategy development in the realm of political advocacy. With a presence in Mexico City, IPPF ACRO will be able to participate more actively in key spaces, both nationally and regionally, expanding our capacity to advocate for access to sexual and reproductive health, bodily autonomy, and gender equality.  The opening of the regional office in Mexico is a testament to the power of collaboration and unity in advancing our shared mission. With this new base in Mexico City, IPPF ACRO is more committed than ever to working alongside governments, civil society organizations, and our member associations to face threats to rights and ensure a dignified, violence-free life for all people in the region.