Member Associations of the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, the UK were present at the foundation meeting of IPPF in 1952, some sixty years ago. The International Planned Parenthood Federation started its activities in a time when contraceptives were hard to come by, condoms were available but in a clandestine way. Dr W.F. Storm, like so many others at that time, was being confronted with the results of botched abortions and women in despair.
A lot has changed since then thanks to IPPF and its 153 Member Associations, 30,000 staff and millions of volunteers.
IPPF European Network is now active in 40 countries throughout Europe and Central Asia, with as many Member Associations. In 2011, A total of 42 succesful national policy initiatives and/or positive legislative occurred throughout Europe and Central Asia in support of sexual and reproductive health and rights to which Member Associations have contributed.
IPPF celebrated its 60th Birthday on November 29th 2012. The Federation planned 60 days of action in the run up to IPPF 60th Anniversary.
Throughout these 60 days, Member Associations and youth groups from all 6 regions of IPPF carried out activities that raise awareness about SRHR and the work of IPPF.
IPPF EN’s own 10 days of action in the run-up to IPPF's 60th anniversary took place between 14-23 October 2012.
Many our Member Associations held activities during our 10 days of action period.
Like the publication of an Anniversary Book “IPPF in Georgia” or the hosting of an on-line radio show (H.E.R.A.,the Republic of Macedonia1) or conducting an action in the form of a game “What? Where? When?” with questions on SRHR and HIV/AIDS/STI prevention (Uzbekistan).
The Regional Office of IPPF EN also produced a video compilation The Voices of our Stakeholders, also to show our donors and partners’ constant support and belief in the work we do.
IPPF EN’s youth network (YSAFE) is a strong and thriving pool of advocates which also has its voice in IPPF EN’s governance. Hear their testimonies, specially produced for IPPF’s 60th Anniversary Celebrations.
For more information on the history of IPPF, see http://www.ippfen.org/en/About/History.htm
Visit our website www.ippfen.org or IPPF EN twitter account @ippfen as well as IPPF Facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/www.ippf.org for gathering and sharing of information on all our activities.
(1) UN technical reference "The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia"