About the IPPF Anti-Racism Programme of Action
IPPF is a complex organisation established during a different time where colonialism was a world order. In 2020, we started a process of examining and addressing issues of racism and colonial legacy within our organization. This was undertaken for several reasons, including internal queries from staff, as well as world events that led to global discussions on issues of race and discrimination. IPPF felt an obligation to internally examine whether these issues were having an effect internally in the organisation.
Conducted in 2021, the review examined institutional and structural forms of racism, as well as interpersonal forms of discrimination in the daily interactions between individuals within the IPPF Secretariat. The intention was to start addressing racism occurring in the Secretariat, and the Secretariat’s interactions with Member Associations, to embed a culture of equality and non-discrimination, and ensure everyone feels respected, safe, and included.
The Declaration
IPPF worked closely with secretariat working group members and a committee of Member Associations to develop a declaration of anti-racism – which was adopted at the 2022 General Assembly in Bogota, Colombia. The Strategy that was adopted at the GA for the next few years prominently included anti racism as a pillar four – Walk the Talk.
Theory of Change
Today the world is home to 1.8 billion young people under the age of 25. This is the largest generation of young people, ever, and are a vastly diverse group of individuals.
Annual Regional Meetings
In 2023 each regional meeting had a consultative meeting and capacity engagement about Anti Racism which was included into the overall regional meeting.
Learning Resources
Anti-Racism Learning Cohort
Introducing the 2024 Anti-Racist Learning Cohort – IPPF has launched this cohort to tackle racism within the organisation and beyond. The programme is designed to explore historical and contemporary forms of racism, champion anti-racist principles and cultivate inclusive workplaces and programmes. Over three months, participants will take part in virtual workshops, lively discussions and interactive exercises, with simultaneous translation available in Arabic, French and Spanish.
