Networks in Asia
RFSU collaborates with three regional actors in Asia.
The networks share a common focus on mobilising civil society, promoting women's rights, and supporting marginalised groups, such as women and LGBTQ+ persons. Through network collaborations and advocacy, they aim to change legislation, improve access to safe abortions, and combat stigma surrounding SRHR issues in the region.
Asia Pacific Alliance for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, APA
APA is a regional organisation based in Bangkok. APA has 43 member organisations around the region. APA works to mobilise civil society and hold states accountable for the commitments they have made to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). RFSU and APA work together in a broad network of member organisations. In addition to large actors, they work with small organisations that find it difficult to obtain financial support from others and that represent groups of truly marginalised people.
APA has a long experience of global advocacy work and in our collaboration will strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations in different countries in the region in terms of SRHR and global processes. This may include facilitating participation in The Universal Periodic Review (UPR), developing national and regional strategies for SRHR, or following up on Agenda 2030.
The Asian-Pacific Resource & Research Center for Women, ARROW
ARROW is a regional organisation based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ARROW was founded in 1993 to promote and defend women's rights with a focus on SRHR. The organisation collaborates with member organisations in 16 countries in the region to promote gender equality.
ARROW has formed an abortion law network in five countries in the region that will work to change legislation, increase knowledge about abortion and work to alleviate the stigma surrounding abortion. The five partner countries are Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal, India and the Philippines. The goal is to advance safe abortion practices at national, regional, and global levels through four domains of change:
1. Governments uphold gender justice and sexual and reproductive rights.
2. Civic space expands for advocacy and influence.
3. Communities promote positive norms for sexual and reproductive health and rights.
4. Movements support sexual and reproductive rights.
The Asia Feminist LBQ Network (LBQ Asia)
LBQ Asia is dedicated to creating a sustainable and intersectional human rights movement for the social and political inclusion of lesbian, bisexual, and queer women (LBQ). It specifically prioritises SRHR of marginalised groups within the LBQ community, such as ethnic minorities, urban poor communities, and geographically disadvantaged areas. The organisation partners with national grassroots organisations to enhance network building, capacity, and research endeavours in their respective home countries.