From July 20 to 24, Ipas Bolivia hosted representatives from Ipas United States and Ipas Latin America and the Caribbean (Ipas LAC), as part of a working agenda aimed at strengthening regional coordination and building a collaborative vision that will promote the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and strategies among the different countries in the region.
The delegation consisted of Diana Moreno, Executive Director of Ipas LAC; María Elena Pérez, Director of Ipas U.S.; and Pearl Friedberg, Director of Program Support at Ipas, who, together with the Ipas Bolivia team, engaged in an intensive week of strategic meetings, field visits, and dialogue sessions with key stakeholders.
The agenda provided a firsthand look at the work that Ipas Bolivia is promoting in areas such as strengthening health services, advocacy, community access, networks of lawyers, the prevention of early and forced marriages, the development of educational tools, and support for survivors of violence.
In addition, the international representatives held meetings with members of partner organizations, community leaders, youth leaders, and national authorities, recognizing the value of the partnerships forged in Bolivia to ensure access to sexual and reproductive rights (SRR).
“This visit reaffirms that learning is a two-way process. Bolivia has developed innovative initiatives that enrich regional efforts and demonstrate the impact that collaboration among teams has on advancing greater reproductive justice in the Americas,”
During the week, planning sessions were also held between Ipas Bolivia, Ipas LAC, and Ipas U.S. to define common priorities, strengthen coordination mechanisms, and make progress toward building a regional structure that facilitates the ongoing exchange of expertise, resources, and best practices.
“As a relatively new office within the Ipas network, this visit has been an opportunity to learn from the experience, leadership, and strategies developed by Ipas Bolivia and Ipas LAC. We have seen that collaboration among offices strengthens our collective work and allows us to build more robust solutions to advance reproductive justice throughout the region. We are taking away lessons that will help strengthen the growth of Ipas U.S. and advance a regional agenda based on exchange, trust, and mutual support.”
For Ipas Bolivia, this meeting provided an opportunity to highlight the results achieved through coordinated efforts with public institutions, civil society organizations, and communities, reaffirming that regional cooperation is essential for expanding access to quality sexual and reproductive health services.
“The most effective solutions emerge when we work together. Sharing experiences across countries allows us to innovate, learn from one another, and better address the challenges facing the region.”
The visit concluded with a joint evaluation and planning meeting, during which the three offices reaffirmed their commitment to continue advancing a regional agenda based on collaboration, mutual learning, and capacity-building to respond, in a more coordinated manner, to the challenges faced by women, girls, and people with the capacity to gestate in the Americas.
“Welcoming our teams from Ipas LAC and Ipas U.S. strengthens our shared vision. Building a Network of the Americas will enable us to enhance knowledge, innovation, and collective impact in support of sexual and reproductive rights throughout the region.”