Planned Parenthood Global Launches IDEA Forum to Spur Innovation in Reproductive Health in Latin America
For Immediate Release: Oct. 23, 2017
New York, NY - Planned Parenthood Global is pleased to announce the IDEA Forum, which will be the first international forum where creatives, tech agencies, and new media will brainstorm solutions to strengthen access to health and reproductive rights in Latin America.
“There is something inherent to our work in sexual and reproductive health that begs creativity and thinking outside the box,” said Latanya Mapp Frett, executive director of Planned Parenthood Global. “In a time when reproductive rights are under attack around the world, it’s important now more than ever to innovate and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to bring together the techies, the creatives, and the change-makers who we believe have a critical role to play.”
In Latin America, economic and social development languishes as women and youth continue to be denied access to information and services necessary for them to make decisions regarding their reproductive health. Through motivational talks, panels with experts, innovation labs, networking activities, and pitch sessions, participants will have the opportunity to become designers and leaders of an emerging movement that promotes innovation in reproductive health and rights in Latin America. The IDEA Forum will reward the three most revolutionary ideas with a seed fund along with technical support to make them a reality.
"Transformative approaches are absolutely vital. Technology and communications are revolutionizing Latin America,” said Dee Redwine, Latin America regional director of Planned Parenthood Global. “We are convinced that they have the power to solve some of the biggest problems around reproductive health and thus improve the lives of millions of people in the region.”
The IDEA Forum will be held Nov. 16-17, 2017 in Quito, Ecuador. For more information, please visit iniciativaidea.org.
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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.
For more than 45 years, Planned Parenthood Federation of America has supported access to sexual and reproductive health care and advocated for reproductive rights around the world through our international arm, Planned Parenthood Global. In partnership with more than 100 organizations across 12 focus countries in Africa and Latin America, we advance the health and rights of young people, women, and families, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable and underserved. Last year, our partners reached 1.5 million people with sexual and reproductive health information and services. Our unique sustainability model sets us apart, as we empower partners to stand on their own. We help grassroots organizations develop solid reproductive health programs, identify other sources of funding, build their communications and advocacy skills, and develop strategic plans.