Supporting Local Research and Evidence Generation
As one of the few individual members of APA, I have had a chance to contribute to and learn from several of the initiativesof the alliance, in particular those focused on evidence generation for advancing SRHR. I was fortunate to be involved in the development of the, Changing the SRHR narratives in Asia and the Pacific (2020.report. also served as a Task Force member for the CSO-led self-care initiatives in Asia and the Pacific (2021) where I contributed towards designing research and reviewing the findings and report. I have thoroughly learned and enjoyed APA members’ meetings where we had the opportunity to reiterate our solidarity and also share learnings and best practices.
One of the greatest strengths of APA is communication. As a member of APA, we receive information about ongoing SRHR related initiatives, reading materials and opportunities. For example, the Call for Papers was shared for the CSO-led self-care initiative project. I had always wanted to conduct a study on self-care practices in Nepal but had limited resources to do so up until this point. I connected with Alexa at the APA Coordinating Office and with their help, I got an opportunity to conduct a qualitative research on Experience, practices and safeguards to enhance access to quality, evidence based self-care interventions for Sexual and Reproductive Health in Nepal. This showcases how the APA alliance leads by example and provides opportunities for regional cooperation to advance SRHR and evidence building. The research paper is one of the very few studies conducted on self-care initiatives in Nepal. As the toolkit suggested for follow-up action to collect grassroots evidence or national or local evidence, we have now findings regarding different self-care related practices. Facilitators and barriers of self-care initiatives are alsoidentified. These findings will be crucial for evidence-based advocacy and lobby. We intend to share these findings at the national level and at the regional level.
"APA has helped me network with wider SRHR activists across the region, gave me opportunities to contribute significantly on SRHR related issues, expanded my horizon and supported me with my advocacy work."
APA has a pool of SRHR advocates who are contributing significantly to making sexual and reproductive health and rights a reality for all. Through my activism and engagement and the grassroot level, I am working hard to generate evidence and develop evidence-based advocacy. APA has helped me network with wider SRHR activists across the region, gave me opportunities to contribute significantly on SRHR related issues, expanded my horizon and supported me with my advocacy work. APA supports not just organizations but provides spaces for individuals to get involved and contribute significantly.
P.S: An individual too can make a big difference and inspire others to continue their advocacy in advancing SRHR!
