PAI Awarded $2 Million by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation to Support Reproductive Health and Rights
For Immediate Release
PAI today announced that it has been awarded a $2 million grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation in support of PAI’s Reproductive Health Advocacy Partnership (RHAP). Under the grant, PAI will build on eight years of partnership with civil society organizations in Malawi and Zambia to expand access to family planning and reproductive health services.
“We are so thankful to the Hewlett Foundation for their ongoing, trusted partnership and for recognizing that, in the face of political, social, and economic challenges, civil society is the backbone of progress and resilience,” said Nabeeha Kazi Hutchins, President and CEO of PAI. “This year, PAI marks 60 years of advancing the health, rights, and potential of women and young people worldwide. The consequential support of the Hewlett Foundation strengthens the ability of PAI and our partners to amplify evidence for policy change, build grassroots movements, drive accountability, and ensure that our voices shape a future where every woman, girl, and young person has the power and the means to thrive.”
Hewlett’s support for Malawi and Zambia recognizes urgent action to tackle the unacceptably high rate of preventable maternal deaths and unintended pregnancies among Malawian and Zambian youth, where nearly 50% and 40% of all pregnancies respectively are among adolescents. Through RHAP, local partners build coordinated advocacy strategies; hold political leadership accountable; address barriers such as contraceptive stock-outs and misinformation; and increase domestic financing for reproductive health.
“The Hewlett Foundation is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with PAI, especially as they mark 60 years of advancing global health, human rights, and gender equality,” said Janet Holt, Program Officer in Gender Equity and Governance at the Hewlett Foundation. “We remain deeply committed to supporting sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice. Together with PAI and local organizations in Malawi and Zambia, we are elevating the leadership of civil society organizations that are driving urgent change. This renewed commitment reflects our shared belief that when local advocates—and the organizations that stand with them—have the resources, tools, and support they need, they can drive meaningful change that protects the lives and well-being of women and girls and helps build thriving families and communities where reproductive health and rights are fully realized.”
PAI gratefully acknowledges all funders and supporters of the Reproductive Health Advocacy Partnership, most notably, the Hewlett Foundation, which has supported this initiative since 2016. We also proudly recognize and thank our coalition partners for their collaboration and leadership in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in Malawi and Zambia: Banja La Mtsogolo, Centre for Reproductive Health and Education, Copper Rose, Marie Stopes Zambia, and Pakachere Institute of Health and Development Communication.
Click here to learn more about RHAP.
About PAI
For 60 years, PAI has championed policies that enable women and youth to exercise their sexual and reproductive health and rights and eliminate barriers to the life-saving supplies and services they need. We achieve change by strengthening civil society partners’ advocacy capacity and advancing policy, legal, and funding solutions that make sexual and reproductive health care accessible, sustainable and undeniable.