Who We Are

We are a Southern-based global, member-driven network that builds and strengthens movements for Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights (SRHR) and justice. We work to realise the full SRHR of all people, with a particular focus on the most marginalised.

Established in 1984 in the Netherlands, WGNRR has 30 years’ experience of mobilising and campaigning on SRHR issues. In 2008, WGNRR relocated the Coordinating Office from Amsterdam to Manila, where it is currently headquartered.

WGNRR has a consultative status with the United Nations (ECOSOC). We are not a funding or donor organisation.

When women from all over the world during the 4th International Women and Health Meetings (IWHM) in 1984 broke their silence and asserted solidarity for women’s reproductive health and rights, the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) was born.1

WGNRR is a global SRHR advocacy network with a membership base

We fulfill a critical role in ensuring that the content of global civil society advocacy is informed by local and national SRHR concerns. We also work to ensure that there are mechanisms to feed back global policy shifts to those working at community and national levels.

Our approach to working with network members and strategic partners

Empowerment– Our members and allies are empowered and supported to take actions based on their own knowledge and experiences.

Grassroots & community led– Our actions are informed and led by grassroots and community organisations and the people whose lives are affected by international agreements such as Human Rights treaties, ICPD and the MDGs.

In partnership– We work globally, in partnership with members, SRHR activists and allies to strengthen its impact and work to achieve shared goals.

Our Reach

Our network consists of over 1000 individual and organisational members in 105 countries. We currently boast of 450 organisational members in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean and Oceania.

WGNRR’s engagement with her members differs within regions and countries depending on the local status of SRHR and the most appropriate way WGNRR can share knowledge, experiences and skills between members and where required, provide capacity building support.

1. Stephanie Bracken, 25 Years of WGNRR, Special 25th Year Anniversary WGNRR Newsletter 2008