Dutch Cofinancing System II 2011-2015

dance4life is participating in two alliances to apply for subsidies from the Dutch Cofinancing System II 2011-2015 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs grant framework): Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance and the International HIV and AIDS Alliance, the Netherlands.

Sexual rights for all.
The SRHR Alliance, a cooperation of organisations WPF/MYBODY, Rutgers Nisso Group, AMREF Nederland, CHOICE, Simavi and dance4life international, are requesting approximately 69 million euros in subsidy from Minister Koenders for development work for the period 2011-2015.

Together stronger
The money is to be used for a joint programme to tackle poverty, which will give people worldwide access to equal sexual rights. In 10 countries in Asia and Africa, the organisation and their partners will combine their expertise and work on the improvement of sexual and reproductive healthcare, sex education, to tackle violence against women and the individual’s freedom of expression regarding sexual identity (homosexual, bisexual etc)

Rights versus reality.
Sexual and reproductive rights are basic human rights. Everybody should have access to correct information regarding sexuality in order to make his/her own decisions. This is not always the reality. Annually, more than 500,000 women die during pregnancy or childbirth due to, for example, not receiving professional support. Worldwide, one in three women has been affected by sexual violence.

Contribution to the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs)
The MDGs lack specific attention to sexual rights. Reproductive rights, such as legal abortion, remain controversial. The Alliance, with her programme, will put sexual and reproductive health and rights on the agenda for an integrated approach. Their activities will contribute to the success of MDG 3 (gender equality), 5 (health of mothers) and 6 (HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria.

On the 1st of April, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will announce which alliances will be eligible for a subsidy. It is expected that 30 submissions will be successful.