New Alliance to Advance Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights from the Local Level
International cooperation NGO JOICFP is launching the 'SRHR Promotion Local Assembly Members' Federation,' a non-partisan network to advance Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) from local communities. This initiative aims to address SRHR issues at the regional level by collaborating with local assembly members, who are closest to residents, and will kick off with an online study session for local assembly members on May 13, 2026.
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- 📰 Published: April 30, 2026 at 19:22
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International cooperation NGO JOICFP (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) will launch the 'SRHR Promotion Local Assembly Members' Federation,' a non-partisan network transcending political parties and factions, to promote Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
In recent years, interest in issues related to SRHR, such as comprehensive sexuality education, youth support, and prevention of sexual violence, has been growing in various parts of Japan. However, these issues are still often treated as 'individual problems,' and access to necessary knowledge, support, and systems remains insufficient.
JOICFP believes that these issues must also be addressed at the local level. Therefore, it has supported the establishment of the SRHR Local Assembly Federation to connect with local assembly members, who are the policymakers closest to residents, and work towards resolving these challenges.
Background: SRHR Practices Beginning to Advance in Local Communities
JOICFP has been working to promote SRHR both domestically and internationally. In Japan, in collaboration with schools and local governments, it has developed interactive learning programs on SRHR, focusing on topics such as menstruation, contraception, sexual consent, and gender.
Furthermore, initiatives led by local youth and the promotion of comprehensive sexuality education in collaboration with local governments are expanding in various regions. To broaden these 'point' initiatives into a 'surface' (widespread movement), a mechanism for mutual learning among regions and implementation as policy is essential.
Role of the 'SRHR Promotion Local Assembly Members' Federation'
The SRHR Local Assembly Federation aims to advance SRHR from the local level through the following initiatives:
- Conducting study sessions and information sharing for local assembly members
- Sharing information on ordinance proposals and policy guidelines
- Sharing best practices from other local governments
- Supporting evidence-based policy recommendations
Based on its knowledge cultivated in over 40 countries and regions worldwide, JOICFP will support policy formulation tailored to local circumstances.
Citizen Action Boosts Policy
The launch of the SRHR Local Assembly Federation is also linked to the expansion of the 'White Ribbon Run,' a charity event organized by JOICFP. In 2026, it was held at 62 locations nationwide, with over 5,000 participants from all 47 prefectures.
This initiative, led by local residents, has received cooperation and sponsorship from many local governments, indicating that increased citizen interest is also leading to increased interest in policy. From 2026 onwards, donations from this event will also be utilized for collaboration with the SRHR Local Assembly Federation and knowledge provision, thereby promoting concrete policy advancement in local communities.
Changing Society from the Grassroots
JOICFP has previously supported initiatives in African and Asian communities that connect changes in individual awareness and behavior to community-wide changes.
Leveraging this experience, the goal of the SRHR Local Assembly Federation is to build a mechanism with people across Japan where changes born in local communities spread nationwide.
SRHR is a fundamental right that concerns everyone.
JOICFP will continue to connect people and regions, aiming to realize a society where "everyone can decide their own sexuality and life."
[Kick-off] Holding a Study Session for Local Assembly Members
To mark the launch of the SRHR Local Assembly Federation, an online study session for local assembly members will be held as a kickoff event.
"SRHR Study Session for Local Assembly Members" 1st Session
— What can be done now in local communities to create a society where children and youth can live authentically, and no one becomes a victim or perpetrator —
With the spread of social media and advancements in technology, issues surrounding sexuality and human relationships for youth have become more complex. Beyond sexual violence and privacy infringement, multifaceted literacy is required, including consent, gender norms, sexual diversity, mental and physical health, and online relationships.
To address this reality, traditional education that only teaches bodily mechanisms and danger avoidance is insufficient. The introduction of "Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)" is indispensable to foster the ability of children and youth to respect themselves and others, build healthy relationships, and make autonomous decisions.
This study session will cover:
- Basics of SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights)
- What is Comprehensive Sexuality Education?
- International policy trends and scientific evidence
- Examples of practices in domestic municipalities and schools
- Specific approaches for introduction and promotion in local communities and assemblies
Event Outline
Date: May 13, 2026 (Wednesday) 20:00-21:00
Format: Online (Zoom)
Participation Fee: Free
Capacity: 50 people (first-come, first-served)
Application Deadline: May 7, 2026 (Thursday) noon
Main Contents
- Basics of SRHR and its policy significance
- Necessity of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (domestic and international perspectives)
- Points of contention that can be used in general questions
- Introduction of case studies from other municipalities
- Steps for implementation in local communities
Target Audience
Local assembly members
Contact for SRHR Local Assembly Federation inquiries
Morita, Tazoe
Email: srhr-advocacy@joi
In recent years, interest in issues related to SRHR, such as comprehensive sexuality education, youth support, and prevention of sexual violence, has been growing in various parts of Japan. However, these issues are still often treated as 'individual problems,' and access to necessary knowledge, support, and systems remains insufficient.
JOICFP believes that these issues must also be addressed at the local level. Therefore, it has supported the establishment of the SRHR Local Assembly Federation to connect with local assembly members, who are the policymakers closest to residents, and work towards resolving these challenges.
Background: SRHR Practices Beginning to Advance in Local Communities
JOICFP has been working to promote SRHR both domestically and internationally. In Japan, in collaboration with schools and local governments, it has developed interactive learning programs on SRHR, focusing on topics such as menstruation, contraception, sexual consent, and gender.
Furthermore, initiatives led by local youth and the promotion of comprehensive sexuality education in collaboration with local governments are expanding in various regions. To broaden these 'point' initiatives into a 'surface' (widespread movement), a mechanism for mutual learning among regions and implementation as policy is essential.
Role of the 'SRHR Promotion Local Assembly Members' Federation'
The SRHR Local Assembly Federation aims to advance SRHR from the local level through the following initiatives:
- Conducting study sessions and information sharing for local assembly members
- Sharing information on ordinance proposals and policy guidelines
- Sharing best practices from other local governments
- Supporting evidence-based policy recommendations
Based on its knowledge cultivated in over 40 countries and regions worldwide, JOICFP will support policy formulation tailored to local circumstances.
Citizen Action Boosts Policy
The launch of the SRHR Local Assembly Federation is also linked to the expansion of the 'White Ribbon Run,' a charity event organized by JOICFP. In 2026, it was held at 62 locations nationwide, with over 5,000 participants from all 47 prefectures.
This initiative, led by local residents, has received cooperation and sponsorship from many local governments, indicating that increased citizen interest is also leading to increased interest in policy. From 2026 onwards, donations from this event will also be utilized for collaboration with the SRHR Local Assembly Federation and knowledge provision, thereby promoting concrete policy advancement in local communities.
Changing Society from the Grassroots
JOICFP has previously supported initiatives in African and Asian communities that connect changes in individual awareness and behavior to community-wide changes.
Leveraging this experience, the goal of the SRHR Local Assembly Federation is to build a mechanism with people across Japan where changes born in local communities spread nationwide.
SRHR is a fundamental right that concerns everyone.
JOICFP will continue to connect people and regions, aiming to realize a society where "everyone can decide their own sexuality and life."
[Kick-off] Holding a Study Session for Local Assembly Members
To mark the launch of the SRHR Local Assembly Federation, an online study session for local assembly members will be held as a kickoff event.
"SRHR Study Session for Local Assembly Members" 1st Session
— What can be done now in local communities to create a society where children and youth can live authentically, and no one becomes a victim or perpetrator —
With the spread of social media and advancements in technology, issues surrounding sexuality and human relationships for youth have become more complex. Beyond sexual violence and privacy infringement, multifaceted literacy is required, including consent, gender norms, sexual diversity, mental and physical health, and online relationships.
To address this reality, traditional education that only teaches bodily mechanisms and danger avoidance is insufficient. The introduction of "Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)" is indispensable to foster the ability of children and youth to respect themselves and others, build healthy relationships, and make autonomous decisions.
This study session will cover:
- Basics of SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights)
- What is Comprehensive Sexuality Education?
- International policy trends and scientific evidence
- Examples of practices in domestic municipalities and schools
- Specific approaches for introduction and promotion in local communities and assemblies
Event Outline
Date: May 13, 2026 (Wednesday) 20:00-21:00
Format: Online (Zoom)
Participation Fee: Free
Capacity: 50 people (first-come, first-served)
Application Deadline: May 7, 2026 (Thursday) noon
Main Contents
- Basics of SRHR and its policy significance
- Necessity of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (domestic and international perspectives)
- Points of contention that can be used in general questions
- Introduction of case studies from other municipalities
- Steps for implementation in local communities
Target Audience
Local assembly members
Contact for SRHR Local Assembly Federation inquiries
Morita, Tazoe
Email: srhr-advocacy@joi