Strengthening safe passage for migrants by improving access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Sexual and Gender Based Violence services in emergencies
Migration across South and Central America continues to pose significant challenges for migrants, particularly women, girls, and LGBTIQ+ individuals. These groups face heightened risks of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and barriers to accessing essential Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services. Recognising these urgent and evolving needs, hera partnered with IPPF under the Safe Passage Programme to design a new initiative by launching a strategic Call for Proposals through this comprehensive consultancy, laying a strong foundation for future interventions.
The consultancy aimed to support a multi-country and multi-partner consortia that will implement SRH and SGBV programming across the region. Our work was guided by three core components: conducting a situation analysis, assessing the capacity of key member associations, and developing a regional strategy through a co-created Theory of Change.
A comprehensive situation analysis
hera began by carrying out a detailed situation analysis across eight priority countries: Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. This analysis explored migration routes and the specific vulnerabilities of marginalised populations, including girls, women, people with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIESC), individuals with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.
The analysis identified gaps in SRH and SGBV service provision, reviewed interventions by various organisations, and examined the impact of migration policies in sending, transit, and receiving countries. Each country profile included:
An overview of migratory routes and patterns
Risks and barriers to accessing SRH and SGBV services in emergencies
Mapping of existing services and key providers
Opportunities for partnerships to strengthen service delivery
A review of relevant laws and regulations affecting migrants
To ensure accuracy and inclusivity, the methodology combined stakeholder engagement, key informant interviews (KIIs), desk review, and country visits. This approach allowed for triangulation of data and a nuanced understanding of the regional context.
Assessing capacity for emergency response
The second phase focused on evaluating the operational capacity of eight IPPF member associations in each country, along migration routes. Using a standardised tool refined by hera, we assessed their ability to deliver SRH and SGBV services in emergency contexts. The assessment covered:
Current SRH / SGBV services and alignment with the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP)
Human resources and technical expertise
Coordination and partnerships
Supplies, commodities, and infrastructure
Data and information systems
Financing and governance
Our findings highlighted key strengths, best practices, and gaps that need to be addressed to improve emergency response. Recommendations were provided to strengthen member association’s capacity to meet the needs of people on the move. .
Building a regional consortium
To conclude the consultancy, hera facilitated a three-day workshop in Bogota, Colombia with representatives from all participating member associations and IPPF. The workshop served as a platform to validate findings, share experiences, and co-create a Theory of Change that guided the Call for Proposals under IPPF’s Safe Passage Programme (STREAM 2). This collaborative process ensured that future interventions are rights-based, gender-sensitive, and responsive to the realities faced by people on the move.
Since the consultancy started in 2025, the operating context in the region has become increasingly complex. Changes in the U.S. administration, shifting migration patterns, evolving policy environments, and substantial reductions in funding have strained service provision across the region. Many civil society and women’s organisations have experienced cuts in financial and operational support, directly affecting the availability and continuity of lifesaving SRH and SGBV services for people on the move, making this Call for Proposals even more relevant and timely.
hera’s involvement in this initiative reflects our commitment to advancing health and protection for vulnerable populations in humanitarian settings. By combining regional expertise, strong partnerships, and evidence-based approaches, we aim to drive impactful change and improve access to essential services for those who need them most.
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