The ODAS movement comprises all the players in the safe abortion movement in French-speaking Africa.
The ODAS movement includes state institutions, technical and financial partners, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, youth groups, feminist networks, national and international academic and non-governmental organizations, individuals and any other relevant profiles working to dismantle the stigma of abortion, reduce unsafe abortion and defend sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Government Ministries (health, gender, justice, etc.), Parliamentarians, etc.
National Coalitions
Feminists and youth groups
Human Rights Commissions
Local and regional international NGOs
Global health players
ODAS Centre objectives
Organize the ODAS movement and federate the various players working on the safe abortion ecosystem in French-speaking Africa.
Support the partners of the safe abortion movement in French-speaking Africa from a technical, organizational, operational and financial point of view by promoting access to resources.
Facilitating the exchange of best practices to support the movement
Recognizing the achievements of movement partners
Collect up-to-date data on safe abortion worldwide and in the French-speaking region, to feed the movement and guide its dynamics
Creating interactive and active dynamics around safe abortion in French-speaking African countries
Ensure a feedback and data-sharing mechanism between movement partners and between partners and the center.
ODAS Movement identity
Our common goals
Expanding access to safe abortion care in French-speaking Africa
Improving all components of the sustainable abortion ecosystem Facilitating interaction and sharing
To create the necessary conditions for access to all safe abortion services in French-speaking Africa.
(well-being, psychological support, post abortion care)
Building on innovation in abortion care
in French-speaking Africa
Creating a framework for exchange, sharing and solidarity
members of the movement
Build a strong, solid, dynamic, committed and regional front
around safe abortion
Strengthen experience-based action methodologies
other regions
Supporting each other and responding appropriately to attempts to hinder each other
the actions of human rights defenders by improving all comp
Our shared values
Reproductive autonomy
- We recognize and respect the inherent right of individuals to make decisions about their reproductive health, including the choice to access services.
- We support comprehensive reproductive health education and counseling that empowers individuals to make informed choices.
Intersectionality and inclusiveness
- We recognize and address the complex intersections of gender, race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation and other identities in our work.
- We aim to be inclusive, ensuring that our efforts are accessible and respond to the diverse needs and experiences of all people seeking safe abortion services.
Collaboration and partnership
- We see collaboration and partnership as essential to achieving our common goals in the safe abortion movement.
- We foster an environment of mutual respect, trust and transparency between partner organizations, valuing diversity of perspectives and expertise.
Gender equality and feminist principles
- We uphold feminist principles and advocate for gender equality, challenging patriarchal norms and structures that restrict bodily autonomy and reproductive rights.
- We work to dismantle gender discrimination and promote equity in all aspects of reproductive health care, including access to safe abortion.
Evidence-based approaches
- We prioritize evidence-based approaches in our work, drawing on scientific research, data and best practices to inform our strategies and interventions.
- We support research initiatives that contribute to the knowledge base on safe abortion practices, outcomes and impact on individuals and communities.
Advocacy and policy change
- We engage in advocacy efforts to promote policies and laws that protect and expand access to safe abortion services.
- We strive to challenge harmful rhetoric, remove systemic barriers and create an environment conducive to access to safe abortion.
Reproductive justice
- We work to achieve reproductive justice, recognizing that access to safe abortion is interconnected with broader social, economic and political factors.
- We advocate policies and practices that go beyond legality to ensure equitable access to safe abortion, without barriers or stigma.
Ethical standards and confidentiality
- We adhere to high ethical standards, guaranteeing the confidentiality and privacy of those seeking safe abortion services.
- We respect the autonomy and dignity of each individual, defending their rights throughout the abortion care process.
Our membership clauses
By becoming members of the ODAS movement, partners working in the authentic spirit of the movement can
- Network to support access to safe abortion in their organizations/countries/regions
- Benefit from strategic and technical guidance and financial support to develop initiatives in line with the movement’s objectives
- Participate in defining national and regional strategies for access to safe abortion in French-speaking Africa
- Benefit from support from the center, depending on needs and availability of funds, to participate in national, regional and international events to propose actions and be part of key decisions for the movement
- Adhere to the ODAS charter and contribute to the objectives of the movement
- Are part of the information-sharing mechanisms set up by the ODAS center and contribute to the sharing of information and news on their activities.
Partners are accountable to the movement for the actions carried out around safe abortion.
- Support the movement’s joint initiatives and share key data to change the dynamics of access to abortion
- Support the movement’s common initiatives and share crucial data to change the dynamics of access to abortionShare with the ODAS center information related to their initiatives on access to safe abortion in their organizations/countries/regions to enable the center to relay the information and/or create partnerships within the movement
- Facilitate the national and regional anchoring of the ODAS center according to their possibilities
- Maintain the confidentiality of inter-movement data according to the degree of sensitivity communicated by the ODAS center
- Respect the intellectual property of data from the center and/or other partners of the movement.