Problem Analysis: Volunteers have played a pioneering role in the South Asia Region. They took up family planning when it was still controversial and demonstrated to their respective governments the benefits to society of good quality reproductive health programmes. Through the early efforts of the MAs, South Asian countries now commit substantial resources to their national reproductive health programmes.

Changing priorities however, and especially with a greater focus on the 5As, call for more varied skills and expertise from volunteers at ever level. The challenge for the MAs is to recruit volunteers, both at the local and national level, who are capable of providing the necessary leadership and expertise in the field of SRH.

Being a voluntary organisation, IPPF actively encourages and seeks the support of voulnteers in the areas of:

• Adocacy
• Resource Mobilisation
• Policy Formulation
• Stewardship of MA

A Regional Meeting on Roles and Responsibilities of volunteers in 2002 recommended capacity building of the volunteers in the above ares to ensure that the voluntary structures continue ti play an effective and productive role in the work of the MAs. In addition, focus was given to ensuring condusive conditions were created in the MAs to enhance the participation of women and youth in the governing bodies of the MAs.

Strategic Direction:  SARO will work towards developing the skills of volunteers at every level to advocate strongly for increased commitment and resources for SRH and to strengthen their ability to provide leadership in this area.

Goal: To increase public, political and financial support for sexual and reproductive health and rights in the countries of South Asia.

Objective:  Develop the capacity of the volunteers to provide support to MAs in advocacy for resource moblisation.

Activities:

• Work with MAs to recruit committed, knowledgeable and able volunteers from all sectors of society to serve IPPF's objectives and develop effective mechanisms of communication with them. Provide the volunteers with training in relevant leadership skills where appropriate.
• Encourage the involvement of women, client groups, youth and the disadvantaged on volunteer boards and committees and increase the participation of women in leadership/management positions in MAs.
• Provide orientation for volunteers and staff on the work IPPF and MAs and on the respective responsibilities and obligations of both volunteers and staff regarding good governance and management.
• Work with MAs to establisg a continuing programme of orientation and consultation for key influential groups-such as parliamentarians, community leaders and the media etc.,-in order to mobilise more resources.
• Provide technical assistance to FPAs in all aspects of their work relating to governance, management and accountability.
• Work with MAs to develop detailed 'job descriptions' for all voluntary positions.

Outcomes and Indicators: