PAI's Study Tour to Mexico

Don't miss this unique behind-the-scenes look at how PAI’s work impacts the lives of women and their families.

Dates: June 1– 7, 2008

Locations in-country: Mexico City, Cuernavaca, Tepoztlán

PAI’s Study Tour to Mexico offers an exclusive opportunity to learn about the importance of family planning, reproductive health services, and the enhancement of women’s status for the improvement of individual well-being and the overall development of a country. With a combination of rural and urban health clinics, advocacy organizations, a fascinating political landscape and a variety of indigenous groups—as well as breathtaking scenery and Mayan and Aztec ruins—Mexico provides the perfect opportunity for exploring a rich cultural heritage while learning about some of the most pressing issues facing women, families and youth today. Study Tour Participants will be challenged to confront the injustices—as well as the success stories—that define the state of Mexican sexual and reproductive health and rights.

This unique, behind-the-scenes experience—connecting one-on-one with Mexican health care service-providers, women’s rights advocates and community workers through informal conversations—will deepen participants’ understanding of international family planning and its impact on global development. Participants will leave Mexico inspired by the many individuals who are fighting for the reproductive health supplies and services they need to provide a better life for themselves and their families.

Activities:

• Meet community-based health promoters and hear about their work with women living with HIV/AIDS
• Speak with NGO workers that run a successful program to reduce maternal injury and death by working with indigenous midwives
• Visit a public hospital and an urban, private MEXFAM
clinic (an International Planned Parenthood Federation affiliate) where family planning and reproductive health care services are offered
• Learn about the barriers faced by women and youth to accessing contraception
• Hear first-hand from advocates at Equidad de Género about the obstacles to promoting gender equity and preventing violence against women in Mexico
• Learn about the successful advocacy strategy that led to the unprecedented decriminalization of abortion in Mexico City

Participants of the Study Tour will also enjoy some of Mexico's many cultural treasures and experience its beautiful natural environment.

Some of the places they will visit include:

• Aztec ruins, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Place - all located in Mexico City in one of the biggest public squares in the world
• Tepoztlán: a colonial town with cobbled streets, an outdoor market, a historic cathedral, and lively streets, nestled in a valley between an expanse of cliffs and mountains
• The museum and former home of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo in the Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City

Cost:

The cost of the trip is $5,000 plus airfare. Included in the cost is your hotel stay for six nights, all meals, recreation, a private van and chauffeur for seven days, gasoline, an interpreter, and a local staff member from PAI’s partner agency who will serve as your guide.

*Participants will stay in secure, high quality accommodations.

More Information:

View the Study Tour Itinerary and Trip Summary for more details.

To become a part of the Study Tour, contact PAI’s Special Initiatives Coordinator, Christine Bixiones, at cbixiones@popact.org, or (202) 557-3425