In 2023, MSI stayed close to the core of our mission: giving women control over decisions about their bodies and their futures. We delivered care to people where they needed it most—from the world’s most remote communities to humanitarian frontlines.
Our partners and supporters are the bedrock of MSI, and we’re proud to share our collective impact in our latest annual review. Read first-hand stories from our healthcare providers, clients, and partners, showing what MSI’s work really means to women and girls.
For the longer report including commentary on MSI’s commitments, strategic goals and financial statements, see our Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023.
STORIES FROM 2023 IN THEIR OWN WORDS…
MSI is made up of almost 9,000 dedicated professionals fighting for and delivering reproductive choice around the world. In the following stories, hear from our healthcare providers, clients, and partners on why and how they choose choice.
Anna’s story: I choose choice by giving women life-changing contraception
Anna provides contraception in Sierra Leone. She’s a force of nature, well known across the country for changing lives. She shares her story, and why she’s proud to provide contraception.
“They call me ‘Mama G’. G as in General. That’s because I’ve worked in family planning for 24 years, so they see me as a leader. I’ve worked all over Sierra Leone providing contraception.”
Mi Mi’s story: I choose choice by providing healthcare in a humanitarian crisis
Mi Mi leads programme support for MSI Myanmar. She manages our frontline staff’s safety and ability to deliver care, which is difficult right now. Myanmar is one of nine MSI countries experiencing a humanitarian crisis.
“Public health facilities aren’t functioning well. They suffer from a shortage of supplies and staff, and some hospitals have been forced to close for months. MSI is still operating, and we’re filling the gaps wherever we can.“
Inonge’s story: I choose choice by travelling to remote communities to serve those who need us most
Inonge is the Operations Director for MSI Zambia. She oversees the outreach programme, where teams travel far distances into communities to provide care.
“When I travel with our outreach teams, it’s not uncommon to find 100 women from a community queueing for contraception. Some walked tens of kilometres to get there; some passed through game parks, risking their lives against lions.“
Reverend Cliff’s story: I choose choice by using my power as a religious leader to advocate for reproductive rights
Reverend Cliff is a minister of the church, and coordinates the ‘Religious Leaders Network for Choice’ in Malawi. They partner with MSI Malawi to fight for reproductive rights.
“I know I have a unique power and voice to make change. The popular view is that religion is inherently anti-choice. But I happen to know many religious people who are pro-choice because of their faith.”
Shanti’s story: I choose choice by providing abortion
Shanti is a nurse, team leader, and abortion provider for MSI Nepal. She tells us more about what abortion care is like in Nepal, and what she hopes for the future of abortion.
“It feels like we’re on a precipice and anti-choice ‘noise’ is getting scarily louder. But when I look around, I see my brave colleagues who are as passionate as I am about making abortion available to those who want it.”
Mana Zita’s story: I choose choice by advancing gender equality and inclusion
Mana Zita leads MSI Timor Leste’s work in gender equality and social inclusion. She shares more about how and why MSI is creating a more inclusive culture, from the inside out.
“We must be thinking about inclusivity when we’re providing services. If we don’t, people are left behind and we move even further towards an unequal, unjust world.“
Shelia and Hingis’s stories: I choose choice by accessing contraception, so I can have the future I want
Hingis and Sheila are friends who are both MSI clients and university students in Ghana. We spoke to them at their university about their hopes for the future and why they choose to use MSI’s services.
“I have a long way ahead of me with my studies, so it’s important that I have contraception, so that I don’t get pregnant right now. I don’t want to be in a situation that I didn’t choose.”
Mara’s story: I choose choice by funding MSI and partnering to build a better future
Mara is a Senior Manager at the philanthropic Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, also known as CIFF. She’s worked closely with MSI since 2021.
“For that girl in DRC who was over the moon with her contraceptive method. And for the 17-year-old girl who can remain in school because she could access a safe medical abortion. These people are my why. Funding partnerships like ours create huge change at the most local level.”
Asma’s story: I choose choice by ensuring it’s here for the long term
Asma is the Country Director of MSS, a locally based NGO in Pakistan supported by the global MSI partnership. She reflects on the innovations making reproductive choice more sustainable for the future.
“Because we’re rooted here, it also helps us think long-term. We’ve ramped up efforts to make sure reproductive choice is sustainable, so women and girls will be able to access it for generations to come.”
The impact of choice
Reproductive choice has a ripple effect and builds a fairer world for everyone. Learn more about its impact.
Calculate your impact
Calculate the impact we could make together with MSI’s Impact Investment Calculator.
Read the Annual Review
For the full stories and more commentary about our shared impact last year, read our Annual Review.
