[Amsterdam, November 2024] – Share-Net International, the world’s leading comprehensive global knowledge platform dedicated to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), is facing significant challenges as the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, its main source of funding, has communicated that it will not renew the current funding cycle beyond 2024. The Ministry has, however, allocated six months of funding to help Share-Net through the first half of 2025 while the program seeks alternative funding. This decision marks the first concrete consequence of the broader funding cuts to the Dutch Development Cooperation announced in May 2024, posing serious implications for the global SRHR knowledge landscape.  

A History of Impactful Partnership 

Since 2001, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been a strategic and steadfast partner of Share-Net. This collaboration has resulted in substantial global investments in the production, translation, and management of SRHR knowledge, enhancing accessibility to and awareness for SRHR for countless individuals and organisations. Over two decades, Share-Net has built a strong network with more than 3,500 members across 90+ countries and has supported over 120 member-led knowledge activation projects through its grant-making program initiated in 2014. This partnership has empowered the community to advance progressive SRHR policies and practices, even amid resistance to sensitive topics such as access to safe abortion, the impact of drug use on SRHR, sexual pleasure, and SRHR for the LGBTQIA+ community. In an increasingly polarized world, maintaining SRHR as a priority in global health and rights is more critical than ever. 

A Path Forward for SRHR Amid Uncertainty 

Despite this funding setback, Share-Net International and its host organisation, the KIT Institute, is committed to sustaining its efforts by seeking funding to extend the project. Following the end of the current funding cycle on December 31, 2024, a six-month transition period has been secured with continued financial support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs until June 2025. This period will allow Share-Net to maintain core functions while intensifying efforts to diversify funding sources, strengthen organizational sustainability, and scale down activities which cannot be continued. 

Share-Net International and its hubs operate through a host organisation structure, with the KIT Institute in Amsterdam hosting Share-Net International, and locally registered organisations hosting each of the hubs. This structure enables each hub’s host organisation to apply for independent funding for each Share-Net hub, fostering greater autonomy and reducing financial dependency on Share-Net International as the central funding source. With knowledge of the changing political climate in the Netherlands, Share-Net International began a process in 2024 to broaden its resource mobilisation strategy. Already, early successes include Share-Net Burundi securing additional funding for 2025. We are optimistic that in 2025 we will build on the groundwork laid in 2024 toward diversification of funding and resource mobilisation.  

Call to Action and Community Support 

In the coming weeks, Share-Net International will reach out to its extensive community for support to advocate for continued funding and share updates on this process. We encourage members to get involved and help sustain and amplify our SRHR work globally. Please help by spreading the word and sharing this article on social media. Additionally, let us know why having a global SRHR Knowledge Platform is vital for advancing the SRHR knowledge agenda, by completing the form below.  

Additionally, you can help support Share-Net further by funding us, hiring our expertise, partnering with us, or linking us with potential donors. Your involvement will make a significant impact on our future. You can read more about Share-Net’s Call to Diversify Funding and Building Partnerships here.

You can download a copy of this press release here.

For more information, please contact: 

Dorine Thomissen and Maria Codina, Coordinators of Share-Net International .

Email: info@share-netinternational.org, d.thomissen@kit.nl, or m.codina@kit.nl  

Website: www.share-netinternational.org 

Social Media: LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Facebook.