The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), the country’s leading sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) organisation, is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a registered non-governmental organisation under the Friendly Societies Act, Cap 36:04.
Formally registered on October 4, 1975, and founded in 1973 by Olga Byrne, a trailblazer in reproductive rights, GRPA has spent five decades advancing access to healthcare and fighting for justice and equality for all Guyanese.
Pioneering Work in Reproductive Rights
Since its founding, GRPA has played a critical role in shaping Guyana’s sexual and reproductive health landscape. The organisation has provided a wide range of services, from family planning and cancer screening to HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and youth-friendly support.
Notably, GRPA was instrumental in supporting the passage and implementation of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1995, making Guyana one of the first countries in the Caribbean to decriminalise abortion. Since then, the organisation has continued to offer safe abortion care and post-abortion counseling through its clinic and outreach programmes.
Trusted Global and National Partner
Over the years, GRPA has built strong partnerships locally and internationally. It is a former Member Association of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), a current partner of Fòs Feminista – the International Alliance for Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice, and an implementing partner of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
These partnerships have strengthened the Association’s ability to deliver quality services and advocate for gender equality, especially for women, youth, Indigenous communities, and other underserved groups.
50 Years of Impact
GRPA’s legacy includes:
- Serving hundreds of thousands of Guyanese through clinic and outreach services across both urban and hinterland areas
- Advocating for progressive policies, such as the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, the National Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy, and the Policy for the Reintegration of Adolescent Mothers into the Formal School System
- Strengthening the national HIV response as a recognised HIV Care and Treatment Site
- Advancing cervical cancer prevention through the incorporation of HPV screening
- Expanding services to include contraceptive access, STI testing, laboratory services, psychosocial support, and more
- Leading national dialogues on sexual rights, gender equality, and inclusion
Recommitment to the Future
As GRPA celebrates this major milestone, Executive Director Kobe Smith says the work is far from over.
“GRPA’s 50th anniversary is both a celebration and a call to action,” said Smith. “We pay tribute to the legacy of our founder, Olga Byrne, and to the brave advocates who fought for the rights we enjoy today. Our next chapter will focus on breaking new ground in healthcare delivery and ensuring that every person can live with dignity, autonomy, and wellbeing.”
Celebrating the Legacy
Throughout October 2025, GRPA will host a series of commemorative events to honour the women, youth, and communities that have shaped its history.
GRPA enters its sixth decade with renewed urgency and purpose. The organisation remains steadfast in its mission to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Guyana. In a country still grappling with inequality, stigma, and healthcare gaps, GRPA aims to push harder, speak louder, and serve better — building a future where care, equity, and autonomy are not privileges, but guarantees.
