International Day of Action for Women’s Health also known as International Women’s Health Day is observed across the globe annually on 28th May to raise awareness about Women’s health and well-being, and is dedicated by highlighting the demands for the fulfilment of Women’s Right to health.
The theme of International Day of Action for Women’s Health 2023 is “Our Voices, Our Actions, Our Demand: Uphold Women’s Health and Rights Now.”
Significance:Â
i. The day also aims to fight against the social and gender disparities that violate women’s rights.
ii. The observance also provides information about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
iii. May 28 is also a time to celebrate and take encouragement from the hard-fought gains in health and SRHR won by social movements worldwide.
Background:
i. OnMay 28th 1987, during the International Women’s Health Meeting in Costa Rica, the Latin American and Caribbean Women’s Health Network (LACWHN) proposed to celebrate May 28 annually as the International Day of Action for Women’s Health.
ii. LACWHN, being the leading regional network, took the responsibility of promoting and coordinating the regional actions of the day across Latin America.
iii. While Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR), the global network has been requested to front line the May 28 campaign globally.
- Since then, the Women’s health activists, advocates and their communities all over the world have commemorated May 28th as International Day of Action for Women’s Health.
What is SRHR?
i. SRHR encompasses the different human rights related to sexuality and reproduction, such as sexual health, sexual rights, reproductive health, and reproductive rights. Everyone, including children and adolescents, is entitled to SRHR.
ii. It’s an essential part of universal health coverage, which not only includes the absence of disease or dysfunction, but also ensures physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being.
Note: World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as a joint initiative established the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Universal health Coverage Learning by Sharing Portal (SRHR-UHC LSP).
iii. The following rights are included in the SRHR:
- Receive sexuality-related information
- Essential Sexuality education
- Pick their partner
- Take the decision to be engaged in sexual activity or not
- Make use of modern contraception.
- Access to Maternity care
- An abortion that is both safe and effective, as well as post-abortion care.
- Understand how to avoid, care for, and treat sexually transmitted illnesses and infections.
About Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR):
Founded in– 1984
Executive Director– Marevic Parcon
Headquarters– Manila, Philippines
