HomeFeaturesInternational Day of Action for Women's Health

International Day of Action for Women’s Health

Research-backed

Medically Reviewed By

Women, on a global scale, are continually subjected to economic, political, humanitarian, climate, and disinformation crises alongside the lack of awareness concerning Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of women.

Addressing such rapidly rising concerns, May 28th was declared the International Day of Action for Women’s Health in 1987. Ever since then, the day is celebrated by women, activists and allies to highlight the “rising demands towards the fulfilment of women’s right to health.”

The 2022 agenda for the celebration of the International Day of Action for Women’s Health is calling everyone to #ResistAndPersist and further reiterate the goals of #WomensHealthMatters and #SRHRisEssential.

The primary objective of this day is to bring activists and allies together on a single day to take action, mobilize and raise further awareness on different prospects of women’s health, including their sexual and reproductive rights.

What is the History of the International Day of Action for Women’s Health?

The initiation of the International Day of Action for Women’s Health came into fruition in 1987 and was formally recognized by the South African government.

Following South Africa, more and more countries came forward to observe this day as an important vector to educate more and more people and raise awareness surrounding the importance of the sexual and reproductive health of women globally.

The activists’ primary motto for celebrating this day was to educate more women on a global scale about their sexual and reproductive rights, irrespective of their religion and age.

Over the years, this important day has managed to address multiple women’s health concerns, including:

  • Improved Health care and medication facilities
  • Protection of women against sexually transmitted diseases like AIDs and HIV
  • Better education and awareness about contraceptives
  • Accessibility to safe abortion
  • Generating awareness surrounding the sexual and reproductive health of women

We are currently at a time where women’s rights (both sexual and reproductive) are being consistently violated. So, the need for constant mobilization and awareness among the communities is the current need of the hour.

The celebration of this day in 2022 is also to overcome the constant geopolitical threats that are becoming more and more regressive. With the constant jab at curtailing women’s rights, including the right to safe and legal abortion in several countries, it is time to denounce those attempts and stand up high against these political steps, thereby enabling women with the freedom to make decisions about their bodies, lives, and sexualities.

What is the list of rights under Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Rights?

The International Day of Action for Women’s Health prioritizes the importance of sexual and reproductive rights of women as we have mentioned from the beginning. The list of all these crucial rights involves a woman’s right to:

  • Receive information on sexuality
  • Sexuality education
  • Choose their partner
  • Decide when to have children
  • Take the decision to be sexually active or not
  • Use modern contraceptive methods
  • Access to maternity care
  • Safe abortion and post-abortion care
  • Protection and care against STDs

Conclusion

On this day of International Day of Action for Women’s Health, let us pledge to prioritize the well-being, freedom of choice and personal decisions of a woman. Every woman, irrespective of her age, religion, sexuality, nationality and preferences, should have complete freedom and right to their sexual and reproductive health.

 

 

Avatar
Somapika Dutta (B.Sc Physiology, Honours)
Somapikar holds Bachelors Degree in Physiology from University of Culcutta. She has 6+ years of experience writing in different niches, including health, tech and lifestyle. An animal enthusiast and a raging foodie, experiencing life - one day at a time.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Exclusive content

Latest article

More article