Sexual Health and Empowerment (SHE)
Development Project
Sexual Health and Empowerment (SHE)
She can take control of her body and her future
The Situation
Deep-rooted social norms make it difficult for women and girls to take charge of their sexual health in the Philippines.
Factors like gender inequality and violence, child, early and forced marriage, and sex trafficking limit women's control over their sexual health and other important life choices. Accessing sexual health services is also challenging for many young adults as they are required to obtain parental consent, compounded by the lack of comprehensive sex education in schools.
Teen pregnancy is a critical issue in the country. Many women have little choice regarding how many children they want and how often they want to have them. In 2012, the Philippines passed a law ensuring universal access to contraception, sex education, and maternal care. However, the law is not effectively implemented, and many girls and women still face obstacles in accessing the healthcare and services they need.
DETAILS
LOCATION
Philippines
DURATION
7 years (2018-2025)
Lire la description du programme en français (PDF).
OUR SUPPORTERS
This project is undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada, provided through Global Affairs Canada, and the generous Canadian public.
What are we doing?
EDUCATION
Training public health workers and working with men and women to change negative attitudes on sexual and reproductive health and rights
BREAKING BARRIERS
Addressing barriers, such as gender inequality and a lack of resources, that prevent women from exercising their rights.
ADVOCACY
Supporting local organizations to advocate for change.
What do we hope to achieve?
SHE will address barriers that prevent women from exercising their right to sexual health care, advocate for the country's law mandating universal access be respected, and support local organizations to reach women and girls who wouldn't otherwise be able to access vital information and services.
The project aims to achieve this by strengthening local access to vital information and services, so women and girls can take control of their bodies and futures. It will also support public education in communities and training of health care workers to shift attitudes, increase knowledge, and improve access to sexual and reproductive health information and services.
SHE will also build skills and knowledge in women's rights organizations to conduct research and advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights, including the prevention of gender-based violence.
Our project partners
The Philippines
- Al-Mujadilah Development Foundation (AMDF)
- Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP)
- Mayon Integrated Development Alternatives and Services (MIDAS)
- Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan (PKKK)
- Sibog Katawhan Alang sa Paglambo (SiKAP)
- Tarbilang Foundation
- United Youth of the Philippines Women (UnYPhil)
International partner organization
You can put decision making power back in women's hands.