To empower women means to respect and protect their rights. To empower women means educating every woman out there on the strength they possess as a woman.
That's why the United Nations Population Fund Philippines (UNFPA) is raising the discussion on women's struggles, specifically on topics including violence against women and children, child marriages, and adolescent pregnancy.
UNFPA campaigns for universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights in the Philippines
There is a much-needed focus on the Philippines' take on sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights. Breaking into the conservative culture of Filipinos, the UNFPA is pushing for the passage of the Adolescent Pregnancy Bill.
"[The bill] guarantees access to reproductive health services for adolescents without parental consent under specific circumstances," the UNFPA explained. Reportedly, the Adolescent Pregnancy Bill is now awaiting passage in the Senate. The organization emphasizes that the proposed measure aims to reduce adolescent pregnancies in the country.
The UNFPA proclaimed, "It is important to realize that fulfilling sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) is crucial for us to achieve gender equality. SRHR prevents severe health consequences and other vulnerabilities that women face. But it’s not just about women's health. It's about dismantling the power structures that perpetuate gender inequality."
"With comprehensive sexuality education, young people will know how to protect their health, make informed decisions, and challenge gender norms and stereotypes. By ensuring women have control over their reproductive choices, we create a society where they can participate equally in all aspects of life," they further explained.
UNFPA calls on the government to support women's fight for gender equality
The UNFPA further reported that 2022 numbers from the Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) indicated that 18 percent of Filipinas who were married or committed to a sexual partner experienced physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
What was more concerning about the report was that 2 out of 5 of those women chose to stay silent and preferred not to seek help.
Moreover, there is a disturbing phenomenon of child marriages in the country, with approximately 286,000 or 5.6 percent of Pinays aged 15 to 19 years old already married. This is amid the passage of the Republic Act No. 11596 or the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act in the Philippines. In 2019, a report also defined child marriages as the fifth most cited cause of out-of-school youth for children aged 12 to 17 years old.
The UNFPA strongly calls on the Philippine government to take part in safeguarding women's rights and security. With a National Action Plan To End Violence Against Women on the horizon, the organization strives for a better future for Filipinas.
"We echo the CEDAW’s (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women) call for enforcement of legislation and policies, provision of quality survivor-centered essential services for all women and girls in all contexts, and the scaling-up of evidence-based prevention strategies," the UNFPA's statement read.
UNFPA asserts investment in women as important influencers in the world
Women empowerment is not just about achieving equality, but also about creating a safe space—an inclusive and encompassing community—for everyone.
"Women are the foundation of families, the driving force behind many businesses, and the nurturers of our communities. When we invest in women, especially those marginalized, we invest in a brighter future for everyone. It's high time we invest in women, especially those who are marginalized," the UNFPA declared.
