Let’s face it, even in these modern times, many are still left behind in the quest for women empowerment, gender equality, and access to essential needs such as reproductive health knowledge.

For instance, in the study shared by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), there are women’s issues that still require attention and solutions such as:

• About 8,016 mothers died of complications from pregnancy or childbirth in the last five years.
• In 2017, an estimated 10.8% or around 2.9 million of all women of reproductive age (15-49 years old) have unmet needs in Family Planning.
• In 2017, almost 1 in 4 (24%) married women (ages 15-49) experienced physical, sexual or emotional violence by their current or most recent husband.
• In 2017-2019, 83,549 girls were married at age 18 and below (adolescent marriage is 6.35% of all registered marriages).

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“This is why UNFPA and its partners, government, civil society, media and the whole society need to accelerate the pace in empowering women and girls to realize their rights and full potential,” says Dr. Leila Sajii Joudane, UNFPA Country Representative to the Philippines.

The “Here for Her” campaign is a call to action engaging all stakeholders in the aforementioned mission. The flagship campaign is launched to promote commitment to end preventable maternal deaths, end unintended pregnancies, and prevent gender-based violence and other harmful practices.

The launch of “Here for Her” campaign coincides on the day of the United Nations’ International Women’s Day with the theme of “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” Achieving gender equality is further challenged by climate change.

“Evidence shows that the situations faced by women and girls are exacerbated during emergencies due to natural disasters. Climate change is not gender-neutral. It is a multiplier of existing inequalities and vulnerabilities,” Dr. Joudane shares.

During humanitarian crises, UNFPA leads in upholding the health and dignity of women and girls by preventing and responding to gender-based violence, addressing the delivery of emergency reproductive health kits and ensuring safe childbirth. These efforts are seen in previous calamities, including Super Typhoon Odette (Rai).

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“Our focus, as always, is to ensure that the health, rights and dignity of women and girls even during the emergencies are safeguarded,” Dr. Joudane adds.

Recognizing the strength, leadership and the resilience of women even amid vulnerable situations, Dr. Joudane says that “women and girls are effective and powerful leaders and change-makers for climate adaptation and mitigation.”

With the Philippines being prone to emergencies and natural disasters, the “Here for Her” campaign is a timely and relevant initiative to support the women and girls of this nation.

For more information on UNFPA Philippines, visit philippines.unfpa.org , and follow them at facebook.com/UNFPAph/, instagram.com/unfpaph/, and twitter.com/UNFPAph.