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.

New logo from government of Canada that reads, in partnership with Canada.

Issues at a Glance

57
births per 1000 deliveries for girls aged 15-19 place the Philippines as the country with the third highest rate of teenage pregnancies in South Asia.
54%
of all pregnancies in the Philippines are unintended.
90%
of unintended pregnancies occur among women who either use ineffective contraception methods or don't use any method.

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 
International partner organization 

You can put decision making power back in women's hands.

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