Organon’s Post

On World Contraception Day 2024, we unite in our commitment to ensuring universal access to high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. The theme "Catalysts for Resilience: Autonomy, Dignity, and Quality Care in Sexual and Reproductive Health Amid a World of Crises" serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of contraceptive services. In the face of global challenges, access to contraceptives is vital for building resilience in diverse communities, empowering individuals, especially women and girls in rural areas, to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and futures. Statistics show that 220 million women worldwide lack access to modern contraceptives, and every $1 invested in family planning yields $4 in economic benefits (UNFPA). Contraceptive use reduces maternal mortality by 30% (WHO). Despite these benefits, disparities persist, with rural communities often having limited access to contraceptive services. Today, we pledge to bridge this gap and promote reproductive autonomy as a fundamental right for women. This will help break cycles of poverty, improve access to education and economic opportunities, enhance overall well-being, and strengthen communities. As we mark World Contraception Day 2024, let us challenge harmful norms and stigma surrounding reproductive health, celebrate the strength and resilience of individuals advocating for their rights, promote comprehensive sexuality education, and enhance healthcare infrastructure in rural communities by making affordable and accessible contraceptive services available. Together, we can work towards creating a world where every individual can exercise autonomy, and dignity, and receive quality care in sexual and reproductive health, empowering resilience for a brighter tomorrow. To this end, BraveHeart Initiative for Youth & Women stands firm in promoting young people's sexual & reproductive health, women's and girls rights in rural communities. Check the website to see the excellent works done in different communities and possible ways to support https://lnkd.in/dYca_Aby #SeekInformation #DemandAccess ##SupportOthers World Health Organization United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

In Uganda, it can seem like teenage mothers are often also single mothers. TRAC FM International and Amref Health Africa in Uganda set out to find why it is so easy for fathers to dodge financial and parental responsibilities. In particular, we look at men or boys who caused teenage pregnancies. Our poll respondents indicate that the most common reason why boys can "run off" is because the girl's family settles the matter for small (insufficient for childcare) financial compensation. The lack of mechanisms for finding the father and holding them accountable might mean that financial "settlement" is the best deal the girl or her family can hope for. However, it is also worth noting that a large portion of responses (24%) indicate that the teenage mother will actually conceal the father's identity herself to protect him. Perhaps this is the unintended consequence of social beliefs and policy frameworks that see teenage pregnancy as a consequence of child marriage or sexual assault. This conflation with the crimes of child marriage or defilement, to be met with punitive action, leaves little room for policies to deal with cases of consensual sex among age mates. In other words, a teenage mother might not always want her partner to be viewed or tried as a criminal - even if she is disappointed in him. Other responses indicate a range of taboos and stigmas, from fear of authorities to shame around the girl's pregnancy. share your opinion on this page to help us get an even deeper understanding of these findings and together let us find solutions that work . Follow this campaign here: https://lnkd.in/dS8tagZB Amref Health Africa in Uganda Cordaid MIFUMI Dr. Patrick Tumusiime Kagurusi Dr. Githinji Gitahi Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage Obama Foundation Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Reproductive Health Uganda Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Alliance Uganda UNFPA East and Southern Africa World Health organization Women and Children first This program is supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda

Today is #InternationalDayoftheGirlChild. Women and girls are disproportionately impacted by crises such as conflict, poverty, and climate change. In Sierra Leone, GOALies are working tirelessly to ensure that every girl has the resources, support, and protection she needs to meet her true potential. Sierra Leone has one of the highest rates of adolescent pregnancy in the world. 28% of girls between the ages of 15 and 19 in Sierra Leone are currently pregnant or have already given birth. Worryingly, 46.8% of adolescent deaths in Sierra Leone occur due to pregnancy and childbirth complications. GOALies are working with young women and girls to raise awareness in their communities of the risks of teenage pregnancy and the benefits of contraception use. Meanwhile, our teams support local health systems to ensure all adolescent girls can access family planning and reproductive health services. Learn more ➡️ https://hubs.la/Q02SXs-_0

"In collaboration with state and national partners, the Center for Reproductive Rights' U.S. Maternal Health and Rights Initiative aims to improve access to safe and respectful maternal health care and to promote the human rights of pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people in the United States. The three guiding priorities for the initiative are: * Fighting for Access to Safe and Respectful Comprehensive Maternal Health Care: Every individual deserves access to high-quality maternal health care. We are actively working to remove barriers and ensure that comprehensive care is a fundamental right for all. * Addressing Racism within and beyond the Health Care System: The impact of racism on maternal health cannot be ignored. Our team is committed to dismantling systemic racism within the health care system and beyond to create a more equitable and just society. * Ensuring High-Quality Data Collection: We recognize that reliable data is essential for effective action. Our initiative is dedicated to establishing a robust data collection system to identify barriers to maternal health and generate equitable, evidence-based policy recommendations." #reproductivehealth #maternalhealth #lovetakesaction

Empowering women and girls to make informed choices about their reproductive health is central to PIH’s work. “You have to be able to make the decision to pursue motherhood and then when you do it, the system needs to ensure that you can do it safely,” says Marleigh Austin, associate director of gender and youth programming at Partners In Health Canada. The stakes are high for girls everywhere, but especially in impoverished communities, where access to reproductive health care is often limited or non-existent. Read more about how we’re empowering women and girls to choose their reproductive futures: https://bit.ly/3QMhu30 #WomensRights #ReproductiveHealth #Empowerment #HealthcareForAll #GenderEquality #SafeMotherhood #EndGBV

Did you know May 28th is the International Day of Action for Women's Health? This day is all about fighting for equal access to healthcare. Millions of women around the world lack access to basic healthcare! From checkups to reproductive rights, every woman deserves to be healthy and in control. This year's theme is "Mobilising in Critical Times of Threats and Opportunities." Here's the truth: not everyone gets the care they need. This can mean missing out on things like: -Regular checkups -Birth control options -Mental health support -Safe pregnancy care We all deserve to make informed choices about our bodies. Let's raise awareness and fight for a world where women's health is a priority, not a privilege! How can you take action? -Share this post and spread the word! -Donate to an organization working for women's health equity. -Research and support candidates who prioritize reproductive rights. -Talk to your friends and family about the importance of women's health. Together, we can build a world where all women have the power to make decisions about their bodies and their futures! #WomensHealth #May28 #HealthcareForAll

These 3 girls are taking a stand and saying “NO!” No to unwanted sex and ‘yes!’ to feeling confident saying it. Many girls around the world, including in Boliva, Cambodia and Peru, lack valuable information and resources on sexually transmitted infections, contraception, pregnancy and their bodies that they need to know to make decisions on sexual relationships and family planning. Through our Until We Are All Equal campaign, you can help girls like Lidia, Mary Di and Jessica gain access to supplies, services and information to help them avoid unplanned pregnancies, exposure to STDs and feel empowered to make the right decisions for themselves. Learn more and donate here: https://bit.ly/3LpNQ0w In these communities, having access to this information can combat negative stereotypes that stigmatizes and discourages girls from accessing the health care they need, encourages harmful practices based on misinformation and creates barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services that can result in higher rates in teen pregnancy. And when a teen girl becomes a mother, that often cuts her education short and limits the opportunities she has to achieve financial independence. That’s why programs like Achieving Reproductive Rights for Bolivian Adolescents (ARRIBA) and We Decide are so important to equip girls to make informed decisions for their futures. Through ARRIBA we’ve helped communities in Boliva decrease maternal mortality rates by 43%. In Peru, our We Decide project has supported girls taking control of their sexual and reproductive health and rights and we have seen the rate of teenage pregnancy drop by up to 21% in project communities. Your support will continue to fund these initiatives, and many more. TOGETHER, we can tackle the greatest challenges girls face. #Teenpregnancy #reproductivehealthrights #girlsrights #UntilWeAreAllEqual

*INTERNATIONAL YOUTH PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT MESSAGE ON ICPD ANNIVERSARY - 2024* This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action. As parliamentarians, we must resolve to work harder and put efforts to driving development for a better and more prosperous future The ICPD Programme of Action is the recognition that women’s sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights are cornerstones of sustainable development and supporting youth voices in the decision-making process. I believe that as parliamentarians, we have made progress. More women and girls now have access to modern contraception. Maternal deaths have fallen thirty-four per cent since the year 2002. Civi society and women’s movements in the continent have witnessed change in their drive than ever. But progress in accelerating youth voices in decision-making process participation reality has been unequal. It is unacceptable that in the continent today, around 500 women die needlessly every day in pregnancy and childbirth – these calls for urgent attention from our leaders. The major challenges facing the continent in some regions are legislative advances in tackling vital issues such as female genital mutilation risk going into rejection. As the theme of this year’s World Population Day reminds us, investing in data collection is important to understanding challenges, managing solutions, and driving progress. So is funding. I plead with the African leaders and parliamentarians to make the most of the Summit of the Future this year to come up with reasonable budget financing for sustainable development. Let’s be honest to deliver on the ICPD Programme of Action as parliamentarians, for everyone in the continent. [email protected]

Lessons Learned from SRHR Summit 1.0 - World Contraception Day 2024: Addressing Emotional and Mental Health Challenges in Reproductive Health Decisions (Part 3) During the SRHR Summit 1.0, I gained valuable insights into the emotional and mental health challenges women face when navigating reproductive health decisions, particularly around pregnancy and abortion. Here are some key lessons learned from the session: 1. Recognizing Emotional Struggles: Women often experience profound anxiety and guilt when making reproductive choices, such as considering abortion. Acknowledging these emotional challenges is critical to providing effective support. 2. The Impact of Isolation: Many women feel isolated in their struggles, which can intensify mental health issues. Creating safe spaces for open discussions about reproductive health is essential to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. 3. Mental Health Matters: Mental health support should be integrated into sexual and reproductive health services. Counselling from the moment a woman starts considering her options helps address her emotional and psychological well-being alongside her physical health. 4. Holistic Approach to Reproductive Health: Conversations about contraceptive access and abortion must also include mental health considerations. A holistic approach that addresses the emotional dimensions of these decisions empowers women and improves overall outcomes. 5. Support Systems are Essential: Establishing supportive environments, including open dialogue with partners and family, can help reduce anxiety and guilt, enabling women to make informed choices about their reproductive health. 6. Education and Information: Providing comprehensive education on reproductive health and available options can reduce stigma, empower women, and facilitate informed decision-making without fear or guilt. Conclusion Integrating mental health support into reproductive health services is vital to addressing the emotional complexities women face. By acknowledging and validating these experiences, we can foster a more supportive and understanding environment, empowering women to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. #Tobasewo #SRHRSummit #ReproductiveHealth #GirlsRights #CommunityAdvocacy ##WorldContraceptionDay2024 ##WCD2024

𝐈𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭s? 💊 As we approach #WorldContraceptionDay, we must highlight that hundreds of millions of women in low- and middle-income countries currently still lack access to contraception. This is not just a health but a fundamental human rights issue. Ensuring women's access to their preferred #FamilyPlanning products advances their right to life, expression and choice, and brings significant health and economic benefits to individuals and communities. But providing this choice requires effective contraceptive markets with minimal disruptions. Our experience working with the Kenyan government shows that a #TotalMarketApproach that takes advantage of the strengths of the private sector and puts the government in the driver’s seat can achieve this - even in the face of reduced donor funding. By Geoffrey Okumu.