Pro-RH groups celebrate International Women's Health Day

Friday, May 27, 2011

MORE than 10 booths from government and non-government organizations were set up inside the Davao Recreation Center Friday as RH Network Davao celebrated the 15th International Women's Health Day.

The International Day of Action for Women's Health was started in 1987 during the 5th International Health meeting in Costa Rica.

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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, in her speech read by Councilor April Marie C. Dayap, said the celebration is timely in the wake of heated debates on the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) bill.

"But here in Davao City, we have always advocated for the sexual and reproductive rights not only on women but of all the members of the society," Duterte's speech read.

She added that the fight for reproductive justice goes on until all can be assured that no woman loses her life due to abuse or sexually transmitted disease, or gives up her life as she gives life.

Lyda Canson, RH Network Davao convenor, cited the different struggles of the women and children have encountered, adding it is about time to push for the approval of the RH bill.

"Gusto ba nato magpadayon ang kalisud sa mga kababaihan labaw na ang mga nagbubuntis o ang mga pagdaghan sa mga bata nga nagasakit kay may kakulangan financially sa pamilya. Pwes, dapat na ipasa ang RH bill," Canson said.

Different barangay women's groups displayed their livelihood products to the public while Talikala -- a center for abused women - also showcased the creations of children in their care.

Non-government organizations who were present include Gabriela, Lawig Bubai, Iwag Davao,Tambayan, Public for RH, Kaugmaon, Alagad, Luna, No to Coal-Davao, City Integrated Gender and Development Division and Catholic for RH.

The Brokenshire Women's Center, Department of Health, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines and City Health Office set up booths to accommodate queries about family planning.

The Office of City Councilor Leah A. Librado also put up a booth to give free legal services.

Optimistic that the RH bill will be passed soon, everybody in the gymnasium showed their support in saying "RH Bill Ipasa Na. Now Na" and sang a revised version of "Lagkaw" with lyrics changed, depicting the urgency to pass the RH bill.