UNFPA Philippines launched Here for Her flagship campaign

The United Nations Population Fund in the Philippines or UNFPA launched the “Here for Her” campaign to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day last Tuesday.

The Here for Her Campaign , is a call to action engaging all stakeholders to accelerate the pace in empowering women and girls to realize their rights and full potential.

This 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 is 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.

“Women and girls are effective and powerful leaders and change-makers for climate adaptation and mitigation,” shared Dr. Leila Sajii Joudane, UNFPA Country Representative to the Philippines.

“Climate change is not gender neutral. It is a multiplier of existing inequalities and vulnerabilities,” she added.

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).

A UNFPA situation report indicated that in the last 5 years, 8,016 mothers died of complications from pregnancy or childbirth.

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, a total of 83,549 girls were married at age 18 and below (adolescent marriage is 6.35% of all registered marriages).