SheDecides

To achieve gender equality, we must uphold reproductive rights. As pushback on these rights increase, we need to be louder in our support for safe abortion and bodily autonomy. Reproductive rights are not up for debate. Read the op-ed by Memory Zonde-Kachambwa, Executive Director, FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network Executive Director and SheDecide’s support unit Executive Director Karin Nilsson. https://bit.ly/3DSHZAP #ReproductiveRights #GenderEquality

Last week, leading advocates, policymakers, and practitioners come together for the Global Safe Abortion Dialogue - “Advancing Abortion Rights and Access: Strengthening Our Resilient Movement" at the #CSW69 in New York. Read key reflections from the global gathering that brought together a diverse community to champion safe abortion: https://bit.ly/3Xz2XLB. #ResistTheRollback #SheDecides

Global solidarity for safe abortion remains strong, despite attempts to rollback reproductive rights. The Global Safe Abortion Dialogue at #CSW69 reflected this commitment as it fostered space for shared learning, reflection and collaboration. As a co-organiser, we look forward to continue working together with partners and SheDecides champions to continue advocating for the right to decide!

As CSW comes to a close, a reminder that we can't achieve gender equality without reproductive rights. When people can decide about their own bodies, communities thrive. Above all, abortion rights are human rights. No one should be forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term or die due to unsafe abortion, pregnancy or childbirth. #CSW69 #AbortionRights #GenderEquality

In this oped, Guttmacher Institute highlights the devastating consequences of the US foreign aid cuts on global reproductive health programmes, putting tens of thousands of lives at risk. Read it here: https://gu.tt/4kEn9Wo #USAID #ProtectForeignAid #ReproRights

Israel's resumed airstrikes in Gaza have reportedly killed hundreds of Palestinians, including many women and children. Destroyed hospitals leave pregnant people to give birth in rubble, with the blockage of humanitarian aid leaving women and girls without essential #srh supplies. #CeasefireNow Read more about IPPF's life saving work in Gaza: https://lnkd.in/gys4-eT4

Women and girls in #Gaza do not need a return to hostilities. They are already traumatised, exhausted and living without the basics to survive. They need a permanent #ceasefire and a pathway to peace.

As a co-organiser of the Global Safe Abortion Dialogue event on the side-lines of #CSW69 , SheDecides was joined by champions and allies from across the globe to rally for global safe abortion access. SheDecides Champion and Colombia’s Ambassador at-large for Gender Issues and Feminist Global Policy, Ambassador Arlene Beth Tickner, shared: “This is a tremendously challenging moment for women's rights globally, with sexual and reproductive rights under threat. It is essential to combat the disinformation that is being spread about abortion and sexual and reproductive rights.?? However, I find hope in the many women's and feminist organisations worldwide holding governments accountable. Supporting and engaging with these groups is crucial to ensuring they can continue their fundamental work in safeguarding these rights around the world.” Karin Nilsson, SheDecides Executive Director, reinforced the urgent need for donors to step up action to protect safe abortion care: "As we mark 30 years of Beijing - let’s remember - we have a vibrant history of resistance, of powerful organising, and a proven track record of delivering real change. And together, we will continue to write our history, ensuring that the future reflects our unwavering commitment to choice." The event underscored that despite 30 years of progress since the Beijing Declaration, ongoing challenges -?such as significant funding cuts and the return of regressive policies?- call for solidarity. Still, the abortion rights movement remains resilient and adaptable. The Dialogue spotlighted this collective strength - providing space to share strategies and solutions. We appreciate the speakers and partners that joined us, including: - Her Excellency Madame Leonie Kandolo Omoyi, Minister of Gender, Family and Children, Democratic Republic of the Congo - The Honourable Ms Nokuzola Gladys (Sisisi) Tolashe MP, Minister of Social Development, South Africa - The Rt. Honourable Baroness Harriet Harman, UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls - Padma Raman, Executive Director, Office for Women, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Australia - Arlene B. Tickner, Ambassador for Gender Issues and Feminist Global Policy, Colombia - Karin Nilsson, Executive Director of SheDecides - Nelly Munyasia, Reproductive Health Network Kenya - Sajja Singh, Right Here Right Now / Asian-Pacific Resource & Research Centre for Women (ARROW) - Jean-Claude Mulunda, Ipas, Democratic Republic of the Congo - Laura Castro González, La Mesa por la Vida y la Salud de las Mujeres, Colombia - Andrea Tercero Hans, MSI Reproductive Choices MSI Bolivia - Vera Syrakvash, human rights defender - Guadalupe Marengo, Amnesty International - Valeria Islas, REDAAS Argentina, Red de Acceso al Aborto Seguro de Argentina - Denise Mascarenha, Catholic Women for Right to Decide #ResistTheRollback #AbortionRights Rutgers - For sexual and reproductive health and rights Fòs Feminista

It’s been 30 years since world leaders committed to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and to building a gender equal world for all. Since then, there have been incredible advancements in abortion rights and access - but with reproductive rights under attack in many countries, the progress can be easy to miss. So at the Commission on the Status of Women in New York this week, we are proud to be part of the Global #SafeAbortionDialogue, hearing from providers and advocates around the world on strategies they have successfully used to advance abortion rights and access. As we celebrate #Beijing30, we know that a gender equal world is only possible with access to safe abortion and contraception. This week, we look forward to working with partners to #AdvanceTogether for abortion rights and healthcare access. #SheDecides #ResistTheRollback MSI Reproductive Choices Rutgers - For sexual and reproductive health and rights International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF)

"Gender equality is a matter of national interest," Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong underlines. Australia's new International Gender Equality Strategy focuses on ensuring sexual and reproductive health rights and increasing women's security and financial inclusion. A total of A$30 million has been committed to provide more support to civil society organizations to strengthen gender and social inclusion. #Australia #ForeignPolicy #SRHR