Empowering Young Filipino Women to Advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health
Organon’s grant to Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP) is helping combat unplanned teen pregnancy among some of the country’s most vulnerable girls
April 12, 2024
Her Plan is Her Power is Organon’s three-year, $30 million commitment to drive global action and community-led responses to reduce unplanned pregnancies and empower women and girls when it comes to their sexual and reproductive health. As part of this initiative, the Her Promise grants program is enabling local responses around the world like this one, based on the unique geographic, cultural and institutional factors of each area. Together, these efforts are helping realize Organon’s goal to help prevent 120 million unplanned pregnancies globally by 2030.
“The Filipino teen mom was desperate for contraceptive options – at 18, she was a married mother of three feeling overwhelmed,” says Caroline Lopez, Market Access, Policy and Communications Lead for Organon Philippines. Caroline recalls hearing the story from Organon’s grant partner DSWP. “It showcased why their work advocating for and educating young women is so important.”
DSWP is empowering women and girls in the Philippines to understand their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) as part of a local Her Promise grant. The effort fuels community-led responses to reducing unplanned pregnancies in areas of the Philippines where the need is great and disparities exist. As a major advocate for SRH access and empowerment across the Philippines, DSWP was a natural partner for Organon.
“The Philippines is very conservative, and it is taboo to talk about contraception or sex,” explains Caroline. “With teen pregnancy on the rise – especially among 10- to 14-year-olds – we must provide accurate and relevant information to normalize the conversation.”
A national emergency
DSWP includes more than 200 community-based organizations focused on women’s rights in the Philippines, including in underserved areas.
The government declared teen pregnancy a national emergency, making grassroots efforts like DSWP’s critical. A recent DSWP focus group of 60 Filipino girls found almost none had conversations on SRH in their families and they knew little about topics such as menstruation and contraception.
Empowering women, normalizing conversations
Through the program, DSWP hosts in-person conversations with Filipino girls and women about SRH. The one-year grant includes support for community-based conversations and online education. Altogether, the program will reach at least 600 impoverished girls.
Caroline, once a teen Filipino mother herself, notes the important role DSWP plays in advocating for Filipino women. “DSWP’s work is close to my heart. It’s an organization known for their consistent, powerful work in this area.”
“With teen pregnancy on the rise – especially among 10- to 14-year-olds – we must provide accurate and relevant information to normalize the conversation.”
Caroline Lopez, Organon Philippines
During the talks, the organization shares information about SRH, including contraceptive options, and covers topics such as domestic violence. After, women can visit a midwife for further contraception counseling – as did the 18-year-old mother of three who touched Caroline’s heart.
Adds Caroline, “When you meet with DSWP, you feel their passion for helping women, something that matches ours at Organon. We are proud to support their advocacy and dedication to women’s health.”