The International Day of Action for Women’s Health in 2024 is a crucial reminder of the ongoing fight for women’s rights worldwide. Celebrated annually on May 28, this day serves as a platform to advocate for gender equality, reproductive rights, and access to healthcare for all women.
Established in 1987 during the Women’s Meeting in Costa Rica, the International Day of Action for Women’s Health was designated by the Latin American and Caribbean Women’s Health Network (LACWHN) to raise awareness and advocate for women’s health rights. Since then, the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) has further promoted this cause globally, focusing on issues such as abortion rights, HIV/AIDS, poverty, sexual autonomy, and access to contraceptives.
In 2024, the theme for the International Day of Action for Women’s Health is “Mobilising in Critical Times of Threats and Opportunities,” highlighting the importance of empowering women to make decisions independently, free from coercion and discrimination. This year’s focus underscores the need for inclusion, accessibility, and availability of sexual and reproductive health and rights information and services for all individuals, regardless of gender.
As we observe this day, it is essential to recognize the significance of ensuring that women have the right to make choices about their bodies, sexuality, and lives without facing coercion, discrimination, or violence. The International Day of Action for Women’s Health serves as a poignant reminder that women deserve to live healthy, happy lives, free from abuse and violations of their rights.
