International Day of Action for Women’s Health (May 28)

What is it?

Every year on May 28, the world celebrates the International Day of Action for Women’s Health. This day is dedicated to defending the sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girls, and highlighting the health challenges they face such as discrimination, violence, and lack of basic health services.

The date was chosen in 1987 during a meeting in Costa Rica, and since then it has become a global platform for feminist movements and human rights organizations demanding health justice for women locally and internationally.

Goals and Key Messages

Right to reproductive health: Ensuring access to family planning, pregnancy and childbirth care, and accurate health information without discrimination.
Combatting gender-based violence: Protecting women from violence that harms their physical and mental health.
Empowering women and girls: Enhancing their ability to make independent decisions about their bodies and health.
Opposing discrimination in health systems: Reminding that healthcare is a right for all genders equally.

Women’s Health Around the World

Despite progress, many women still face major challenges accessing proper healthcare due to poverty, violence, and discrimination. Global crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic, worsened these issues by diverting resources away from reproductive health services, particularly affecting marginalized women.

Activities and Campaigns

Workshops and seminars: To raise awareness about women’s health rights and empower them.
Peaceful marches and protests: Demanding better health services and non-discriminatory policies.
Media campaigns: Using social media and other platforms to spread awareness and show solidarity worldwide.

Why is this day important?

Highlights the lack of awareness about reproductive health.
Addresses limited access to healthcare, especially in rural and remote areas.
Challenges discrimination in healthcare delivery.
Encourages solidarity and collective action to achieve health justice and equality for women everywhere.