International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerate Action

International Women’s Day, March 8, is a global day to celebrate women’s economic, social, and political achievements, recognise challenges, and focus attention on gender equality. This year, the world is commemorating the 30th anniversary of the United Nations‘ plan to achieve a better and equitable world for women and girls.

While the fight for gender equality is a long-standing global movement, it still seems out of reach in some areas of a woman’s life, especially her sexual and reproductive health. The right to make decisions about her own body, access essential reproductive health services, and have autonomy over her health is oftentimes determined by others.

From her partner to the gatekeepers in the family and community, including religious leaders, everyone has a say in matters affecting her sexual and reproductive health without paying attention to her voice and desire. Around the world, women of reproductive age (15 – 49 years) continue to face significant barriers in accessing their sexual and reproductive rights, and the fight for women’s bodily autonomy remains one of the most important issues for women. 

What are Sexual and Reproductive Rights?

Sexual and Reproductive Rights are defined as the right for all, whether young or old, women or men, to make choices regarding their sexuality and reproduction, provided they respect the rights of others to bodily integrity. It also includes the right to access information and services needed to support these choices and optimize health. It also means the freedom for all to decide if, when, how often, and with whom one has sex and their freedom to decide if, when, and how often to reproduce.

For women, this fundamental right has been continuously undermined by legal, cultural, and institutional barriers, and the idea that a woman’s body belongs to her is still debated in many parts of the world. Reproductive rights are heavily influenced by patriarchal norms that see women as subject to male authority figures.

Issues around contraception, ending a pregnancy, and engaging in consensual sex are entwined with gender inequality, denying women the ability to make decisions about their reproductive health. When women are denied the right to bodily autonomy, it often has harmful implications as they are forced into situations such as unplanned pregnancy, unsafe abortion, mental health challenges, financial instability, reduction of quality of life, and even death.

Research has shown that restricting access to reproductive healthcare doesn’t reduce the number of abortions; rather, it drives women to seek unsafe, illegal abortions, endangering their health and lives. 

Access to sexual and reproductive health services is not just a matter of health but also a matter of justice. A woman with the ability to control her reproductive choices will oftentime be able to participate in society and achieve her full potential. However, a denial of this right reinforces inequality, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, poor health, and limited opportunities for women and girls.

Ensuring access to education empowers women to understand their bodies, make informed decisions, and advocate for their rights, making education one of the most profound ways to improve women’s sexual and reproductive health. This is one of the things we give priority at Onelife Initiative – we provide comprehensive sexuality and reproductive rights information through youth-friendly spaces and connect young people to appropriate health and social services. 

Furthermore, winning the fight for gender equality doesn’t just rest on the shoulders of women. Men have an important role to play in challenging the gender norms and power imbalances that continue to undermine women’s bodily autonomy. As a man, you can play an active role by supporting women’s rights, advocating for comprehensive reproductive healthcare, and taking part in discussions about contraception, sexual health, and equality. By challenging harmful stereotypes, men can help to break the systems that oppress women and keep them from fully enjoying their reproductive rights.

In conclusion, as we commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, let us remember that every woman has the right to make decisions about her own body, access the healthcare she needs, and live a life free from discrimination, violence, and oppression. It is only when women’s reproductive rights are fully realized that we can truly say that gender equality has been achieved. Let’s continue to push for a world where every woman can claim ownership of her own body and make decisions that will impact her health, her life, and her future.

Do you want to know more about your sexual and reproductive health and rights? Or do you have concerns about your sexual and reproductive health? We provide a safe space and use non-judgemental approaches to provide accurate sexual and reproductive health information for adolescents and young people. Send a message via SMS or WhatsApp to 09027770177 to talk with us today.

Happy International Women’s Day!