Calling all content creators: Register now for the Learning the ABC Chika Sesh

February 22, 2024

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Bodily Autonomy and SRHR

Achieving sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) rests on our claim over and exercise of our bodily autonomy – the power to make our own choices about our own body. To realize that, sexual and reproductive health information and services must be available and accessible without judgment and discrimination.

Numerous international human rights bodies and conventions guarantee that bodily autonomy is enshrined in sexual and reproductive health and rights: the rights to life, health, privacy, and freedom from discrimination, among many others. Examples of these include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Consequently, governments must strive to uphold bodily autonomy in their efforts to promote, protect, respect, and fulfill SRHR.

Yet, people’s lived reality is far from what is guaranteed and committed. Restrictive laws and policies, weak implementation of programs, stigma, and socioeconomic disparities are some of the hindering factors to the full realization of bodily autonomy. For young people, particularly girls, this manifests as early pregnancies, gender-based violence, sexual abuse, and harassment. Alarming statistics reveal that the Philippines has the highest rates of teenage pregnancies among ASEAN member states, with over 500 adolescents becoming pregnant and giving birth daily [1]. Even minors as young as 10, who have given birth, experience repeated pregnancies, often resulting from sexual violence and coercion [2].

One form of restrictive laws and harmful stigma is the environment that surrounds abortion access in the Philippines. Abortion remains highly restricted in the country, even in cases to save a woman’s life or in cases of rape or incest. It is estimated that at least 1,000 women die annually from an unsafe abortion and 90,000 bear complications in 2008 alone [3]; 610,000 abortions occurred in 2012, [4] and new estimates for 2021 revealed that there may be upwards of 1.26 million abortions that occur annually.[5] Denying access to safe abortions not only endangers the lives of women, girls, and individuals who can get pregnant but also violates their SRHR and bodily autonomy.

These numbers do not merely represent statistics but behind them are countless stories of women, girls, and people of diverse SOGIESC. These numbers also serve as alarm bells that signal the urgency of taking action. Recognizing the urgency of these issues, the pivotal role of social media and content creators becomes evident.

Content Creators Influencing Change

Throughout history, social justice movements have embraced various mediums to tell stories and inspire change. The heroes of our past created paintings, books, and publications that went on to inspire revolutions and independence movements. Not too long ago, mass texting and emailing were pivotal modes communications for activists to spread information and organize mass mobilizations without having to print tangible copies or see each other. Today, we’re a tap away from uploading, searching, posting, or reposting content on social media. Activists of today still create art, write books, develop publications, text and email each other, but social media facilitates the unparalleled level of dissemination and consumption of these pieces.

Content creators have transcended their role as entertainers and digital personalities. The term ‘influencer’ has surpassed influencing fanbases to be consumers for brands; content creators as influencers have become agents of social change and advocates of social justice issues.

Content creators possess a unique ability to tell stories, leveraging their media expertise and expansive platforms to spread awareness on critical issues and mobilize support. Activist and musician Mohammad Assaf released Dami Falasteeni, “My Blood is Palestinian,” [6] back in 2012 that now has over 19 million views. It has been used in countless artworks and social media posts. By sharing narratives and information, they can raise awareness, challenge harmful stigma, and inspire others to do the same.
#ShoutYourAbortion is a social media campaign where people share their abortion experiences online for the purpose of “destigmatization, normalization, and putting an end to shame.” Started in 2015 by 3 activists in the United States, it was a campaign that was initially in response to budget cuts against Planned Parenthood and now transformed into an avenue for countless people with experience of abortion to tell their stories. [7]

In this light, and as we approach March 2024 Women’s Month, the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights intends to host Learning the ABC (Abortion, Bodily Autonomy, and Consent): A chika sesh with content creators. This initiative aims to bring together micro-influencers and community champions from the Philippines, empowering them to utilize their media prowess to amplify stories, share facts, and mobilize support for the realization of SRHR4ALL and bodily autonomy.

Objectives

The session will be a chance for content creators to build their networks with collaborative workshops, creative spaces, and collective care practices. It will feature learning sessions on SRHR concepts, including contested and hard-to-talk-about issues such as abortion and sexuality. Led by advocates, experts, and content writers, we will examine how we’re talking about these issues and explore how to nuance our messaging to fit audiences and in a non-stigmatizing way. Leading industry creatives and advocates will teach strategies for creating content that changes the narrative around bodily autonomy, sexuality, and other SRHR concepts, and how to leverage on social media platforms for advocacies.

This initiatives seeks to achieve the following goals:

  • Content creators to take action on Women’s Month around the theme of bodily autonomy and its interconnected issues.
  • Various and diverse content on bodily autonomy and its connected issues with a rights-based and justice perspective.

This initiative is seeking individuals who are:

  • Based in Metro Manila
  • Micro-influencers (1,000 to 100,000 followers) and local community champions with a local following.
  • Creating content for an audience of younger women and men aged 18-24 and 25-34 years old.
  • Creating content about politics, health and wellness, body positivity, sexuality education, LGBTQ+ issues, and other social causes
  • Creating content that seeks to share evidence and information, educate and deepen understanding, and raise awareness.
  • Story-tellers of their communities.
Click here to register