Breaking taboos, ensuring rights

Every year on May 28, the world observes the International Day of Action for Women's Health. This is not merely a ceremonial observance but a symbolic global movement to raise awareness about women's health, sexual and reproductive rights, and access to healthcare.

- RAJU ROY

In 2025, the significance of this day becomes even more profound, as across many regions of the world, women's health rights continue to be undermined by political, social, and religious constraints. This day reminds us of the need for a revolutionary perspective on women's health.

The observance of this day began in 1987, initiated by women's rights activists in Latin America, who came together to form the Women's Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR). Their core belief was that reproductive health is not merely a medical issue - it is a fundamental human right. Since then, May 28 has been globally recognized and observed by numerous organizations, governments, and civil society bodies to advocate for women's health rights.

This year's theme is "Our Health, Our Rights, Our Lives: Resist Rollbacks!" The message holds urgent relevance in today's global scenario where women's reproductive rights, access to safe abortion, and healthcare services are under increasing threat. Political instability, regressive policies, and conservative social systems are putting decades of hard-won progress at risk.

Let's delve deeper into the components of this year's theme:

Our Health: This emphasizes the importance of viewing women's physical, mental, and sexual health as a comprehensive human right. A healthy society begins with healthy women - not just as mothers, but as individuals with full rights to a dignified life.