In a vibrant celebration of dedication and progress, the Paghulmat 2024 conference honored the champions of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) advocacy. Organized by the Sexual Health Empowerment (SHE) Project team and Jhpiego Philippines, the event brought together passionate advocates and community leaders who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of women and adolescents are heard, particularly in vulnerable regions like Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, and Tawi-Tawi.
Among the notable attendees were Mrs. Sherashade Harrid, RN, Gender and Development Program Coordinator; Mrs. Noraynnie Baraguir, RMT, Women and Children Protection Program Coordinator; and Ms. Pauleen Abdullah, LPT, all of whom have played pivotal roles in advancing gender-sensitive SRHR services in their communities. These women, like many other champions in the room, have not only provided critical healthcare services but have also become beacons of empowerment in areas where sexual health and gender equality issues are often overlooked.
The half-day Paghulmat conference, titled Recognizing Champions of Sexual Health Empowerment and Gender Equality, served as both a culmination of the SHE Project’s achievements and a launching point for future initiatives. It showcased the technical products and innovative interventions that have been developed over the project’s course, celebrating the life-changing impacts these have had on women of reproductive age and adolescents.
One of the key successes highlighted during the event was the project’s focus on building sustainable, community-driven models for SRHR and GBV interventions. In regions where access to health services is scarce and cultural norms often limit conversations around sexual health, the SHE Project broke barriers. By engaging local women and healthcare professionals, the project ensured that services were not only accessible but also culturally sensitive and inclusive.
Recognizing Local Champions
Throughout the conference, many advocates were recognized for their unwavering dedication. Mrs. Sherashade Harrid, who has coordinated Gender and Development Programs, was lauded for her leadership in integrating gender equality into local health services. Mrs. Noraynnie Baraguir, known for her work in Women and Children Protection Programs, was praised for her efforts in supporting survivors of GBV, helping them access healthcare, legal services, and psychological support. Meanwhile, Ms. Pauleen Abdullah, a teacher and SRHR advocate, was acknowledged for her contributions to educating adolescents about reproductive health, ensuring the next generation is empowered with knowledge.
A Legacy of Impact
The Paghulmat 2024 conference was not just a celebration—it was a commitment to continuing the work that has already transformed so many lives. Throughout its duration, the SHE Project has focused on addressing the most pressing sexual and reproductive health needs in the BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao). This includes increasing access to family planning, maternal health services, and education around reproductive rights.
In the closing remarks, project leaders emphasized the importance of sustainability. The SHE Project’s success lies in its ability to create lasting change, not just through immediate interventions but by building the capacity of local healthcare providers, community leaders, and educators. As one speaker noted, “This is not the end, but the beginning of a new era where SRHR and gender equality are at the forefront of our communities.”
Looking Forward
As the SHE Project comes to a close, its legacy will continue through the ongoing efforts of local partners, healthcare providers, and gender advocates. The innovations developed throughout the project, such as gender-sensitive health service models and community-based education programs, will remain valuable tools in the fight for gender equality in BARMM and beyond.
The Paghulmat 2024 conference stands as a testament to what can be achieved when communities, government agencies, and non-government organizations unite with a shared goal: to empower women, protect their rights, and ensure a future where sexual health is a fundamental right for all.
